Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I would guess that the malformed neck added the extra stress to the bridge. It looks like it's undergone a bit of shearing force.

Can't wait to see your pics of how well you approach and execute the job, Ted!

I am wondering what I will find under that plate. Perhaps two sets of screw holes? Or maybe the factory located the plate where it is. I don't know. I can move the bridge into position by hand and it will stay but if I loosen a string and then retune it the bridge will rock again (and not in a good way).

The 4005 has been a joy to play the last week or so. I can't put her down. Anyway, everybody's Rickenbrother, Joey Vasco has traded tuners so the old girl now has a lovely set of nickel plated reverse gear tuners. Thanks Joey! The chrome set is on the way to you.



I have opted to not move the bridge. It is clearly factory located where it is. You can even see a faint pencil line under the finish that goes from screw hole to screw hole. It plays in tune well enough - close enough for rock and roll, anyway. I still have to do some touch up sanding and clean up a little binding cement from the fingerboard. I will be placing an order with Pickguardian for a tug bar. Does anyone have a vintage style TRC for sale or trade?

Ted, can you just flip those saddles around to get the extra 1/16" of travel?

Maybe. They are angle cut so that might work.

I think you should go ahead and move the bridge. It is not in the 'correct' position to give an adequate range of adjustment, so to me anyway, I feel it would not be an improper thing to do. You are just correcting a faux pas from the '60s, no harm in that really.

" everybody's Rickenbrother, Joey Vasco has traded tuners"

Thanks Joey! I owe ya!

I think Joey prefers the newer style so it was a good trade for both parties. My ****** picture does not show it well but those tuners look great on that headstock. BTW the headstock was cut in the factory to accommodate those tuners without having to use the plastic spacers. Pardon the second ****** picture but checkout the recesses. You can't see it here but there is factory finish at the bottoms of those cutouts.







Jeff: Alright, now you got me thinking again. The bridge plate can easily be moved back about 1/4" without exposing holes or the ground wire. That would put the string load right on the center of the bridge and probably cut out the annoying vibration in the front set of allen screws.

I have to wonder if Rickenbacker was going after a Hofner-like sound for the 4005. It reminds me so much of my old Hofners - a sharp twang from the treble pickup and pure mud from the neck pickup. The most notable difference being the 4005 is actually playable - just kidding Hofner fans. The layout of the pickups between the two are nearly identical. It seems to me the 4005 was introduced some time in 1965 which would put it right in the Hofner's power band.

Ted, that was exactly my first impression when I got my 4005, and I still believe it. Spot on!

Thanks Joey! I owe ya!

Nahhh, we're cool John and you're welcome!

Ted, here is a shot of the saddles on my bridge, all properly intonated.



Notice the bridge's position relative to the pickup.

Phenomenal job, Ted. Awesome to read your play-by-play and to see the pictures that go along with it. Thanks for sharing everything.

Great to see all the help from fellow forumites, too. What a great place!

Jeff: You right. That is the best approach. No question.

Andrew: Thanks for your kind words and yes, the community here is beyond awesome.

Here you go Jeff. This looks much better and it actually plays in tune - unlike a Hofner!