Rickenbacker finish issue (Resolved by RIC)

[Gilmourisgod]

You were told wrong. I have a brand new OEM pup bought from Ricparts for a 4001 clone build, and mine is straight. They had a run of pups glued onto the backing plate crooked. None of the pups on the three Rics I described seeing at GC had crooked pups either, so either straight pups are "defective", or the idea they are supposed to be angled is a crock. That one is relatively easy to fix, but I wouldn't bother unless it really bugs you. It only becomes a problem with the Tubeampology bezel infill, which, BTW, is designed to accept a straight pup, go figure.

Any high gloss finish is a little fragile, but any "relicing" should take place in your hands, not come as an unwanted option on an $1800 bass. This is a perfect opportunity to get a reality check on the evil rumors surrounding Ric CS. The OP has a common, well documented finish flaw, and he is within warranty. Interested to see how this goes down.

 

[Animal Chin]

I would say "get used to it" but that doesn't seem like 'good' advice.
It's only going to get worse... so if you fix this one, there will be many more finish blemishes in the future...
It wont effect the sound and every Ric I've seen does this, mine included.

 

[jacolyte]

I would say "get used to it" but that doesn't seem like 'good' advice.
It's only going to get worse... so if you fix this one, there will be many more finish blemishes in the future...
It wont effect the sound and every Ric I've seen does this, mine included.

i have six 4003 basses, five of which are 2015s, and haven't seen any finish issues at all.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I think we are in a bit of a painful transitional period for guitar finishes in general, particularly for US manufacturers. They either have to comply with new VOC regs, or have the instruments finished overseas, where they have no regs at all. It's to Rics credit that they decided to keep the finish work in house and Comply with CA clean air requirements, but obviously they don't have the bugs completely worked out yet. When they get it right, there's nothing nicer than a Ric finish, so I'll cut them some slack on that for an honest effort. A lot of companies are experimenting with new water based finishes, which may eventually be the only kind allowed for mass production, and it's not quite there yet. The real test is how they handle legitimate warranty claims. Their current CS rep is not good, but that's hearsay without any recent personal experience. Having to pay for shipping both ways to CA in a bass sized package would tend to discourage people from seeking warranty repairs, maybe that's the intention. Again, curious to see how they respond to the OP.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I think we are in a bit of a painful transitional period for guitar finishes in general, particularly for US manufacturers. They either have to comply with new VOC regs, or have the instruments finished overseas, where they have no regs at all. It's to Rics credit that they decided to keep the finish work in house and Comply with CA clean air requirements, but obviously they don't have the bugs completely worked out yet. When they get it right, there's nothing nicer than a Ric finish, so I'll cut them some slack on that for an honest effort. A lot of companies are experimenting with new water based finishes, which may eventually be the only kind allowed for mass production, and it's not quite there yet. The real test is how they handle legitimate warranty claims. Their current CS rep is not good, but that's hearsay without any recent personal experience. Having to pay for shipping both ways to CA in a bass sized package would tend to discourage people from seeking warranty repairs, maybe that's the intention. Again, curious to see how they respond to the OP.

Seeing as how I live 2/3s of the way across the country I'm going to take a serious hit on shipping. Not really the way I wanted to spend some of my tax return.

This is, of course, assuming that they will help. To me this sounds like a pretty cut and dry warranty scenario; factory specs have been followed, same strings still on the bass, no temperature extremes or mishandling involved in way shape or form. I'd say that if they decline to do anything with this particular case than the 'warranty' they offer isn't worth much, if anything at all.

Edit: Just got to my computer here. I found pictures when the guitar was still at WW, pictures when I first received the bass from them, and pictures from the first three months of owning the bass. All with clear shots of the bridge showing no defects. In addition to that, I have the original invoices and communications from Bruce over at WW showing all steps of the purchasing process. Hopefully this will be enough ammo.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Wolf
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer on this, it's not just Rick, kind of an overall degradation of customer service and quality control in what feels like a disposable culture. As a consolation, having one of the best tones of any bass in existence doesn't suck too bad, and that will still be true when you've worn the finish right off it many years from now. Good luck with it, I'd genuinely like to hear a good Ric CS story for a change.

 

[FunkHead]

I think we are in a bit of a painful transitional period for guitar finishes in general, particularly for US manufacturers. They either have to comply with new VOC regs, or have the instruments finished overseas, where they have no regs at all. It's to Rics credit that they decided to keep the finish work in house and Comply with CA clean air requirements, but obviously they don't have the bugs completely worked out yet. When they get it right, there's nothing nicer than a Ric finish, so I'll cut them some slack on that for an honest effort. A lot of companies are experimenting with new water based finishes, which may eventually be the only kind allowed for mass production, and it's not quite there yet. The real test is how they handle legitimate warranty claims. Their current CS rep is not good, but that's hearsay without any recent personal experience. Having to pay for shipping both ways to CA in a bass sized package would tend to discourage people from seeking warranty repairs, maybe that's the intention. Again, curious to see how they respond to the OP.

Those are some real good points. However, I can't help but wonder what goes wrong on the bad ones that goes right on the good ones. It seems to be a preparation problem. Or something not being properly removed before Spraying. Getting paint to stick is an exact science so it would seem that somebody is messing up somewhere during the process. I am lucky so far with my 2014 4003 and also have had about 7 other Rics in the year 2000 + up range. I never had this issue. I do have one minor finish flaw on my 2014 but it's just a minor check that has not moved.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I've contacted WW, and will await to hear back from them before attempting a call to Ric. I will be updating this thread as I hear to keep everyone posted on whats going on.

