The 4004 series uses a "regular" bridge, so it's just as easy in that respect. The biggest difference is the two truss rods, but I found that to be no big deal. It's actually nice to be able to adjust both sides when setting the neck relief.
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Rickenbacker Maintenance
- Thread starter BigDanT
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I dont do my own setups. The only difference I notice is I wipe it off more than my other bass b/c that paint job glows!
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BTDT many times!I'd like to say that the 4903 is a highly specialized model but... I just fat thumbed it.
I own 4 basses, two are Rics. They require nothing different or additional than the other two get.
This is actually a plus for a seemingly obscure reason. Unlike the fixed radius bridge on other Ric models, the independent saddle bodies provide more latitude when accommodating taper core strings.
Riis
I picked up a 4003 a couple of months ago. I had a 4001in the late 70's. Popped the truss rod cover off and could reach the truss rods with a 1/4" nut driver. No issues. Bridge uses an Allen wrench which comes with the bass for adjustments. Check out the "Ricksource" website for answers to most of your questions about RIC basses and guitars. There's always a debate about the ease, or not, of maintaining a RIC. But everyone agrees they have a unique " feel" to them. So try one out before you buy. Or do like I did and buy one and then you adapt to the bass.I really enjoy playing my RIC and I also enjoy playing my P-Bass, but they are different. Keep the groove.
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Does anybody else on earth experience the nightmares this guy rants about? He sounds even more bitter than me when I bought my first American Fender in '99. Jeez!
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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Actually the older Rics did not require babying ... I played a 1968 4001 for 35 years as my main bass ... during that period it got just one truss rod adjustment. The problem with the old 4001 basses is if you don't know what you are doing when you adjust the truss rods then you can break the bass. That being said I prefer the modern 4003 basses from 1986 to present. But the modern basses pretty much need a truss rod adjustment twice a year like any other modern bass will. The only difference is there are 2 truss rods instead of one.
Ric5
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There are a few things he's not quite up on, but I've never once seen him be flat out wrong when it comes to actual approach to maintenance. I challenge someone to show me otherwise.
I just got a 4003, and of course it didn't come with tools. So, I've ordered a trussrod wrench that I hope will fit, I "think" I have the tools to remove the pickup guard, and I "hope" I have the tools to set the bridge action.
It's frustrating because there doesn't seem to be much internet information on how to do these things... it's kinda like buying an Apple computer as opposed to a PC, you just hope it works because it's a pain in the ass if it doesn't.
It's frustrating because there doesn't seem to be much internet information on how to do these things... it's kinda like buying an Apple computer as opposed to a PC, you just hope it works because it's a pain in the ass if it doesn't.
This. The older ones are designed to have the neck held in the new position externally while the nuts get snugged down. Using the wrench to make the rods bend the wood can break them. Shouldn't be a problem with the newer Ricks.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
I hated trying to adjust the neck with the truss rods -- I'm sure with practice it's a piece of cake, but it's so different from any other instrument I've ever had to set up, it was such a PitA I sold it.
Shame, I loved the sound of the 4003. Maybe one day, I'll go back there, but can't see it being any time soon.
Shame, I loved the sound of the 4003. Maybe one day, I'll go back there, but can't see it being any time soon.
He has a weird sense of humor.
Pretty sure the bitter old dumb Canadian thing is just a persona for the camera.
I find a lot of his videos to be entertaining, but if that's the only one you've seen, well...
I've actually learned a lot from his videos.
He's a Rickenhater . Some people go out of their way to bad mouth them . He sounds like a regular Fender guy with a Ric hate .
The unique thing about Rickenbacker truss rods is that you can actually slide them out and re-shape or even replace them .
The old style rods are a bit of a nuisance to adjust but once you learn the trick it's pretty simple . I think they are much more stable than the newer style .
The unique thing about Rickenbacker truss rods is that you can actually slide them out and re-shape or even replace them .
The old style rods are a bit of a nuisance to adjust but once you learn the trick it's pretty simple . I think they are much more stable than the newer style .
That video....
If you don't like something then just walk away from it, don't stick around and try to dissuade others. ANYWAY.
I'm by no means someone who can do a perfect set up on any bass. I know my way around enough to get it close to where I like it but nothing close to a professional set up. Having said that I adjusted the rods on my 2015 4003 with no problem. Got the neck set dead straight, and the bridge string height adjustment really helps to get the action just right. It's all very easy to do save for the intonation (which BTW I have not tried to do, intonation was almost dead on when I got it).
It's a little more involved than say an Ibanez or something like that, just don't let it intimidate you because at the end of the day its not very hard at all. If you decide to purchase one go through Wild Wood Guitars in Colorado. They will examine the bass and make sure it is free of factory defect before it gets shipped to you, eliminating 99% percent of the hassle, and their prices are excellent.
Endrant
edit for potato level grammar
If you don't like something then just walk away from it, don't stick around and try to dissuade others. ANYWAY.
I'm by no means someone who can do a perfect set up on any bass. I know my way around enough to get it close to where I like it but nothing close to a professional set up. Having said that I adjusted the rods on my 2015 4003 with no problem. Got the neck set dead straight, and the bridge string height adjustment really helps to get the action just right. It's all very easy to do save for the intonation (which BTW I have not tried to do, intonation was almost dead on when I got it).
It's a little more involved than say an Ibanez or something like that, just don't let it intimidate you because at the end of the day its not very hard at all. If you decide to purchase one go through Wild Wood Guitars in Colorado. They will examine the bass and make sure it is free of factory defect before it gets shipped to you, eliminating 99% percent of the hassle, and their prices are excellent.
Endrant
edit for potato level grammar
The older Rics NEVER required a lot of babying. They did require that you know how to set them up properly, which any professional tech should have known.
