NBD Rickenbacker AGAIN horrendous frets

[Gilmourisgod]

I’ve always wanted to try a fretless Ric, but I have literally never seen one in person, which I suspect is true for most people.

 

[68Goldfish]

Seems like it shouldn't matter how many workers there are or when they were hired or who trained them. There should be a person at the end of the line that is completely separate from all that. Once it gets to their bench It either passes the quality control there or it gets sent back to the shop or put in the bin. It definitely doesn't get put in a box and shipped out. If it were me I'd be looking for a good used one that has already been shaken down by a ric fan or just a good bass owner. Half the depreciation and maybe a better piece.

 

[IronLung1986]

I have said this here before.

I am firmly convinced that the folks over at Rickenbacker have either a "take you kid to work, to do work," day, or perhaps they pick one porter or loading dock guy on every third Thursday to try their hand at puttin a few together.

I have owned and sold many, and they are positively hit and miss with regard to QC.

Sorry about that fret job. It looks bad enough to actually cut a finger.

Put your kid to work day.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Put your kid to work day.

Yeah, while I fully support hiring the disadvantaged and special needs personnel, I'd rather have them bagging my groceries than building my high-end basses.

 

[bobyoung53]

How could Guitar Center have caused that? Fret ends are rough, they’re not seated properly.

Those frets would never pass the Philip McNight nylon sock test!

I don't know, they look like they were hit by something to me, I don't put anything past GC.

 

[bobyoung53]

Yeah you might as well try Sweetwater one more time, since you're already knee-deep in the return(s) cycle.

I wouldn't bother notifying Rickenbacker about it, probably fall on deaf ears anyway. lol

If the 3rd one from SW is a POS too, maybe try another online dealer?

Willcutt Guitars are showing a few in stock. They treated me very well on a new Fender once upon a time. Although, that was 10 years ago, so....

Good luck on your Ric quest!

Bass Guitars

willcuttguitars.com

Edit: Sorry, I just remembered you bought from GC, not Sweetwater. I'd suggest getting a full refund and forget about GC altogether. They can definitely suck sometimes.

I bought a few basses from Willcutt, was very happy with the instruments and their service and setup. Yes, GC sucks.

 

[bobyoung53]

So does Rickenbacker.

Two in a row like this, GC isn’t messing with frets like that.

Gimme a break.

I've never had trouble with new Rics, or used for that matter.

 

[bobyoung53]

I’ve always wanted to try a fretless Ric, but I have literally never seen one in person, which I suspect is true for most people.

I've had a few, they sound really good but you have to use flatwound strings, the neck coating isn't very hard, at least on the ones I've owned.

 

[Robal]

Thank you and I know you guys are urging that I reach out to Rickenbacker directly and I believe I would like to eventually.
Call me Crazy but I'm going to try one last time and order another one.
If I receive another dud then I will escalate this matter and purchase it from another place that will make sure it's satisfactory before it is shipped out to me.

Do you know the build date of the bass? The date should be in the paperwork as the Rickenbacker warranty term runs from the build date.

 

[Bright Midnight]

That is really bad, feel sorry for you mate.... I would've had a not so gentle outburst if a bass which I paid good money for arrived like that. I mean, we're talking Rickenbacker.

 

[ahbradot]

Update;

"the third time is the charm"...

Guitar Center Platinum gear advisor sent me a perfect manufactured Rickenbacker 4003SW.

I am 100% satisfied with the outcome.

I knew that Rickenbacker was quite capable of producing a fine instrument.

It is spectacular in every way shape and form!

 

[aero58]

Update;

"the third time is the charm"...

….I am 100% satisfied with the outcome…

It is spectacular in every way shape and form!

What a great way to finish out the year!!

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Congrats Bailey! Nice.

 

[FRoss6788]

Rickenbacker warranty term runs from the build date.

Which is pathetic.

 

[FRoss6788]

Update;

"the third time is the charm"...

Guitar Center Platinum gear advisor sent me a perfect manufactured Rickenbacker 4003SW.

I am 100% satisfied with the outcome.

I knew that Rickenbacker was quite capable of producing a fine instrument.

It is spectacular in every way shape and form!

View attachment 7399579View attachment 7399580

Congrats!

Rock that thing

 

[Wyrdlow]

Phew, what a relief! Three, as they say, is a magic number. I wish you both many happy years together. Cheers!

 

[kodiakblair]

I am 100% satisfied with the outcome.

That is a fine note to end 2025

Congratulations.

 

[Bass Viking]

Do you know the build date of the bass? The date should be in the paperwork as the Rickenbacker warranty term runs from the build date.

Which is pathetic.

It is pathetic. Why do they do this? What other company does?

 

[FRoss6788]

It is pathetic. Why do they do this? What other company does?

Well it would seem to me that they have little faith in their product and want to get out from under it as soon as possible.

 

[CletusMarley]

Glad to hear it was made right!! That is a sweet bass!!