Help---Damper Bars

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:09 pm

My 4003S/5 SPC QuasiBlackstar was missing the foam on the mute pad, so I used some I had at work and replaced it. Here is the mute before reinstallation:

and here it is installed:

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:12 pm

#03803 sticks on top of #01900 in Ken's link and is the mute assembly.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 2:18 pm

I have one of those (foam pad only, #03803), I'll see if I can find it, take a pic, and post it.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:20 pm

Yes, your hole (pardon the expression) has been filled in. My 4002 was modded that way back in the 80's. I just recently removed the wood filler and restored the original tailpiece. It is not terribly difficult to cut the wood out. You just have to go slowly. If the original finish was left in place in the route, and normal wood glue was used the bond won't be very strong.

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 4:05 pm

"Yes, your hole (pardon the expression) has been filled in"

I just love this forum!

jps · Post by **jps** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 4:06 pm

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 4:41 pm

Yes, I suppose that was a rather indelicate way to put that.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Tue Jan 23, 2007 5:41 am

Thanks for all the help, everyone. Yes it was that very diagram that threw me off, but I am not missing the damper bar after all---I thought it was a separate part.

Now I have my filled in hole to deal with. (Okay okay enough with da jokes!) Now that I know it's not supposed to be there, I see the light. I had the tailpiece on, but it would have been raised too high. I need to figure out the best way to remove the filler wood without damaging the instrument.

Never ends.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:24 am

A router with a pattern bit. Tape all of the surface to protect the finish. Then double side tape a pattern on to keep yourself from removing the original wood.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Thu Jan 25, 2007 7:19 am

Got it out.

I hesitate to tell you how...having few tools, I took a lot of time with very cautious use of a drill to break up the surface of the soft filler wood, and a small chisel and small flathead screwdriver to SLOWLY break up that wood. Once down to the surface of the channel, I was able to lever it out, slowly again. The original finish withstood the whacky plug and glue job, a testament to Rickenbacker quality.

And now I think I'll check into treatment for nerve damage.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 1:25 pm

Congrats on the successful surgery, Mark! At least the worst of it is over! (hoping I didn't speak too soon ...

)

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:35 pm

"And now I think I'll check into treatment for nerve damage."

Bourbon - straight.

You'll get that thing looking like a real Rick yet!