Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Aw hell:

I just noticed this gap in the binding on my 4001 last night, and I'm pretty sure it's fresh. The bass almost always resides in the living room in my apartment, but I recently moved it to the band room. It's been on a stand in both rooms...I doubt the humidity or whatever in one room is different than the other (neither one is in a basement or attic, both are on the same floor adjacent to each other), but that's the only thing I can think of that's changed.

I'm hoping this is something even a moron like me can fix, so what should I do here? Which glue to use, which to avoid, clamps or tape, etc?

They're old... things happen!

Just tape off the paint around the area, paint some acetone in the gap and pull some tape over the binding (pulling it back into place). For a spot like that, I'd also put up a soft-clap across the waist of the guitar to seal it in there.

It should stick back into place, and then you can polish it back clean again.

Just call it a wash and sell me the bass.

sloop_john_b wrote:Just call it a wash and sell me the bass.

Err, yeah - my advice is lame, just sell it to John (and cheap since it's broken!).

sloop_john_b wrote:Just call it a wash and sell me the bass.

Yeah it's done for, name me a price hahaha!

Collin thanks for the instructions, I'm gonna give it a go this weekend!

Cool, good luck Jeff!


I should mention (this should be obvious) that make sure any tape you use is medium-adhesive blue painters tape and be careful when taking it off the finish. If you pull it quickly, it can take chips of paint off with it! Just a precaution...

..and use a tiny brush, the gap there is really small!

Don't sell it to Biscuit, sell it to me, because Biscuti will just end up selling it in a few months anyway. . .

Hmmm ... I have the same problem on my Martin D-35, as well as my 350SH:

I had that problem, too, on my old 4005; look at the waist at the top of the photo. Shrinking binding.

paologregorio wrote:Don't sell it to Biscuit, sell it to me, because Biscuti will just end up selling it in a few months anyway. . .

My flipping days are over!

Famous last words...

Perfect, I got some of that blue artist's tape so that should do! Thanks again Collin...

And this bass is certified 'unflippable' (it's too good to let go!)

Just get some liquid nails an old butter knife and some duct tape.....