How to make a Rickenbacker lighter

[wattsman]

I’m looking for ideas on how to reduce the weight on a 4003s. Thanks

 

[JimmyM]

Sell it and buy a Dano Longhorn

You could change out some hardware for light versions, although you might have to drill extra holes to fit it. Beyond that, I don’t know much Rics and what’s all responsible for what.

 

[MrAB4003]

Remove the bridge pickup cover, replace the bridge with a lighter one, or replace the tuners with lighter ones.

 

[ModuMan]

Could take the Chris Squire approach and sand a few pounds off that sucker. Short of that you are pretty much looking at hardware swaps.

Also, do not underestimate the power of a wide strap to better distribute the weight on your shoulder, if that is part of your concern.

 

[Picton]

My 4001 neckdives very slightly. The best thing I came up with was weaving a 1-pound dive weight onto the strap at the body end. Worked perfectly; the whole instrument is already so light that I didn't notice the extra pound.

Translation: I can see messing with weight to make a Rick hang better, but IME they are already some of the lightest basses around.

 

[wattsman]

It’s not a balance problem, i have back problems and want to make it as light as possible. I hear walnuts are lighter, is that true?

 

[LetItGrowTone]

It's true.
I have one of each and the W is .5lb lighter, but this could vary.
Ultralight tuners reduced weight by another .3lb.
Try asking in the Ric club for more info.

 

[Gluvhand]

You can find lighter tuners but I think that’s about it. The stock bridge, V1, is probably the lightest you’ll find. Anything from Hipshot is going to be heavier and the bridge pickup cover weighs almost nothing. The surround could be swapped out with pickguard material flat style surround that I believe is made by Pickguardian.

 

[FunkHead]

It’s not a balance problem, i have back problems and want to make it as light as possible. I hear walnuts are lighter, is that true?

I had a Maple-Glo that was under 8Lb. I am sure you could find a light 4003.

 

[skycruiser]

 

[Relsom]

It’s not a balance problem, i have back problems and want to make it as light as possible. I hear walnuts are lighter, is that true?

Absolutely true. My SW is under 8.5lbs. I've noticed that the majority of new 4003s at stores that post weight have been trending between 9.5 and 10lbs for some time. Not nearly as easy to find one new in the 9lb. range.

 

[JRT64]

Remove the bridge pickup cover, replace the bridge with a lighter one, or replace the tuners with lighter ones.

Taking the bridge cover off won't reduce the weight. It's just chrome plated plastic, not metal. Although replacing the tuners with Hipshot Ultralites might help a bit. But you would likely have to drill new holes to fit them in, since they are smaller than the Schallers that they come with.

 

[Lo-E]

Fill the control cavity with helium.

 

[Ric5]

It’s not a balance problem, i have back problems and want to make it as light as possible. I hear walnuts are lighter, is that true?

yes ... the oil finish makes them a little lighter ... get the 4003S

Also Rickenbacers weight will vary a lot depending on the wood

 

[LetItGrowTone]

I think he meant to say 4003SW.

 

[alex1fly]

I’m looking for ideas on how to reduce the weight on a 4003s. Thanks

What does it weigh and how much are you trying to take off?

 

[Harper]

Go full Paul McCartney and get your sander out.

 

[thmsjordan]

You could try changing the gravitational constant of whatever planet you are currently living on.....

(The acceleration g=F/m1 due to gravity on the Earth for example can be calculated by substituting the mass and radii of the Earth into the above equation and hence g= 9.81 m s-2. That will get you started. Now just figure out the method to reduce the gravitational constant and not only will your bass be lighter, but you will be a very wealthy man and can then afford lighter basses to begin with.)

You are welcome.

 

[Relsom]

I can't think of any amount of hardware other than tuners... they might lighten it up by a little. Sure bet is one of the walnuts. All of the maple bodied ones are going to be heavier. You might get lucky and find one an ounce or 2 either side of 9lbs., but those are very far and few between on brand new ones these days.

 

[john_g]

Play a Peavey T-40 for an hour and then come back to the Ric