Rickenbacker Snakebite

[hubberjub]

I'm a long-time guitarist/pedal steel player, but I just started playing the bass. I just got my first decent bass, a recent Rickenbacker 4003. I like the sound and feel of it a lot. My only issue is with the treble pickup metal surround. I've taken off the cover, as it got in my way when playing. The metal surround has two very sharp little points that I always seem to catch my fingers on when playing the E string. I'm sure Rick players will know what I'm talking about. Has anyone come up with a solution to this issue? Are there replacement surrounds that don't have these odd points? Has anyone taken a grinder to them to round them off? Maybe I'm alone in this.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

You have to post at least one photo of the bass before you'll get any help with this issue

 

[Dave W]

Treble Bezel:

Treble Bezel for Rickenbacker 4003/4001

 

[Killed_by_Death]

You best bet is to sell the bass & get a 4004:

no modification required

 

[hubberjub]

Treble Bezel:

Treble Bezel for Rickenbacker 4003/4001

Well, hot damn. I knew I couldn't be the only one.

 

[hubberjub]

You have to post at least one photo of the bass before you'll get any help with this issue

Pretty much just the classic 4003 in Jet Glow.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[hubberjub]

You best bet is to sell the bass & get a 4004:

no modification required

4004? That's one better, innit? All in due time. I do like the simplified controls and stripped down look of that.

 

[hubberjub]

Well, that Treble Bezel would have been an instant sale, but they're currently sold out. I signed up to get an email alert when they're back in stock.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Check eBay and the TB classifieds, I got mine from another TB'er.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Yeah, you don't need to buy it from PotR, LOL
That finish is called Jetglo.

because someone at RIC thought it would be a cool name for black

Some folks refer to the inlays as Shark's Fin as well, but they're actually triangles.

Here is shark fin inlays:

 

[Gilmourisgod]

A few for sale on EBay now.
Treble bezrl | eBay

 

[jsolberg]

I don't remember the name of this cover. Goggle around until you find it.

Oh hell, here it is... Rickenbacker RPUP Bridge Pickup Plate | Pickguardian

 

[Korladis]

I'm a long-time guitarist/pedal steel player, but I just started playing the bass. I just got my first decent bass, a recent Rickenbacker 4003. I like the sound and feel of it a lot. My only issue is with the treble pickup metal surround. I've taken off the cover, as it got in my way when playing. The metal surround has two very sharp little points that I always seem to catch my fingers on when playing the E string. I'm sure Rick players will know what I'm talking about. Has anyone come up with a solution to this issue. Are there replacement surrounds that don't have these odd points? Has anyone taken a grinder to them to round them off? Maybe I'm alone in this.

Yes. Putting the cover back on.

Alternately, using either a Pickguardian replacement surround or a Tubeampology bezel.

 

[ptensioned]

These guys sell something similar, not sure about stock:

http://www.tubeampology.com/

I had the Deluxe with the raised thumb rest, but would go for the Cove if I needed another. If you like to anchor on the edge of a Fender pickup with your thumb, the Cove is closest to that...

 

[JMacBass65]

I had the same idea as the picguardian people, only back in '93. Shoulda thought about a patent.

 

[hubberjub]

I don't remember the name of this cover. Goggle around until you find it.

Oh hell, here it is... Rickenbacker RPUP Bridge Pickup Plate | Pickguardian

Oooo. Where'd you get that thumb rest?

 

[hubberjub]

Yes. Putting the cover back on.

Maybe when I learn how to play the thing. Until then, I'll just experiment.

 

[Thrillhouse]

Treble Bezel:

Treble Bezel for Rickenbacker 4003/4001

I had the same problem with my Ric. I used this and it did the job well.

 

[Korladis]

Maybe when I learn how to play the thing. Until then, I'll just experiment.

Usually I rest my thumb on the edge of the pickguard or the pickup cover.

On my 4003S, the previous owner put a bezel on, but I basically never pluck right over the pickup, so I'll probably put the cover back on at some point.

 

[grenadilla]

I play my 4003 over the back edge of the pickguard (forward towards the neck). - still twangs good.