new 4003FG

[cassius987]

If anyone really wants to try the new Fender strings but is getting impatient, the 9050L set is almost identical to the 9050CL set. The only difference is the gauge of the E string, which is .105'' in the CL set and .100'' in the L set. The .100'' E is just a bit less "focused" sounding than the other strings but the .105'' matches nicely. Perfect for a Ric if you ask me... If I had a Precision at this time I'd have a set on it as well. In any case when the CL set becomes available I bet .105'' Es will as well so you can swap the E out if you already bought an L set of 9050s.

I would compare 9050s to Chromes in some regards, but in others I would say they are warmer with a more complex midrange, borrowing a bit from TI Jazz Flats, ultimately making a sound that is unique to the new 9050s. I like the feel better than any other flatwound and the green silk is a cool aesthetic touch.

If I had more .105'' 9050 singles laying around I'd mail them to people. Unfortunately I just have the one spare and need to keep it for myself at this time.

[jagdeluxe]

Hey Jonathan and John lets make it triplets i have a gorgeous 2010 4003 FG as well boy were lucky!! Having troubles uploading pics lately

[jagdeluxe]

Here it is

[superdick2112]

Hey guys. Here's a picture of the new bass.
John

John, that is a great looking 4003 you have there! Congrats, and welcome to the forum.
Btw, I'm kind of fond of Fireglo as well...

[8mileshigher]

Very nice. The latest offerings are top notch, and this is another example.

I agree...the latest offerings are top notch. That Fireglo is beautiful.

Yep, you guys said it !!

[Johntheson]

Congrats to all you other 4003 owners. So far, I wouldn't trade, or get rid of the Ric, for all the tea in China. What a unique instrument. It's different from playing any other instrument. At present I'm playing mine through my 65 Showman, as that's the only suitable bass type amp I own. I know they were used for bass back when I was coming up, and I'm really just playing at "home" levels. Is a truss rod wrench supposed to be included with the bass, or does it have to be purchased seperately? I've got all the keys, and the small allen type wrenches for the bridge, but no TR wrench. If it's not included, where are you guys buying yours?
John

[FretlessOnly]

You should get two allen wrenches with your new 4003: one for the bridge height and the other for the adjustable pole pieces. The truss rod tool does not come with the bass. The RIC Boutique typically has them in stock, but they are a bit pricey for what they are. Most any 1/4" straight nut driver will do, although a thin-walled socket is often needed to get under the adjustment nuts. Just be sure you get one that is relatively short (~6-8" in length) and not anything with a T handle or other torque-inducing feature. I got mine at the local hardware store for about $6.

The 4003 rods are pretty forgiving compared to the older rods, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Just use normal hand pressure with the 1/4' nut driver and 1/8 - 1/4 turn is generally enough to produce some results. Unlike with the 4001s, etc., you can adjust the 4003 truss rods without moving the neck manually into position first.

[Low End Lover]

Is a truss rod wrench supposed to be included with the bass, or does it have to be purchased seperately? I've got all the keys, and the small allen type wrenches for the bridge, but no TR wrench. If it's not included, where are you guys buying yours?
John

+1 on FretlessOnly's post.

$4 at Ace Hardware. 1/4" nut driver is what you want. You can spend $20 on one from RIC, but mine does the job fine. Be advised that you may need to chisel the paint and a tiny bit of wood off behind the truss rod nuts to make the nut driver seat properly. I had to on my 1/10 4003. Since this will be covered up by the TRC, it's no big deal.

Hope that helps,

LEL

[Johntheson]

Thanks guys. There's an Ace hardware about a mile from my house. I'll go by there, and scoop one. Thanks again.
John

[johnallg]

Thanks guys. There's an Ace hardware about a mile from my house. I'll go by there, and scoop one. Thanks again.
John

A longer handle keeps the handle from scarring the headstock while adjusting.

[Low End Lover]

A longer handle keeps the handle from scarring the headstock while adjusting.

I can vouch for my Ace Hardware bought nut driver that it doesn't scar the headstock, but this is something you should mind nonetheless as you want your Ric to look as cool as it sounds.

LEL

[rickenbrother]

The Fireglos look hot, fellas!

[Johntheson]

The Fireglos look hot, fellas!

I totally agree. That pic of John standing with his FG bass; the bass just fits you like a glove. I waited far too long to add a Ric to the stable. Oh well....it's here now; and here it's gonna stay.
John

[prestoj]

John, Let me add my (belated) welcome to the forum. Very nice FG. I have an FG as well; got it in January of '09 with guidance from members of this forum.

Sounds like you and I may be not-too-distant neighbors. I see that you had mentioned Fret Not Guitar Repairs in Newport News. I have traded e-mail with the lady who owns the business and does all of the work. I originally found her shop on a Google search and subsequently have gotten some word of mouth endorsements at a couple of local music shops. So far, we've not been able to coordinate a time for me to bring in my Ric for her to look at.........and, for full disclosure, I haven't stayed after it very hard. She appears to keep very busy and I get the impression that she doesn't like to take on any extra work she can't get to within a reasonable timeframe. All in all, I regard that as good business policy.

I've done my own tweaks on the set up using Joey's Bass Notes for guidance..........I highly recommend reading through Joey's bass maintenance pages to familiarize yourself with the unique features and set up requirements of your Ric. The one issue I was thinking of having Fret Not address was replacement of the mute pad, as mine is bowed up to where I cannot get the action as low as I want without losing sustain. Right now I'm still combing through this forum to pick up all I can regarding mute pads on the 4003 and once I feel like I've done my due dilligence, I'll ask for help in filling in the gaps. Then I may well do the job myself.

Once again, congrats on the very nice FG. Feel free to drop me a note if I cam be of any help.

[Johntheson]

Congratulations on your Ric also Jack. I've read through Joey's site a number of times, and have it bookmarked for reference whenever I do try the setups. As far as Fret Not goes; I'm actually good friends with Margeurite, and her husband, and she works on some high dollar vintage instruments; I've just never really asked her about any Ric while we were talking. I'm going to get in touch with her soon though, even if it's just to have her look at the bass. She has been very good to me, and her time is so limited right now, that I just haven't talked to her lately.
John