rickenbacker setup trouble

[mike_irwin821]

I just bought a new rickenbacker 4003, I've had for 2 weeks and there is a lot of buzz on the A string.

I took it in for a setup and it's still buzzing. I changed the strings prior to the setup (45_105 dr low beam) my other rickenbacker bass does not do this and I have the same strings on that bass

Anyone run into this before? Is there a defect in the bass? Any input/suggestion would be awesome. Oh and this is my first post, don't know why I didn't join sooner haha

 

[tbz]

Did you take it back to the tech that set it up?

I've had to with my tech before; I dig in a bit and he generally sets the action slightly too low for me.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Might be a bad bridge saddle. They had problems in the past with them. The saddle should sit completly flat on the bridge. If its not, that could be your problem. Also has your tech had lots of experience setting up Ricks?
Its not like your standard bass.

 

[Garret Graves]

I always recommend that a person learn to do their own set ups, that way you can troubleshoot and experiment with string height, neck profile, etc. Since it was done by a tech, take it back to them and work with that person to solve the problem. 1stnamebassist is probably right- string saddle- could be neck profile too.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Ssabass is right about setups. Its easy and fun to do, and saves you a ton of money. Joeysbassnotes is a great place to learn. I do setups on guitars and basses for friends just because I enjoy it. Maybe when I retire i'll start charging a bit for a little extra income!

 

[Jeff Scott]

+2 on learning to do your own basic setups, this way you can dial it in just how you want it, no middleman to get in the way.

 

[mike_irwin821]

I'm going there Saturday to meet with him, I'm also taking my other rickenbacker to him so he can look and compare the 2, my black one plays great. And he has had experience with rickenbacker guitars before and he's been super cool and honest with me since he's had my fireglow bass.

I tried to set up my jet glow rick, but it didn't go so well hahah. I can set up fender basses, but there's something about the rickenbacker I can't do haha, maybe one day

I'll mention the bridge saddle to him and see what he says. Thanks a bunch

 

[1stnamebassist]

Yeah, a Rick will demand a bit more attention with the double truss rods and the flat neck profile
and the wacky bridge design, but once its dialed in it will seem to stay that way forever, at least
from my little bit of experience with them! Good luck! Let us know what you find out.

 

[Ric5]

You have 3 things to check ...

1 - the nut
2 - the truss rods
3 - the bridge

If those are good then maybe it needs fret leveling. Rics don't usually need this, and very rarely a Ric can have a warped neck.