4003 E saddle issue

[Lemmy4ever]

I just bought a new 4003 (2016) and been having issues with the E saddle since it arrived. I mentioned when I took it to have set up done (strings changed to DUNLOP 50 - 105 and tuned to E flat) that saddle is not sitting flush and wobbles. Still does it (not sure if they even looked at it, the tech was away when I picked it up) and the E string sounds really flat on the seventh fret. Not sure if he did a truss rod adjustment.

Even when it's tuned, I can lift the E string off the saddle and the saddle wobbles side to side. Does this sound like I have a defective saddle? Maybe the saddle isn't cut deep enough? Did the same with the stock Ric strings. The A string even makes the E string saddle rattle a bit when playing.

[jdogric12]

Known issue. Contact RIC customer service. I hope you filled out and sent in your warranty card.

[jps]

Known issue. Contact RIC customer service. I hope you filled out and sent in your warranty card.

How does that work when Josh is in Oz? That would be a warranty card from the Asian distributor (they handle Australia, right?).

[Badanovski]

Isn't the distributor responsible for customer service in foreign countries?

[Lemmy4ever]

I imported it from the US, so pretty much have no warranty. This is the fourth Ric I've owned and the first time I've had this issue. Only other "issue" I've had in the past was with a '71 4001. A bit of fret wear, which is to expected from such an old instrument.

[jps]

IIRC, sometimes the threaded hole in the base of the saddle got drilled a bit too low so the saddle sits a bit higher on the bridge. If the string spacing and the string height (action) of the E string is fine, this is what I have read here, and elsewhere, that folks do: fold up a small piece of aluminum foil and stuff it along side one or the other side (or both, maybe) of the saddle into the slot in the bridge to wedge the saddle in place.

[M2016G]

Same issue with a new 2016 4003s. I reversed the saddle on the A string to give me more play for intonation. After reversing, the saddle rocked slightly. I put it back in it's original position and it no longer rocked. I bought a spare set of saddles and hardware. I'll try another saddle after reading the post about the machining variances.

This is my first Ric. Wanted one for 30 years. Been using a Jazz or P for decades. This is a whole new world! Still getting used to the feel (string rake, nut width and thin body). I love the bass and the sound though. Eventually the feel will become second nature.

[aceonbass]

There is a simple solution to your problem. You'll have to take the bridge off to do this though. Remove the saddle, then drill out the hole on the end opposite end to the next size up. This will let the saddle sit a little lower, and probably solve your problem. If the string isn't intonating properly because it won't move back far enough, you can do two things. You can cut some of the coils out of the spring, or you can round off the rear of the saddle foot so the saddle fits into the rounded are in the slot.

[M2016G]

Thanks for the tip aceonbass...

[Lemmy4ever]

No matter where you set the saddle, it rocks side-to-side. When it's set far back (away from the headstock) I get crazy saddle buzz.