4003 v2 bridge problem

[cousindave]

I am really hoping that one of you good people are able to help me!
I have a 2025 4003 with a V2 bridge, owned from new and when starting to restring it I noticed that the D string saddle intonation adjustment screw is missing! Just the spring in there. None of the machine screws in my spares box will fit, I think that they are all metric and the bridge screw is an imperial US size?
I have emailed Rickenbacker but as yet not heard back from them so I am trying all options as my bass is at present unplayable! =( Also tried Rickysounds here in the UK but they were unable to help.
Anyone know what size it is so that I can try and source a new one?
Dave

[maxwell]

https://www.google.com/search?client=sa ... =731&dpr=2

PS - There's an AI-generated reply at the top of the page. If it discusses Hex Key size instead of screw size, just refresh the web page and you'll get a different reply, probably the correct one.

From a different AI: The bridge intonation screws on a Rickenbacker 4003 typically use a #4-40 screw size.
.... no mention of length. Measure one of your other screws from bottom of the screw head to the end of screw.

Older post from this forum, identical problem as you: viewtopic.php?t=417289

[maxwell]

(I think that the above posted link to the old discussion was for a different screw....)

Here's a diagram for a RIC bass tailpiece: https://www.rickenbacker.com/wp-content ... lpiece.pdf

Is this yours? Within the list of parts is: "05148 Bridge Intonation Screw" I can't find the label on the diagram, but I have to assume the part number is correct. Knowing the official RIC part number makes finding a part so much easier and fruitful.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=rickenbacker+ ... =h_&ia=web

There are several references to that screw, including Rickysounds (I know you said they couldn't help you). You just have to confirm that this is for the newer bass V2 bridge (yours) and not the older one.... (that old post linked above mentions these old and new bridge versions).

PS - Here's the Rickysounds screws link. See #05148, second row, first one:

https://www.rickysounds.co.uk/product-c ... s-fixings/

At least we know what it looks like.

[cousindave]

20250604_161844.jpg (176.45 KiB) Viewed 5211 times

It is a V2 bridge and this is the screw that I need, I am presuming that it is an imperial size so not easily available in the UK

[maxwell]

Well, that’s a surprise. What type of wrench or screwdriver does this screw/bolt require?

[cousindave]

It's a hex bolt

[maxwell]

One of these shops might be able to help. Ask if they have some sort of replacement for the bolt you're looking for; attach the photo. Maybe they will provide some RIC ID number and/or generic dimensions. Maybe those Hipshot tailpieces use a similar bolt....

https://guitarrepairparts.com/collections/bass-bridges

https://www.guitarandbassparts.com/rick ... bridge.php

The second shop sells a lot of bass bridges.....

[maxwell]

OK, now we're getting somewhere. The bolt (maybe sometimes "(machine) screw" is "socket head" screw (AKA, socket cap head, socket head cap) -- most sources seem to call it a socket head cap, but just searching "socket screw" gets you where you need to go.

I printed out your photo and counted the threads per inch. I came up with 42, which is in between coarse threads = 40, and fine threads = 44. I seemed to get a diameter of 4/32 inch = 1/8 inch.

This chart (scroll down) says 1/8" diameter = screw size 5:
https://homerepairgeek.com/tips/machine ... chart.html

Here's the closest to 1-1/2" I could find at the moment: https://www.ebay.com/itm/325828028858?_ ... R6aOitfnZQ

-- fully threaded, but the smooth and threaded portion diameters of these screws is the same. This may be the best bet. Contact seller (if you can confirm you need a "coarse" threaded screw, and see if he will ship to you/shipping cost.

Here's one that's only 1-1/8", and has a somewhat short threaded portion. Would probably work for a saddle that would intonate about in the center of the threaded portion:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/262992064671?_ ... Swzx9Z2i82

Count the threads per inch on your screw -- has to be either 40 or 44 (coarse or fine) (likely coarse/40). If you have digital calipers, check the outside diameter (OD); convert mm to inches, use the linked chart to find size (e.g., 5, maybe 4?)

Here's something to look at: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/screw ... screws-2~/

Anyway, once you determine or verify the basic screw size, just search for "socket screw (dimensions).

[maxwell]

Did this Google search: https://www.google.com/search?q=socket+ ... =apv&pvs=0

Saw this: https://www.fmwfasteners.com/products/5 ... 47c6d56d2c

Looks pretty good — has a generous threaded portion. Image is “representative” but I suspect it’s very close to the actual screw. Shipping to the UK may be your only obstacle. Of course, confirm those measurements….

PS - There must be a few industrial screw/bolt suppliers in the UK. Your UK-based Google search should reveal them.

[maxwell]

So, I finished exercising and while I was cooling down, I thought I would re-examine the photo and double check the measurements I came up with the other day. What a surprise! They're different. I get a size of 4-40 x 1-3/8" BUT this is just my estimate off that photo.

Many of these screws are partially threaded (PT) and the threads only cover about half the screw length. Best to go with fully threaded (FT). 1-3/8 inches is not especially common.

Here's a supplier in China. Shipping to UK should be comparable to USA. Find the seller on ebay on the UK version. Copy and paste the item title into UK ebay search box.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/176762480485?_ ... 6467603918

It's always safest to email the seller and ask about threaded portion length/coverage.

[Tache3]

I have a 2025 4003 with a V2 bridge, owned from new

If that was new this year and you are the original owner, then its still under warranty from the shop (even though the RIC one doesn't apply as its outside the US). The shop should be sourcing this part for you.

[cousindave]

Problem solved! I got a facebook message from John Hall who has very kindly arranged for RIC to send me the correct screw, have a tracking number and now waiting for UPS to do their thing, then my 4003 will be back in action! Great result! And thanks again John.

[ram]

Code: Select all

yeah John!!  I love q happy ending.

[Tache3]

Problem solved! I got a facebook message from John Hall who has very kindly arranged for RIC to send me the correct screw, have a tracking number and now waiting for UPS to do their thing, then my 4003 will be back in action! Great result! And thanks again John.

I thought John Hall had retired quite a while ago.