4003 setup in NC

[cj777]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, finally being the owner of a new 4003 after wanting one for about 20 years. I hope I'm posting this in the right area, if not feel free to move or delete. I bought a brand new 4003 about a month ago, and I love it except for one thing. I believe the neck is a bit tweaked, as the low side of the bridge has to be raised up nearly all the way to keep from buzzing while the high side still has fairly high action even though that side of the bridge adjustment is all the way down. I'm not sure quite where to look for help on this. I emailed RIC using the contact form on the website, but have not yet received a response. I would like to find someone with 4003 experience if not an authorized repair center. Any suggestions on someone in NC? I'm willing to travel a reasonable distance.

[jdogric12]

Keep trying to get in touch with RIC. Call 'em. I hope you sent in your completed warranty registration card.

[thx1955]

Hi, welcome to the Forum, where did you buy it from, I'd also look to contact them and explain the situation.

[Kopfjaeger]

Brian,

As you fret up the neck, where does the buzz go away?

How straight (flat) is the neck on both the bass side as well as the treble side?? Using the strings as a straight edge, fret the E string at the first fret and at the 19th or 20th fret at the same time. How much space do you have from the bottom of the string to the frets? is is consistent?? Repeat the process with your G string.

I'm thinking you have a bit of back bow and before going nuts, you may be able to solve it by loosening your truss rods a bit but you need to figure out if you have back bow and what your neck is doing.

If you have a bit of back bow you will see it if you hold the bass up to your eye, body end closest to your face, and sight down the neck.

Sepp

[RickyBubba]

Sorry for your frustrations, but it can happen with any bass. I would be in contact with the store, and see what they can offer. If you aren't comfortable working on it yourself, find somebody who DOES know something about Ric's.

[ram]

I'd recommend learning to do the setup yourself. Once you get it down it really doesn't take too much effort. www.joeysbassnotes.com/ has a good bit on it. Al lot of info on this forum as well. just take your time....

[loverickbass]

Kevin at Smiling Moon Guitars in Charlotte works on all my Rics. He's a perfectionist too. http://smilingmoonguitars.com/

[cj777]

Brian,

As you fret up the neck, where does the buzz go away?

How straight (flat) is the neck on both the bass side as well as the treble side?? Using the strings as a straight edge, fret the E string at the first fret and at the 19th or 20th fret at the same time. How much space do you have from the bottom of the string to the frets? is is consistent?? Repeat the process with your G string.

I'm thinking you have a bit of back bow and before going nuts, you may be able to solve it by loosening your truss rods a bit but you need to figure out if you have back bow and what your neck is doing.

If you have a bit of back bow you will see it if you hold the bass up to your eye, body end closest to your face, and sight down the neck.

Sepp

The buzz would go away around the 4th fret on the E. I checked the relief tonight, and the G string was right at .020. I loosened the truss rod a little bit until the E string went to .020 and that has allowed me to lower the action considerably on the low end side without buzzing. So it's a lot more playable now, but I thought Ricks were supposed to have flat necks?? Is there something else I'm missing?

[Kopfjaeger]

Well, flatish but that is all subjective and depends on your playing style. I like a dash of relief on my Rickenbackers but not too much. I like a little bit of clank when i dig in a little.

My 4001's are rock solid, neck wise. My 4003's need a tweeking twice a year or so. Normally coincides with the seasons.

Is the action where you want it or is it still too high??

Sepp