Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Before a kind forum member modded my Grovers for me that are on my March '73 4001 (MG) I had replaced the failing Slimlines that were on my July '73 4001 (FG) with Hipshot Ultralites, I did have to slightly enlarge the post holes but it was worth it to me to do so at the time (still would be these days as the Ultralites are great tuning keys). Only one extra hole in the back of the headstock (per tuning key) that would be hidden under the baseplate of the Grovers if re-installed.

Is the mod for the Grovers an easy fix to make them reliable in a 21st century live context?

The mod is essentially grinding down the pins and them creating (very small) threaded holes in their place to allow for screws to hold the back onto the baseplate. As to how durable they end up, I can't really say; let's just say that I am still very careful in how I handle the bass.

spongebob wrote: My basses are gigging instruments, and the last think I need is a tuner breaking at a gig.

That's why you need multiples, a pair, or trio of Ric's on stage looks nice and gives you options

These seem like a bit of a worry, look great, but the stability....

spongebob wrote:Is the mod for the Grovers an easy fix to make them reliable in a 21st century live context?

I guess you didn't read the tutorial I posted earlier in this thread??

sepp

spongebob wrote:These seem like a bit of a worry, look great, but the stability....

They're stable enough for Geddy Lee so I would think they will be okay for you.

They're stable enough for Geddy Lee so I would think they will be okay for you.

I saw Rush in 1976, the 2112 tour. During the high point of "Temples of Styrix" there was a massive explosion.
At the time, I thought it was part of the light show, perhaps it was his Grovers exploding??? He played his black 4001 throughout the show, with only a couple of exceptions...

Kopfjaeger wrote:

spongebob wrote:Is the mod for the Grovers an easy fix to make them reliable in a 21st century live context?

I guess you didn't read the tutorial I posted earlier in this thread??

sepp

Just spotted it! Apologies...Mobile phone usage....!

spongebob wrote:

Kopfjaeger wrote:

spongebob wrote:Is the mod for the Grovers an easy fix to make them reliable in a 21st century live context?

I guess you didn't read the tutorial I posted earlier in this thread??

sepp

Just spotted it! Apologies...Mobile phone usage....!

Man, I have the same issue all the time! Looking at any site on a mobile phone really changes the way it looks!

squirebass wrote:

They're stable enough for Geddy Lee so I would think they will be okay for you.

I saw Rush in 1976, the 2112 tour. During the high point of "Temples of Styrix" there was a massive explosion.
At the time, I thought it was part of the light show, perhaps it was his Grovers exploding??? He played his black 4001 throughout the show, with only a couple of exceptions...

I saw them on that same tour---Allentown Fairgrounds. Where did you see them?????

At one point, Geddy played his 4080. They were GREAT!!!!!

Lefty4003S8 wrote:

squirebass wrote:

They're stable enough for Geddy Lee so I would think they will be okay for you.

I saw Rush in 1976, the 2112 tour. During the high point of "Temples of Styrix" there was a massive explosion.
At the time, I thought it was part of the light show, perhaps it was his Grovers exploding??? He played his black 4001 throughout the show, with only a couple of exceptions...

I saw them on that same tour---Allentown Fairgrounds. Where did you see them?????

At one point, Geddy played his 4080. They were GREAT!!!!!

Houston, Texas Music Hall. When we got to our seat we found there was a soundboard covering them, so they moved us up closer to the front... GREAT SHOW I remember Geddy had the doubleneck and he was skinny as a rail in those days! Nazareth opened for them...

Keeping the Grover Slimlines and replacing the swaged pins with screws is the way to go.
When functional, they are a very good machine.
There are a number of people here who will fix them.
That is, if they are coming apart.
If they are not, well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Yes, you should be afraid that you will become addicted to them! The look good, feel good and work good ... as long as they stay together!!!