Still #1, but disappointing......

docbass · Post by **docbass** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:14 am

is my 4003. I've had my 4003 for almost 2 years and in the last 3 years I've had 4 new Fenders, all of which I sold because their tone and feel just didn't measure up to the Ric and it was waste to keep them.

The Ric tone is exactly what I was seeking when I started my quest for a solid R&R bass. The neck is just right me and I love its look/design.

But alas, the tailpiece is pulling away from the body with over a mm of gap. Still have the original Ric rounds on it.

The super rock hard finish is lifting at the edges of numerous frets and in a couple spots is high enough to crack and just fall off. I guess the honeymoon is over!

Fortunately, it sounds and feels so damn good, I've resigned myself to accepting and living with its flaws. It's just the natural progression of any committed relationship, I fear. Oh well....

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:19 am

Did you contact RIC cust service?

jaymi · Post by **jaymi** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:52 am

If they don't do anything about the bridge, there is a way to keep it down by adding 2 addt'l screws. Jeff Rath can explain this one.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:25 am

yep get a drill and a screw driver and add 2 screws to the tailpiece ... it is an easy mod ... for many years the 4003 came from the factory with this mod ...

and the finish problem ... sometimes a discreet application of clear fingernail polish can fix a finish problem ...

remember it is not broken ... it now has mojo ... it has genuine play wear ...

henny · Post by **henny** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:29 am

Totally agree with Jeff, it ain't broke!

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:32 am

its like grey hair...

docbass · Post by **docbass** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:37 am

Regarding the screws, are you talking 2 more than the 2 existing ones toward the rear of the tailpiece already?

Six months ago, I did mention the issues to my local dealer where I bought it and as soon as I said "frets" he said "The finish is lifting, right?" I guess I just resigned myself to it since he said he can't remember a recent Ric bass where that, and the bridge lift, hadn't happened (not to mention numerous discussions about both issues here!). He seemed to indicate that it would just be slight and typically stays confined close into the edges, but mine's creeping out into the fret board in a couple spots. I am bummed about that.

At that point, I thought it would be OK, but it's worsened in the last 6 months. My other problem is I don't want to let this bass out of my sight, let alone have to give it up for repair or replacement! Stupid, huh? I've got it set up just right, sounds great, plays great, I play it all the time, it's otherwise perfect for me. If I wasn't so enthralled with the bass, I would have ditched it long ago.

What the heck, maybe I'll call the shop just to see what they say. They're a great bunch down there, maybe I should be more assertive on this one. It's harder when you like something so much....

docbass · Post by **docbass** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:43 am

OK, I understand the screw fix, not pretty, but effective I'm sure.

As for the finish fix with fingernail polish, will it help melt/soften and reset the lifted finish? That would be the desired effect IMO. I've used superglue on Fender poly finishes before with good success in the past.

Thanks, guys, you're making me feel a little better.....it's kinda been like when you have your first wreck on your new bicycle you got for Christmas!

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:54 am

Superglue is a MUCH better way to fix chips in conversion varnish than fingernail polish...

docbass · Post by **docbass** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:07 am

Thanks Rob, I was wondering......I was hoping for a more permanent fix if I decided to go that route.

A question comes to mind: Should I go for the fix as soon as I see signs of lifting/separating? As some of you who have experienced this know, it's a slow process that starts with that telltale little white line forming where the finish meets the fret's edge with gradual widening over time. BTW, is the lifting eventually going to occur the entire length of the fret board over time? That thought just occured to me.

Just curious to see what you guys think.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:03 am

Stewart MacDonald sells Cyanoacrylate adhesives in different viscosities. You may want to try a drop of the thin stuff where the finish is lifting to stabilize the split. When that is dry, a drop of the medium or thick to fill in the missing finish. Be very careful with the stuff though. It is much stronger than the tubes of Crazy Glue you can buy at the drug store.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Glues,_adhesives/Stewart-MacDonald_Instant_Adhesives/1/Instant_Adhesives.html

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:19 pm

Docbass, if the tailpiece doesn't lift up a bit, it's a Rickenfaker!

jaymi · Post by **jaymi** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:29 pm

unless it came from 1980-1987, then it would have 2 extra factory installed screws...

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:24 pm

You guys must be referring to older RICs... I hope. I have 4 RIC basses, the oldest is a '94, and I have not had any of these problems. And yes, I have gigged the snot out of them.

ken_swearingen · Post by **ken_swearingen** » Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:58 pm

William, my advice to you is call mark banquets he knows rics like nobody he worked on mecca's bass back in the seventies [425]397-7415.