New 4003 MG in but...eek !! Panic sets in.....

kidvett · Post by **kidvett** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 2:10 pm

Hello all,

I really need some advice !! I just received my 92 4003 MG ( black trim ) today from a reputable ( I guess ) dealer. It was advertized on GBase and I wanted this combination badly ( maple w/ black trim ). I had seen one on this Forum & fell in love....So here's my new one:

But upon cleaning & putting new Rotos, here's what I ended up with:

A different view:

I guess this is called ``bridge lift`` !! I compared it to my 06 4003 JG and it shouldnt be like this. I hope I dont sound ``too novice`` but I bought my first RIC last June...and dont know much...So, I'm asking for advice. What should I do ?? This ``thing`` was not mentioned by the dealer...And I want to keep it ( I find it nice ) Where can I buy an original ``black`` bridge ?? Should the dealer pay for it ??

I'd really appreciate help on this one...

Marc

ilan · Post by **ilan** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 2:21 pm

Get a new (chrome) tailpiece, have 2 extra holes drilled in it like mid-80's Ric bridges (can someone post a closeup pic?) and then have it powdercoated.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 2:53 pm

Marc, I fixed one with a worse lift than that. Let me see if I can find that thread ... found it. Here's the first part:

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jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 3:35 pm

The black trim parts seem to be weaker than chrome parts ... but 2 extra screws will fix that pull up ... you can even use 2 neck screws from a Fender bass ... many of us here are convinced that the 2 extra screws improve the tone as well ...

kidvett · Post by **kidvett** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 4:51 pm

Thanks for the info !! I do appreciate & I realize this isnt a nightmare as I first tought...I'm not too good with hand tools so the ``re-bending`` option looks tough for me. I looked at Hipshot black replacement bridge but dont want to add too much extra weight....I could also go with a new chrome bridge & have it powdercoat....I'll see which ideas come up after a good night of sleep...

zoomduck · Post by **zoomduck** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 4:57 pm

Oh yes! Hipshot ! Let that Bass sing !

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:47 pm

If you don't want to do the work yourself there are a few of us here on the forum who can add the 2 extra screws or a good tech guy could do it ... if done correctly the 2 extra screws would fix the problem and would bend it back in place just by screwing it in ... I must say that is the worst pull up I have ever seen with just 4 strings ... usually the basses that pull up that much are 5 or 8 string basses ... I really do like the look of mapleglo with black trim ...

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:50 pm

New tailpieces are $175.00. Bending that one back and drilling it for the two extra screws would be way cheaper and not really very hard. If you're in So.Cal, I'll do it for you for nothing.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 6:13 pm

that's a good deal ... I usually charge a few dollars to work on a bass ...

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:01 pm

I do too, but this is just so easy to fix that I'd feel guilty charging money.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:20 pm

Was it like that before you put the Rots on it?

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:40 pm

whoa-$175 for the tail piece?

Good thang I bought a couple of those from Mike Parks...

Damn!

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 1:34 am

I'd keep the original, and pick up a black Hipshot replacement.

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

s4001 · Post by **s4001** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 5:45 am

Your bass is a lost cause. I'll take it off your hands.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 7:58 am

like he said!