Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Not to stir the pot, but has ric formally specified which specific strings should be avoided to prevent this from occurring? Both my 3001 and 4003 have some tail lift, although not to the extent of damaging the finish, but i don't stray from 105-45 sets on either. I was thinking of throwing a heavier set on the 4003, but i like the paint where it is.. should i be worried? I can't help but feel for lonnie, as it shouldn't be his fault for experimenting with heavier strings when the warranty (to the best of my knowledge) says nothing about not covering the repercussions of using heavier strings..

I don't believe that this has ever been "formally announced". However, the owner's manual which is included with each new Rickenbacker instrument (which many purchasers never remove from the taped "case candy" bag...) states very clearly the type and gauge of string supplied with each instrument when new, and addresses the issue of fitting alternate types and gauges.

The following text is from the manual:
And the string chart:
Note the highlighted text in the chart.

Most people value the sensitivity and adjustability of the Rickenbacker neck over stiffer necks. Therefore, the recommendations above, more than just attempting to sell strings, also function to steer the user in the direction of the string best-suited for the guitar or bass, from a structural standpoint. Players not familiar with the characteristics of a particular specification of strings (beyond feel and sound, and in this case moving into structural compatibility) should probably seek out information from the manufacturer. Once damage has been done, it's too late to make the phone call that should have been made before the strings were fitted.

It is a little odd to me how the tailpiece will lift on some basses, and not on others. I know strings and tension have a lot to do with it. But I have a 4003 and a V63 that have have had Chromes flats(45-100), and DR nickel Lo-Riders(45-105), which are medium tension strings. Those basses have no or very little tail lift. My C64 which I have used the same strings,( I don't use anything over .105) has some degree of tail lift. It's not an issue yet by any means, but if it did become one, I would either put screws in it or replace it with the Hipshot. I now use only DR Hi-Beams on the 4003 (40-100), and DR nickel Lo-Riders(45-105) on the V63 and C64. I might put Sunbeams or Hi-Beams on the C64 as well.

45-105 is what i've always used. i use stainless steel because i can't use nickel. there can't be that much differance in tention and don't most strings have a stainless steel core? besides there is nothing in the manual about not useing stainless steel. oh and the 4003 i had before never had this problem.

It still boils down to this, in my opinion, of course:

jingle_jangle wrote:This probably had a lot to do with your choice of strings, as well, and the shortage of information on choosing strings for a Rick bass, except on sites such as this one, which I notice you've joined rather recently.

I would also guess that the beginnings of this problem showed up awhile ago, and gradually; an ever-increasing amount of tail lift, and evidence that the front of the tailpiece was beginning to dig into the guitar's finish. It takes awhile for it to get bad enough to pop the finish up on the bass and cause it to then flake off in large pieces.

In other words, I don't think this happened overnight, and RIC can't be held responsible for any owner's slow response in correcting a choice of strings that overstressed the tailpiece.

bottom line, it shouldn't have happened, i'm stuck with it and as it turns out the hipshot was an improvement. i just don't have any faith now in rics warrenty. this is far from over, until ric gets the tailpiece problem taken care of. doesn't look like their in any hurry.

[quote="thumper73533"] i just don't have any faith now in rics warrenty. /quote]

That's unfortunate, personalized and misplaced, IMO.

most unfortunate yes. ric was #1 imo. warwick had a problem with thier adjustable nut. they re-designed it and quickly offerd a replacement. i wanted info on the hipshots brass tailpiece and found out for myself hipshot has the solution for rickenbackers problem.... imo

Hipshots are great!

BronzeGlo Abomination

I had a bad experience with my one and only "new" Rick. After about 3 months I noticed worming on the back in an odd place that didn't come into contact with anything when I played. It kept getting worse even though I was very careful and watching out for anything that could be causing it. I searched through the case and found what must have been globs of hardened glue in the "fuzz" from when the case was being built. The location matched up perfectly with the boogered area of the bass. I called Rick and told them what I found and was told they wouldn't do anything about it because they didn't make the case.
That made a great impression on a kid that saved up for 1 1/2 years to buy his dream bass (1986 FG 4003S)!

I fixed the glue myself and ended up getting the bass refinned, but it was never the same. So, I sold it to pay for my Jazz Bass.
I didn't buy another Rick for 18 years.

Sold!

how do you post pics ?

Use imageshack.

david, did you get aluminum or brass ?

David, thanks for posting those pics. It give me the chance to see what my C64 would look like with the Hipshot tailpiece.