Leafenbacker

[JIO]

Just a quick update on this project. I was looking at the tuners I already had, and it became clear that they just wouldn't work.

They simply do not fit. So I looked around and found a set of Hipshots that I thought might just fit. I ordered them and they came in today. I had to reverse two of them, and scanned and traced them into Iluustrator, and they seem to work much better. I can either modify the headstock shape so the paddle will still turn, or I can extend the stems on the top two tuners, which is what I'm thinking about doing.

I also ordered more of the oak leaf carvings. Those have not come in yet, and since I haven't heard from them, I'm thinking that they are out of stock, and perhaps they have to build them.

So are you doing this because you want straight & parallel strings from bridge to peg or do you already have the holes drilled? I'm not clear on this.

 

[Basshappi]

I think it is because he want to install a tremolo bridge and need a straight string alignment.

 

[JIO]

I think it is because he want to install a tremolo bridge and need a straight string alignment.

(she) - oh... ok - got it.

 

[mapleglo]

Yes, exactly. According to multiple reports, tremolo bridges work best when the string path between the nut and the tuner is straight and short.

The Rickenbacker headstock, obviously, is not designed with these factors, so I'm making some adjustments to the tuner locations prior to drilling the holes, in the not yet ordered neck/headstock.

 

[JIO]

Yes, exactly. According to multiple reports, tremolo bridges work best when the string path between the nut and the tuner is straight and short.

The Rickenbacker headstock, obviously, is not designed with these factors, so I'm making some adjustments to the tuner locations prior to drilling the holes, in the not yet ordered neck/headstock.

Well then - you have an open field! No need to be slavish following the Ric headstock shape. Leave the tuners alone and design the headstock around your requirements. It can still 'allude' to the shape and conform with your needs.

like so... (excuse the 'sketch' sketch - I traced it off my screen!)

 

[mapleglo]

Well then - you have an open field! No need to be slavish following the Ric headstock shape. Leave the tuners alone and design the headstock around your requirements. It can still 'allude' to the shape and conform with your needs.

I did think about that. Perhaps it warrants more thought. I wanted to keep the Rickenbacker shape to maintain consistency with the vibe of the bass. Further, I think I decided that I'm better at making mechanical changes to the hardware and locations, than artistic changes to the design (a major reason why my first build was a pre-existing beautifully designed instrument).

 

[JIO]

I did think about that. Perhaps it warrants more thought. I wanted to keep the Rickenbacker shape to maintain consistency with the vibe of the bass. Further, I think I decided that I'm better at making mechanical changes to the hardware and locations, than artistic changes to the design (a major reason why my first build was a pre-existing beautifully designed instrument).

3 words - make it yours

 

[Ric5]

 

[mapleglo]

...

like so... (excuse the 'sketch' sketch - I traced it off my screen!)

Actually, that's not bad.

This one I think strays too far from the original design.

But this is definitely food for thought.

 

[mapleglo]

So something like this, then (dashed line is the original shape).

I could live with that.

 

[JIO]

So something like this, then (dashed line is the original shape).

I could live with that.

Looks good -

 

[lbridenstine]

That looks good!

 

[pilotjones]

That looks nice. I'd consider rounding the sharp point at the top right side more like the original, to make it less fragile.

 

[mapleglo]

Looks good -

That looks good!

That looks nice. I'd consider rounding the sharp point at the top right side more like the original, to make it less fragile.

Thanks! Yes, I've been looking at that point, and have a little concern about its fragility.

 

[CoarseBass]

So something like this, then (dashed line is the original shape).


I could live with that.

This is fantastic - better than the original, I'd say - but I'm not a Ric guy.

 

[RBS_Johnson]

A design like that(or that one) would definitely keep the ric vibe going, and get you the functionality that you want. I like it!

 

[Dave Higham]

- better than the original, I'd say - but I'm not a Ric guy.

That's what I was going to say. Much more elegant than the clunky Ric shape.

 

[mapleglo]

Thanks! The more I look at it, the more I like it.

 

[wraub]

The more I look at it, the more I like it.

That's what I was going to say...

 

[Willicious]

Yes, the problem is that I'd like to try and use a tremolo bridge, and it wants a straight string path from nut to tuner. In order to do that on a Rickenbacker head stock, I'll have to mount the A and D string tuners deeper into the head stock, which will require extended stems.



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