Neck measurements

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Isaac
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2014 2:24 am

Neck measurements

Post by Isaac »

I made a few neck measurements this morning in response to a person thinking about getting a Ric. Some might find this interesting.

The smallest neck on any of my Rics is on my 1986 4003. Neck width at the nut, according to Rickenbacker, is 1 11/16" 942.9MM). By my measurement, this one is only 1 9/16", so it's definitely narrower, and feels as though it may be thinner as well. Thickest is my 2005 4004Cii, which really is 1 11/16", but feels both wider and thicker.

My favorite Rics measure 1 5/8" at the nut.

Another factor is how much the strings flare from the nut to the bridge. On a 4001 and 4003 bridge, the strings are ~2" center to center. On the 4004, which has a different bridge, they are 2 5/16". I find that the 4004 feels a lot like a Precision, with its wider, thicker neck and greater flare. I prefer the 4001/4003 feel, with a slightly narrower and thinner neck profile and less flare. In addition, one of my Rics has a Badass bridge. The strings are 2 1/8" center to center.

My newest Ric, a 4003W, measures 1 11/16" at the nut and 2 1/16" at the bridge. The neck doesn't feel nearly as massive as the 4004Cii.
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