Getting the most out of my 4003

[rickaddict]

It has been set up by a trusted luthier (who has worked on squire's bass) who didn't note any problems.
I believe that paying 2k+ for an isntrument should contain no drawbacks, but i'm afraid that i've come accross one.

The buzz is from the open strings to around the 5th fret. I'm thinking its something to do with the nut. The neck isn't twisted, as I could make it straight, but that would make the strings buzz.

I agree with you that it has something to do with the nut. It sounds to me like the nut slots were filed too deep for your style during your setup. As others here have mentioned, setups are specific to the player. Your luthier might have a very light touch compared to you when striking the strings. He may have set it very low for his touch which may not result in buzz when he plays it, but when you whack the string harder it results in buzz. Hard to tell without having the thing in my hand and/or watching you play it, but that's my guess. Try playing those first 5 frets with a very light touch and see what happens.

[rickaddict]

I believe that paying 2k+ for an isntrument should contain no drawbacks, but i'm afraid that i've come accross one.

And by the way...This sounds like a problem with the setup, which can't be blamed on RIC, no matter what you paid for it.

[thedistrict3]

It has been set up by a trusted luthier (who has worked on squire's bass) who didn't note any problems.
I believe that paying 2k+ for an isntrument should contain no drawbacks, but i'm afraid that i've come accross one.

The buzz is from the open strings to around the 5th fret. I'm thinking its something to do with the nut. The neck isn't twisted, as I could make it straight, but that would make the strings buzz.

I agree with you that it has something to do with the nut. It sounds to me like the nut slots were filed too deep for your style during your setup. As others here have mentioned, setups are specific to the player. Your luthier might have a very light touch compared to you when striking the strings. He may have set it very low for his touch which may not result in buzz when he plays it, but when you whack the string harder it results in buzz. Hard to tell without having the thing in my hand and/or watching you play it, but that's my guess. Try playing those first 5 frets with a very light touch and see what happens.

When I play lightly the buzz is eliminated, but that should not excuse the fret buzz as there is already plenty of relief.

I've noticed that (from looking up at the headstock from the bridge) that most of the bend is close to the nut, and not in the middle of the neck.

[jaymi]

It has been set up by a trusted luthier (who has worked on squire's bass) who didn't note any problems.
I believe that paying 2k+ for an isntrument should contain no drawbacks, but i'm afraid that i've come accross one.

The buzz is from the open strings to around the 5th fret. I'm thinking its something to do with the nut. The neck isn't twisted, as I could make it straight, but that would make the strings buzz.

I agree with you that it has something to do with the nut. It sounds to me like the nut slots were filed too deep for your style during your setup. As others here have mentioned, setups are specific to the player. Your luthier might have a very light touch compared to you when striking the strings. He may have set it very low for his touch which may not result in buzz when he plays it, but when you whack the string harder it results in buzz. Hard to tell without having the thing in my hand and/or watching you play it, but that's my guess. Try playing those first 5 frets with a very light touch and see what happens.

When I play lightly the buzz is eliminated, but that should not excuse the fret buzz as there is already plenty of relief.

I've noticed that (from looking up at the headstock from the bridge) that most of the bend is close to the nut, and not in the middle of the neck.

If it's under warranty, have Ric fix it...

[rickenbrother]

I've played other basses that cost much more than a Rick that were "right out of the box" that were in desperate need of a setup.
As far as the nut is concerned, that is very minor. You can file down the slots and/or shave some of it off from the bottom to suit your playing style...and I'm sure that someone that stated this issue, was well taken care of by his dealer.

[ricaddic]

I agree Joey, I wasn't complaining about the out of the box factory set up, every bass I get, I have to have set up to my liking. My point was that the nut from 07 to the present sits up alot higher than from '06 and before and was my suggestion that he may need to have his nut shaved (ouch that would hurt), LOL and yes my dealer takes very good care of me and addresses my needs. Can't wait to get my 4004Cii back with the stack knob mod.

[rickfan60]

I agree with you that it has something to do with the nut. It sounds to me like the nut slots were filed too deep for your style during your setup. As others here have mentioned, setups are specific to the player. Your luthier might have a very light touch compared to you when striking the strings. He may have set it very low for his touch which may not result in buzz when he plays it, but when you whack the string harder it results in buzz. Hard to tell without having the thing in my hand and/or watching you play it, but that's my guess. Try playing those first 5 frets with a very light touch and see what happens.

That is where I was going with the question about the string height at the first fret. If it was minimal then the nut slots might be too deep.

[johnallg]

I've noticed that (from looking up at the headstock from the bridge) that most of the bend is close to the nut, and not in the middle of the neck.

Possibly the rods are highly curved inside the neck and even possibly flipped over from the intended curve. I've had 2 necks like this, my 4003S and my 4004C.

[cassius987]

Talk to the warranty people before talking to us. It's only as expensive as shipping the bass.

[dog]

I agree. Most any guitar will need set up when it first arrives. And since a proper set up for you may be a terrible set up for me, even the guys at Ric couldn't be expected to get it right for your preferences. If you actually have a nut that is cut too deep, the guys at Rickenbacker will help. I do wonder about what you have said about the relief in the neck. I wasn't able to get the action on my 4003 low until the neck was straight. I know it is frustrating to have to struggle with a new expensive guitar, but maybe the best course of action would be to talk to Kenny Howes at 714-545-5574 ext 232. He handles all warranty issues and is a good guy to talk to about your problem.

Best of luck brother