Old 4003 Tuner Problem

mysterybox · Post by **mysterybox** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 1:28 pm

Well i just got an old 1982 4003 on Vacation in Kelowna for $1200 can. Plays Great, Looks Pretty Sharp and everything was included with it.

Now the only problem it has is that The Grover Tuners Wavy Tulip Part is Loose and buzzes a considerable amount when Open notes are Played.

Now how do i fix this?

Also how do you Set up and Adjust a Rickenbacker Bridge?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 2:46 pm

if it were my bass I would install 4 different tuners ... the current 4003 tuners are nice ... they look better and are more solid in their function ... the only really good way to adjust the bridge is to detension the strings and adjust it then put it back in and see if you got the intonation right ... ya it is a little cumbersome ...

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 3:58 am

Another way to adjust the bridge which I use is first set the action the way you like it, then loosen the strings one at a time keeping the bridge installed and adjust the intonation screws carefully with a small phillips head keeping the screwdriver as straight as possible, if the string is loose you shouldn't have any problems with stripping the head.
And that would indicate the gears are worn, I would think anyway, you can find Grover slimlines ocasionally on ebay and other places. I like to keep my basses as original as possible, that's what I have done in the past.
Incidently early 80's 4003's with Grovers are rare.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 4:30 am

or replace the philips screws with allen head screws ... I got mine at www.boltdepot.com ... I forget the exact part number ...

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 4:42 am

Sometimes the cover (the part that has "Grover" stamped on it), can come loose. A little gentle tapping can reseat the cover which may tighten up the loose key. Just be very careful - you don't want to break the cover's pins. Also keep in mind that those old Grover tuners can be expensive. I've seen a single tuner go for $40-50 on Ebay!

mysterybox · Post by **mysterybox** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 10:19 pm

Wow that is interesting and Thanks for all the Help.

So if you don't mind me asking since all you guys are huge Rickenbacker experts.

Tell if this was a good deal: 1982 Rickenbacker 4003 in Fireglo (or at least I am damned 99% sure its Fireglo) that has a Bit of Buckle Rash, 2 Minor Chips/Dents on The Top Body, Fairly chipped Headstock(not to the Point where its lost its color just at the tips you know some minor places where it was bumped), and a Minor tuner Problem (which was just discussed) for 1200 can. No GST No PST.

bob_atherton · Post by **bob_atherton** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 10:45 pm

Hi Eric, and welcome to the forum.

I personally feel you paid a bit over the odds for your bass, but….. you have your new pride and joy and it will serve you well.

If you hang out here for any length of time you will end up buying more Rickenbackers, this is strangely almost a matter of fact, also you will learn what is a very good deal and how to find them.

To sum up, you weren’t ripped off but you didn’t get a bargain.

All the best, Bob

mysterybox · Post by **mysterybox** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 11:00 pm

Thanks Alot.

Ya i kinda figured it wasn't a bargain but its what i liked and considering where i'm from a Rickenbacker only comes into town once in a blue moon. So i jumped on it without putting too much thought into it.

Well i'm glad to here i wasn't ripped off (finally a sign) but i feel that it was bargainy enough in the long run (love it to pieces and after i fix 'er up put my Favourite Strings on 'er she'll play as fine and dandy as my other workhorse Basses).

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Aug 30, 2005 4:16 am

With the way Ric prices are going it will be worth what you payed for it very soon. The early 4003's may also go up in price as they were only made with two piece pickguards for about 5 years although some people don't seem to like them. I have an 81 and it is exactly like my 79 and 78 4001's except for the reversed truss rods and two piece pickguard.

david_schwab · Post by **david_schwab** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:08 am

I had the same problem with my Grovers from time to time, and as Steve said, tapping the cover down usually fixes it. One time I had to remove the tuner, and gently squeeze the cover closed with a pair of pliers.

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 4:01 am

You need to re-swage the pins. I've posted instructions on how to do this before... Once you do that, the grovers work great.