Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A setup can last for years or just a few days ...

Why? Changes in humidity ... the wood expands when it absorbs moisture and shrinks when it dries out ... the steel rods don't change with humidity ... so unless you keep your bass in a perfect 35% humidity level 365 days a year then the setup will change ...

Also when you change the strings you may need to do a setup ...

When I convert a bass 4-2-5 sometimes it takes a while for the neck to adjust itself to the additional tension ... and sometimes it doesn't ...

Jim, I will agree with you that someone can possibly break the rod with any adjusting tool. An experienced guy taking great care to adjust the rods probably has little chance of breaking a rod with the T handle tool.
But for an inexperienced guy who's a bit overzealous or just doesn't know his own strength, there a greater chance of possibly breaking a rod with the T handle.

Some setups last a long time, some do not. I have to adjust my 97 4003 seasonally (New England) \But my 75 4001 has not had a proper setup since I have owned it, going on 13 years in september.

Good point on the Stewmac tool. A little too much torque and you will need a luthier.

Dane: Interesting comment on the RIC tool. I never thought of that.

I find that the old style truss rods virtually never need adjusting compared to the current style rods, at least on my instruments.

I really appreciate all of the replies guys. I live in Southern California, so its not ridiculously humid here. Perhaps my bass' setup would've lasted longer if it was done by someone more familiar with Rickenbackers? I'm not sure.

Matt, most of my basses get a periodic adjustment to their setup, but I have not had to touch the setup of my '79 4001 in so many years, I've lost track.

If you are in the area of north Orange County and want help setting up your 4003, I'd be very happy to help you.

Matt,
Where are you in SoCal ?

I have to say that unless I'm changing string gauge I never need to adjust the necks on my 4001 or 4000, and I have low action. The CS is a bit more prone to movement.

But yes, definitely learn to do it yourself, particularly if you're fussy with your setups.

The main reason I learned to do my setups is that everyone is different. If your the one playing the bass, why let someone else set it up?

Only "you" know how you like your bass to play.

It also gives you a good feeling, and greater knowledge of the "nuts and bolts" end of the business.

Joey Vasco's site is a great place to start.

Some guitars basses are more stable than others, perhaps due to the inner stability of the wood.

My 4000 never needs an adjustment, but my 4001 bends like a willow branch compared to the 4000, yet the 4000 is much lighter & has a thinner neck.

My 80 4001 is probably the most stable bass that I own . I did a slight tweak when I last put on a set of TI flats and have not had to touch it since. That's a couple of years now.

My Stingray , which is the easiest to adjust , requires the most tweaking . I usually do my Fenders twice a year .

Joey, thanks for the offer but the OC is a little too far from me. I am near the Burbank area in a town called Sunland. I've never seen a community of people more willing to help newbies to Rics like me. Thanks guys.

There are a few of us out here in the valley! Just for two off the top of my head, Jerry Juden and Dane Wilder (well, close). I need a lesson or two myself on maintenance. I can change electronics all day long, but short on experience with bridge/neck adjustments.

Joey's bass notes are a perfect way to learn how to do your own set ups. My '89 V63 is like Joey's 4001. I haven't had to have her set up in years!