Quarantine projects - Rickenbacker 4003

Hi All,

I decided to take on a couple easier projects with a few of my basses during these weekends at home. And since I have been playing my basses a lot more now that I am working from home, the 4003 got my attention once again.

A list of changes:

• Black pickguard and truss cover - the white pickguard and truss rod cover were swapped out. I drew the parts in AutoCAD and used a laser cutter and 1/8" black acrylic. To be safe, I left the screw holes off and drilled using the original as a guide. I didn't trust the CAD. Drill bit is from Craftics.
• Sanded the back of the neck with 1500 grit, per John Hall's recommendation.
• Filed down the tall nut.

Upcoming:

• Lower the nut slots - I am waiting on Uo-Chikyu nut files from Japan - they've been held up by Japan Post since April.
• Create a logo for the truss cover?

 

Your comment inspired me. There is a 3D printer in my office that needs to be exercised regularly. I can print a gray one and paint it back, then paint the logo white.

 

Sounds like a good plan - I'd prefer a 4003S for a number of reasons, but I don't remember if they were available in 2005. I saw a picture of a 4003, black pickguard on Jetglo with white binding, and chrome hardware and thought why not... I'm happy.

 

Ready for the 3D printer...

 

Printing...

 

Next is prime and paint...

 

Progress is slow, but steady. The truss cover was 3D-printed three times. Finally painted the third one black.

Also lowered the nut slots, filed down the nut's overall height to expose half of each string diameter, and polished the nut.



(The white specs are dust...)

 

Don’t zoom in! One more touch up planned for next week... then I’m finished.

 

Thant's all for now...