Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi everyone,

I have an 4003S5 that has some neck issues. My service person is out of the business now. Can someone recommend a good repair person?

Thanks,
Stan

Larry Davis.

https://www.davisguitarworks.com/

Thanks!!

What kinds of issues?

If the bass is the newer mosel S5, then it's probably still under warranty.

This is one of the original 4003S5. I bought it online about 15 years ago, it was a great distance away, and it looked good from the description. Jetglo with black trim, probably overpriced but I've never seen another for sale.

It has the normal bow but there seems to be a twist around the first frets. The E side is slightly higher than the G. You can see it if you look down the neck. I don't know if that can be fixed by adjusting the rods or if the neck would need heat or something like that. It's not horribly bad but I would really like this bass to be in top shape.

Thanks!

What gauge strings have been on it the majority of the last several years?

The strings are D'Addario 5 string light 45-130.

The big unknown on this bass is what happened to it before I bought it. I could never get a really good setup on it. I can get a new pack of strings and change them, to see if that helps. I'll remove the cover and see how the rods look. We have a big humidity change here now too so that probably doesn't help.

Thanks!

These were the factory set for the old 5er:

45-55-75-105-115

Try a lighter B, adjust the rods, and see how you do first.

You might want to try the EXL220s (125/95/75/60/40) on it (I run them on my 4003S5 (original). I had my 4001 adjusted by someone, who knew about Rickenbackers (NOT), years ago. The set up caused the E string to rub on the first fret (F) - I have a rub mark there today as a memento.... point here is I think it could be set up correctable. Maybe loosen the strings (or take them off) and back off the truss rods and let it set for a week or so in a humidity controlled room. maybe use a wall hanger to suspend it for the week or so. Then restring and do a setup on it. If this doesn't work - luthier time I'd say. Good luck and let us know what happens.

If you want to go with a custom set, the guy who runs Fret Nation is a session bassist and knows all about the right gauges and tensions and whatnot.
https://www.fretnation.com/
If you reach out, don't be alarmed... his name is also Jason Mendelson. It's not me, it's just a weird coincidence.

jdogric12 wrote:his name is also Jason Mendelson. It's not me, it's just a weird coincidence.

Jason there can never be two of you!!!! :^)

ram wrote:

jdogric12 wrote:his name is also Jason Mendelson. It's not me, it's just a weird coincidence.

Jason there can never be two of you!!!! :^)

I actually know 4 of us in total. Mind blown yet? It's like I have franchises!

This is all great, thanks!

I'll loosen up the rods and let it hang until new strings arrive. Then, I'll get to work on the neck. I was always too worried about pulling the neck back to set it, but I read a few things and watched a video so I saw how much that neck was pulled to make it set properly.

I'll post again when it's finished!

You don't have to do all at once. I like to walk mine - a little on the left then a little on the right. Just take your time and be gentle but firm. You could even do a little then let it sit for a while and then more flexing and torqueing. A little tool I have found that is nice:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OFEYVIY?ps ... ct_details
Good luck I hope this gets your neck sorted out!