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Rickenbacker Rant

#101
Ric5 said:
It is common for Rics to just fall apart for no reason ... here is photographic evidence ...

brokenric.jpg


broken.jpg
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You Metal guys are really hard on your instruments.
 
#105
Rics sure are funny things. Mine had a couple problems that resulted in a dead spot on the D string. I did all kinds of little tweaks to get it right, but finally took it to a local luthier I trust. He found a couple high frets and leveled them. Now it's pretty close to perfect. It doesn't sound like a P or an EB-2, but I don't expect it to. As much as I like every instrument I own, the Ric gets played more than all except the upright. That's partly because it is so easy to play, partly because the BL in the cover band is in love with Rics. I like the way the P sounds better, but the Ric has its charms.

For the record, a 1/4" nut driver from the corner hardware store works fine. I also got a small phillips head screw driver to leave in the case for removing the cover. It works just fine. Total investment for both: less than $10. The neck hasn't needed any adjustment since it was set up properly. The tail is staying put, and none of the other ususal Ric complaints seem to afflict this one. It's already 16 years old, so I'm optimistic it's pretty much what it will always be. I suspect the original owner didn't understand how the neck adjusts, nor did he figure out the fret problem, so that's probably why I ended up getting it for a reasonable price for a Ric. Yes, it was overpriced for what it is, but that's just how Rics are.
 
#106
Humbled said:
I'm no expert on Rics because I've only owned two 4003s.

The 1992 version that I acquired slightly used is, IMO, a pretty dang good and usable bass, I still own it, but I admit I don't play it much anymore.

The 2011 or so version that I owned for a month or two was not even close to the same sound or feel, so I don't own it anymore.

This is not a scientific comparison. Just my anecdote.
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That's because they aren't the same bass. It kills me what they did to ric in the last 15-20 years. The earlier rics had a better neck and electronics (although the switch is susceptible to dirt which can cause issues). I played a 2010 recently and it is *clearly* not the same instrument.

I have an '88 4003 and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Huge sound, killer punch, durable as hell. It's the only bass I have used for over 25 years. I have it setup by a great guy locally and it's totally worth it. Everyone I know who has issues with their instruments either try to set them up on their own, or think some hack at the local music shop can do it. Find a luthier, pay the $75-$100 and live happily ever after.
 
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#107
254 stringer said:
I'm guessing they just rigged the one that was already on there and didn't replace it like they should have. They should've covered the shipping since It arrived at your house not 100% correct or they should at least cover shipping for you to send it back and their tech replace the switch. But it does suck to ship a bass all over the place for a part that probably cost less than $10. I think a new switch is the only way to go.
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No we replaced it with a brand new switchcraft . The same exact model I have had in a bass of mine that has last over 22 years of giging and playing. They are super hard to break
 
#108
superflybass said:
No we replaced it with a brand new switchcraft . The same exact model I have had in a bass of mine that has last over 22 years of giging and playing. They are super hard to break
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Well then that is very strange. Two broken switches in a row is very unlucky. I'm very rough on my switches ('96 Les Paul & '12 4003) I use them as a tremolo effect with one pickup turned down and they still function perfect.
 
#109
Apolicious said:
You mean Rick told you to install the switch yourself? If so, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Soldering is NOT something you can just do. It's really easy to mess up, or even damage a part. I personally HATE soldering (shaky hands) and avoid it like the plague.

(Not that it's related, but it reminded me of one of my favorite "learning experience" stories, about a young luthier [who shall remain nameless] who was refretting a 50's era gold-top. He was heating the frets with a soldering iron [to help pull glued in frets, which I don't think Gibson did back in the day, but whatever,] was chatting with his bud and got distracted. The fret got hot. Really hot. And as some of you may know, celluloid is EXTREMELY flammable. Fwoomph. In an instant, all the binding burned to a crisp. I have no idea how he dug himself out of that one.)

But back on topic, the fact that Rickenbacker doesn't include any adjustment tools is absolutely ridiculous, especially since they use such a dated style. I've unboxed literally thousands of instruments (unfortunately not mine - working retail) and I can't recall a single instrument that didn't come with at least one allen wrench. We had so many we'd just toss them into a big box and give them away for free. And don't give me no crap about allen wrenches being so much cheaper; Pedulla includes a nut driver with a[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. I'm sure Rick can afford to toss in a 50 cent wrench.
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No we gave him the option of doing it. To save on shipping the bass because the local guys charge so much money to replace the jack.


Here is the full story

The bass was set up very good when shipped a week or 2 later received we received calls and email about saddle rocking do to someone adjusting the bass and not knowing how to set up bridge do to the the 4003 bridge design. At the same time first toggle went bad(was working when left store). He sent bass back to us. We we set up bridge also made a video to show how to adjust so you will not get saddle rocking in the future. Sent back the bass re setup with new switchcraft toggle.

Around three weeks later receive another call about 2nd toggle being bad. We are taking care of the also.

We sell a lot of ricks. A lot !! this bass played great and was set up by a great tech when it was sent out.

We do our best to help out our customers.

From buying gear and playing for almost 25 years, I don't know other stores that would do what we are doing to remedy this issue
 
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#111
I must be lucky. I purchased a Ric 4003W online from MusiciansBuy in Florida. They were courteous and the transaction went fast and smooth. They also lowered the action and set it up perfectly. I have been able to play it right out of the box and it sounds better than it looks. And it looks fantastic, much better than in pictures. I have always played Fenders but my new Ric has me using my Fenders as room decor.
 

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