Again; to everyone that has posted all the advice, a sincere thank you. I'm more optimistic about it now than I was yesterday (when I noticed it I almost puked), so we'll see where this ride takes me. Thanks all!

 

[guy n. cognito]

While I've been accused of being a RIC hater, I did experience the exact same issue as you. Fortunately, mine showed up with the bubble, so other than getting the runaround because my warranty card came in on the EXACT last day of RICs "7 day window" (illegal, and they knew it) they did take my back......and built me an entire new bass. It took some time and cost me shipping to them, but the new bass seemed near perfect.

Mr. Hall, blamed me, GC, and the shippers for the damage, but they fixed it anyway.....

 

[FunkHead]

I've contacted WW, and will await to hear back from them before attempting a call to Ric. I will be updating this thread as I hear to keep everyone posted on whats going on.

Again; to everyone that has posted all the advice, a sincere thank you. I'm more optimistic about it now than I was yesterday (when I noticed it I almost puked), so we'll see where this ride takes me. Thanks all!

I think WW is your best bet. Maybe they'll just make a deal on another new one for you. I am on my 3rd or 4th Ric from them.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I think WW is your best bet. Maybe they'll just make a deal on another new one for you. I am on my 3rd or 4th Ric from them.

They're great guys, but I don't expect them to do a whole lot other than maybe assist me with some additional documentation. It's not their fault in the slightest, and I don't expect them to make an offer or anything of the sort; they've already went above and beyond with their CS. This is ultimately on Ric, and I would expect them to fix it.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

While I've been accused of being a RIC hater, I did experience the exact same issue as you. Fortunately, mine showed up with the bubble, so other than getting the runaround because my warranty card came in on the EXACT last day of RICs "7 day window" (illegal, and they knew it) they did take my back......and built me an entire new bass. It took some time and cost me shipping to them, but the new bass seemed near perfect.

Mr. Hall, blamed me, GC, and the shippers for the damage, but they fixed it anyway.....

In life getting what you want and getting yelled at is still getting what you want.

 

[Animal Chin]

i have six 4003 basses, five of which are 2015s, and haven't seen any finish issues at all.

To be fair, five (relatively new) basses (and assuming some rotation) would indicate that they haven't had much time for wear/tear. I can't say EVERY Ric will suffer, but if you gig it with any regularity, I would bet it won't be long. The hard edges / binding alone make them susceptible. Personally, I dig the worn-in look.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

To be fair, five (relatively new) basses (and assuming some rotation) would indicate that they haven't had much time for wear/tear. I can't say EVERY Ric will suffer, but if you gig it with any regularity, I would bet it won't be long. The hard edges / binding alone make them susceptible. Personally, I dig the worn-in look.

I kinda do too but there is a huge difference between something you did to it vs. something that just happened or something that someone else did to it! And natural wear I have no problem with but if I knocked a chunk out of the headstock b/c I wasn't paying attention I would be really ticked at myself. All that being said, I would still play it b.c I love how it sounds and plays but hopefully RIC does the right thing here.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I kinda do too but there is a huge difference between something you did to it vs. something that just happened or something that someone else did to it! And natural wear I have no problem with but if I knocked a chunk out of the headstock b/c I wasn't paying attention I would be really ticked at myself. All that being said, I would still play it b.c I love how it sounds and plays but hopefully RIC does the right thing here.

I'm all about putting my own mojo on an instrument. If I did it, if ME PERSONALLY did it, no problem. There's probably a good story behind that ding, nick, whatever. But when Ric takes it upon themselves to mojo my finish 6 months after buying the bass..... I'm not really down with that.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I'm all about putting my own mojo on an instrument. If I did it, if ME PERSONALLY did it, no problem. There's probably a good story behind that ding, nick, whatever. But when Ric takes it upon themselves to mojo my finish 6 months after buying the bass..... I'm not really down with that.

I hear you man. I would drop everything until my bass was restored and I would be really annoyed at the hassle. Do you have another bass in case you have to ship it out?

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Yeah I have a couple of backups. Not the preferred scenario (although I'm sure my original go to Ibanez would love to be in the spotlight again) but if Ric will fix the issue it's something I'll have to deal with.

I'm certainly annoyed with the situation but I'm really hoping it will be rectified. Even through all of this crap I'm still a Ric guy at heart. If they don't fix this it would be like meeting your favorite musician in real life and realizing he or she is a total ass. Your view of that person would be scorned, but chances are you'd still by the new record.

 

[Clark Dark]

I'm curious. Would a large percentage of Ric players here say it's the sound more so than the aesthetics?

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I'm curious. Would a large percentage of Ric players here say it's the sound more so than the aesthetics?

Count me in that crowd. I love the look of the bass as well, but its a bonus. You can get a bass that sounds LIKE a Ric, but at the end of the day nothing sounds exactly like one. As soon as I heard one I knew that was the sound I wanted.

 

[Fishheadjoe]

Keep in mind OP that your brand new RIC is now under-valued on the 2nd hand market, should you ever decide to un-load it. Obviously, based on your posts you love the bass and that's a good thing... but gas is prevalent here and it's not un-common for folk's taste to change.
The value of your bass has dropped and it's not on you.
My guess, based on my RIC CS experience and having read tons of RIC threads, they will charge you to return the bass, they will make you feel like they are doing you a favor by replacing it, while you wait for their next production run.
If you search ggoat here, you will see a thread about a special run RIC he bought and the hassle he had getting a good one.
I wish you nothing but good in this situation.
Fishheadjoe