Reproduction Tuning Machines on "C" Series Basses?

mrmstrd · Post by **mrmstrd** » Mon Dec 29, 2003 11:16 pm

I cannot sleep for some reason!

Anyway, I noticed that RIC website photos and those on Music123.com show C series basses with tuning machines much like those on current production 4003's and our lost brother, the 4001v63...

http://images.misupply.com/products/originalzoom/Rickenbacker/11876.jpg

Recent photos posted on this site and on North Coast Music show the C series with tuning machine similar to those on a '62 Fender Reissue Precision and Jazz, albeit not as long

http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/shopping/index.htm

See the screw holding the "butterfly" to the post? I have seen photos of older 4001's and 4005's with these tuners. Obviously Rickenbacker is shipping the C series with the "screw" tuners. What gives? Who makes these for Rickenbacker? I need answers. Where is John Hall?...

mrmstrd · Post by **mrmstrd** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 5:46 am

Fellas!

We need to figure this one out.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:11 am

I don't know what you can see from the zoomed pics on RIC and Music123's sites, but the North Coast pics are from actual instruments in his possession. They do look like Kluson-style tuners but I have no idea who makes them.

mrmstrd · Post by **mrmstrd** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 6:25 am

Dave,

Do you see what I mean though? The RIC Website photos are of the C Series as of 2001, prior to delivery. The delivered basses (photos from NCM and others) obviously have different tuners. We need someone from RIC to help us.

bigbajo60 · Post by **bigbajo60** » Tue Dec 30, 2003 7:10 am

You're talking about the "rivet" that holds the "elephant ears" to the tuning shaft?

Hmmm... hadn't noticed that little difference from the prototypes to the production models.

I do think that the "rivets" lend a decidedly more vintage flavor to the overall package, but "rivets" or not, it's a kick-a$$ bass!

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:23 am

I've looked in all the photos you mention and don't see the differences you refer to. They all have a swedged pin, no screws involved to hold the ears on. In any case, all the keys are the same. We spent a small fortune to have Gotoh to make new tooling (exclusive to us) to replicate the originals perfectly.

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 4:24 pm

I have a Fender AV '62 Jazz Bass that uses reproduction reverse wind Kluson tuning keys made by Gotoh. All four of them had the same problem with binding while turning the keys. It was as if the shaft was bent so every 180 degrees they would get stiff and then loosen up, not good. As all of them do this and the instrument was brand new from the factory this seemed to be normal for them. I have heard of others complain about the same problem so my situation is not an isolated one. I hope the ones they are making for RIC are better. I solved my problem by putting Hipshot vintage tuners on the bass; these are very nice and smooth working tuners and the tension is adjustable, a very nice feature. I have Hipshots on all my basses, very much worth the price, which is really not that much really for the quality they exude.

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Jan 02, 2004 4:28 pm

Double post.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Jan 03, 2004 4:31 pm

Are the hipshots also reverse? I really like them and wish Ric would offer those again as well.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 9:58 am

Yes, the Hipshot vintage tuners I got on the JB are reverse.

mrmstrd · Post by **mrmstrd** » Sun Jan 04, 2004 4:13 pm

I have a '62 Reissue Precision and have not had any problems with the tuners...

Thank you John for clearing this up a bit. I guess I'm refering to the pin thing you mentioned. These new machines look like the Fender Reissue machines with a shorter shaft and a smaller "footprint" on the back of the headstock. I guess what I'm really leading to is...

Do you see a point in time when the C series hardware will be for sale?

mrmstrd · Post by **mrmstrd** » Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:16 am

This is what I mean...

http://home.austin.rr.com/thyde/rick6.jpg