New member, same ole neck problems

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

Moderator: jingle_jangle

bassjunkie68
New member
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:47 am

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by bassjunkie68 »

What a great beauty you have!!! Do I have the incorrect trim on my bridge PU ? As fo the strings I used GHS or Rotosound 45-105 .Do they make a low tension string ?
User avatar
wints
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 6481
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2001 11:21 am

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by wints »

James,

The bridge p/up has a vintage surround. Has that always been there?

On the subject of strings, Roto's 45-105 do create considerably more tension, and therefore neck/headstock pull than a 40-95 string set up. Neck and headstock warp, and the subsequent incorrect adjustments, are the reason why there are so few 60's basses left.

It would be interesting to see if you switched to a lighter gauge, and different brand, what the effect would be on the neck.
bassjunkie68
New member
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:47 am

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by bassjunkie68 »

Andrew; That's the same surround and pickgaurd (without the cracks)that was on her in 1981 .Before that I couldn't tell you .I have had the tuners off and noticed that they had been changed from smaller ones. Don't know if it means anything but in the controll cavity it has "4001-D" writen in red under the clear overspray. I will try those lighter strings and let you know
User avatar
wints
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 6481
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2001 11:21 am

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by wints »

Well, that's a strange one.

That surround appears to be the early 64 short taper type, and I can't recall seeing one like that on a later bass. What tuners do you have on the bass James?

They should be like this...
http://www.rickenbacker.me.uk/www.ricke ... ls.html#43
bassjunkie68
New member
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:47 am

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by bassjunkie68 »

Andrew , I finally got some DAddario super light nickel strings put on and wow, did that make a differance !! Maybe the neck surgery won't be necessary just yet. As for the tuners ,the orig. grovers have been replaced long ago. There also seems to be extra screw holes under the pickgaurd . The third P/U under the bridge will stay for now .Although not vintage correct ,I'll put her back like I found her. I only wish someone made a pickgaurd in aged MOP. Thanks to everyone for all the replies. My "mistress" is back !!!!
User avatar
doctorwho
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 12658
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2002 3:28 pm

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by doctorwho »

That's great news, James, rock on!
It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing. - Seneca
User avatar
wints
Veteran RRF member
Posts: 6481
Joined: Sun Oct 07, 2001 11:21 am

Re: New member, same ole neck problems

Post by wints »

:D

Excellent!

Keep us posted James!
Post Reply

Return to “"Vibrola" Rickenbacker Technical Forum: By Paul Wilczynski”