Lemmy's Signature Ric

[NFB-418]

So, I was recently looking at screenshots from the new documentary about Lemmy and saw something very interesting. Perhaps it's been discussed before but, in reference to the attached pic, what is the purpose of the strap button-looking thing on the headstock in between the E and A strings? I guess I've never seen anything like that before on a Ric and was wondering what purpose it serves. I've seen "string trees" on Fender Strats and perhaps some basses, but not in between the E and A. I know they're used to put more tension on the nut and, therefore, minimize tuning problems. Is this the same principle?

[cjj]

Definitely looks like some sort of string tree, the strings are displaced a bit going around it.

It's also interesting to note that he doesn't connect his strap on at the end of the upper horn. In fact, the strap button appears to be missing completely...

[scotty]

Its a coat hook only kidding its a hat hook ...do hats have hooks.......sorry im waffling

[wim]

It's a string retainer. He has this installed on most of his basses.
His strap is attached to the neck heel, also on all of his basses.

[08 Ric 4003]

Did some one photoshop his head stock. It looks like is says Rickenbastard. Lemmy rocks harder than 10 people half his age. His documentary is great.

[incubus2432]

No, that's his TRC.

[08 Ric 4003]

You have #21. Impressive. I have a 08 4003 Jetglo, cause that is the color I associate with Geddy, so I wanted the JetGlo. I want to see Motorhead so bad. When they come close to where I live I am there. Just got in to them a few years back. Another Perfect Day, Ace, Bomber, Overkill and Iron Fist are hard rock / metal classics.

[krick]

No, that's his TRC.

I have a similar white one in my spare parts box.

[08 Ric 4003]

That is the sh*t. I want one.

[incubus2432]

I want to see Motorhead so bad. When they come close to where I live I am there. Just got in to them a few years back. Another Perfect Day, Ace, Bomber, Overkill and Iron Fist are hard rock / metal classics.

They are great live but take your ear plugs. No joke......I've been seeing and have been in metal bands for 25 years and Motörhead volume is simply painful. Wonderful but painful. Can't wait to see 'em again.

[andydel]

Lem wanted it to look like his old 70s 4001 (hence, the treble pickup cover which was not originally part of the Lemmy signature model): his original Ric had a problem with the nut so he installed a string tree. Just nostalgic, it doesn't serve a purpose.

[crstory]

I just saw them with the Foo Fighters in Memphis. They are Louder than everything else. Literally. Great show. Motorhead's drummer is a beast as well.

[Basschords]

Thanks for pointing that out. I can't believe I never noticed that before. Lemmy has been a bit of an inspiration to me since I moved from single notes to chords.

[slave]

That Rick looks killer.

Did they make many of those?

[08 Ric 4003]

I believe 60 4004KL Sig basses.