Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

rickaddict wrote:Link to data:

http://rrf.mcx.net/Rick_400x_Neck_Measurements.xls

I'm sure there is a link somewhere else on this forum in a location that makes complete sense to people with normal brains, but alas...I'm not one of those people!

That's the spot. Forum repository provided by JPS' friend.

As to the normalcy of your brain, well, um, I'll let the public record speak for itself.

OK, here's some NEW! data.

From my July 08 4003FL AFG
Girth (in cm):
1st - 11.53
3rd - 12.06
12th - 13.56

Of course, the "fret" locations aren't quite as exact since there aren't any frets...


Here's the Neck width, which for some inexplicable reason is in inches in the file:
Nut - 1.776
12th - 2.174

And the front to back thickness, again in inches:
1st - 0.872
7th - 0.929
12th - 0.944
16th - 1.027

So, comparing to my other basses, for girth, this one falls somewhere between my '76 4001 and my '84 4003, closer to the '84. For thickness however, the new '08 is thinner than my '76 all the way to the 12th fret while the width is a bit wider, almost as wide as my 4004Cii...

Added, and I was surprised to see it was not the first FL. Don't remember that.

I have, up until now, resisted the temptation to "measure my girth" in the Rickenbacker National Forest, but in trying to find trade fodder for Matt who has a nifty MID for trade, I decided to try it. I used the recommended method of using a strip of paper tightly wrapped around just behind (up neck) the 1st, 3rd, and 12th frets, ticking the girth measures, and checking them to a mm ruler. After briefly studying the Excel file on the accumulated data, I have new extremes to throw into the pile. In the file, the 4004s are listed in a separate table (but strangely, the much wider 4004Cii/5s are in there, too), but among the few four-stringers, I have a new champion of girth. My '08 BBR Cii comes in at a portly 142mm (that's 14.2cm) at the 12th fret.

But the new champion of gaunt girth is my Shadow, with an incredibly low 107mm at the 1st fret, a svelt 112mm at the 3rd, and 129mm at the 12th. There doesn't appear to be any other Shadows in the table. My Blackstar was also skinny at 110mm, 113mm, and 131mm respectively. Compare these with my '72 "Mink" at 112, 115, and 130, and the "shaved neck" white V63 (Fortune refin) at 112, 115.5, and 131.

I don't have time to read through all the pages of this thread, but is there someone who can enter my findings (18 basses) into the Excel file? Just let me know to whom I should send the data. Thanks.

Email them to me and they will be added anon.

Paul, I have the database updated but can't upload it as the site's ftp capability was turned off due to an attack. I will have access soon and will put up the file then.

It is up now.

Thanks, John!

One-piece January 2009 4003:

1. fret: 11.4
3. fret: 11.9
12. fret 13.4

I've read here and there that the early '09 one-piece necks are supposed to be so chunky, well mine is very comfortable, I wouldn't want it any skinnier.
BTW, fellow forumite Robert from Philadelphia sold me this one: Me like!
Cheers,
Ole

oler wrote: I've read here and there that the early '09 one-piece necks are supposed to be so chunky, well mine is very comfortable, I wouldn't want it any skinnier.

Nice one, Ole, enjoy it!

My home is always open to any under-appreciated "chunky" neck Ricks.

Ole, entered. Thanks.

I just picked up a Jan 2010 MG 4003 with the following measurements:
1st fret - 11.4
3rd fret - 11.8
12th fret - 13.3

It has the 2 piece neck and has a nice flattened C shaped profile. It feels subjectively to be slightly slimmer than the 2009's I recently played.

Pardon my meager photography skills. It looks much nicer in person!

My Rick's girth widens if you play with it awhile.....

That looks great, Carl!

Thanks Jeff!

I just remembered that I have the measurements to a couple of other 4003 basses I recently played before buying my 2010.

Aug 2008 JG:
1st - 11.4
3rd - 11.85
12th - 13.4

Aug 2008 JG Fretless:
1st - 11.55
3rd - 12.05
12th - 13.55

Dec 2009 MG:
1st - 11.4
3rd - 11.8
12th - 13.2

Jan 2010 MG:
1st - 11.4
3rd - 11.8
12th - 13.3