4003 Bridge Alternatives

[admin]

From the Rickenbacker Forum mailbox.

What do you recommend for replacing the tail piece on a ric 4003?

Setting the intonation with the standard factory set up is next to impossible and VERY inaccurate

I don't want a BADASS bridge - looks funny on a ric

What is you opinion of the HIPSHOT bass tailpiece?

Thanks for you help

[cheyenne]

A few forum members have them, I've heard good things.

http://www.basspartsresource.com/bridge_hipshot.htm

[marc61]

Jeff Scott has used it and loves it. I will be putting one on a 400 very soon.

[bassduke49]

I have one on my Monte 4003 and it's fine. However, the intonation adjustment screws are just a tad short, and I asked Hipshot for longer replacements, which they sent free. But the replacements are too long. The problem is that the screw enters the back of the "anvil", but the tapped hole doesn't go all the way through. The too-long screw reached the back of the hole and I couldn't move the anvil back far enough. Solution: I cut off about 80 percent of the extra length with a cut-off wheel on a Dremel, cleaned up the threads and screwed it back in.

The Hipshot is well made, heavier than the original Rick bridge/tailpiece, has the same footprint and same position for the screw holes. The advantage is much easier adjustment of intonation (with the slightly longer screws), individual string height adjustment, and no mute. With the addition of Pickguardian's plexi bridge-pickup surround, I now have unlimited access to the strings with the ability to palm mute.

With this direct replacement, you can keep the original and reinstall it should you choose to sell/trade your bass with original parts (unless you sell/trade the tailpiece to someone restoring one, eh Ken?). I bought my Hipshot on eBay from Hipshot, just like the one that's on there right now.