Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Yeah maybe. I added a vintage tone selector,which was easy compared to this odyssey.
I just can't wait to play the damn thing.
I borrowed a F**der Precision and it's an OK bass, but the Rick is where its at. I can play faster for a start. The neck on the Rick is slightly wider but its so comfortable.
Any other problems and its going to a luthier pronto.
Thanks for everyone's support and advice. Its nice to know people are rooting for me.
I'll let everyone know when my Monty is out of hospital and on the mend.

No one said owning a Ric was easy. They do have their quirks but there is nothing out there that looks as good or feels as good to play ! I'm pleased you are on the way to sorting it. You arent going to sell it now I hope ? I love monty brown, would have been tempted by that project had you want to sell it as it was. By the way not too sure about £400 to put it right, that sounds a bit pricey to me. I arent really up on it but we have a great luthier in Hull who would have sorted it. I dont think would have charged that much.

I think £400 was a bit pricey, thats why I didn't take the bait. I'm not that stupid.
I was thinking about selling it, but the other guys in my band told me a definite NO!!
After a week of thinking about it and playing a few other basses, I've decided to keep it. I think it's the right decision. I realise I would have been kicking myself if I let it go.
And the Monty Brown colour is beautiful.
The problem with Ricks are that they get under your skin, so if something like this happens, it feels like one of your arms has been amputated.
Now if I can just get that masking tape out.... Grrr!!!

How much is there in there ? Is it crucial that it comes out if you can get the new rods in ok ? Is it bunched up and blocking the channel ? I will have a think. A coat hanger seems quite a good idea at this stage as has already been mentioned though.

All of the masking tape from the rod is in there. Not one piece of tape was on the rod when it finally emerged.
I want to make sure ALL of it is out. I don't want any more truss rod problems if possible. The coat hanger trick seems like the obvious solution. It's probably going to take a little time thats all.

Once it's repaired & set up you shouldn't have to tweak it much if at all.
Glad to hear you're not giving up on it!

I hope so. Not hearing the Rick in full flow, snarling like an untamed beast, is horrible. I've got the bit between my teeth. Playing other so-called top of the range basses has made me appreciate the Ricky even more. Can't wait to hear that sweet tone again!!

If it's any help, finding problems with one particular guitar is not indicative of all of them. The rods on my '76 4000 have never been adjusted. There's a dab of red paint that hasn't been disturbed since it left the factory. I would say there's definitely no design flaw. Just that care & proper maintenance are required.
Problems are usually a symptom of abuse or lack of care from previous owners (in my own experience).

I understand where you're coming from. If something happened to one of mine, it would feel like finding out a family member had been crippled or badly injured. Don't worry, some of the repair jobs that have been posted by both Dale & Paul show that miracles CAN happen, but your isn't that far gone by a long shot. You'll get it worked out, & in the end you'll know your bass like you were one of the craftsmen (& craftswomen) who made that beauty. The whole experience will make the connection that much more personal.

Thanks Kevin.
My bass was purchased brand new and I've looked after it like my own child, with care and love. When the nut sheared off there was a 10 second gap when I was like, "Erm, what just happened?" Then the brutal truth set in.
I never want to experience that again. To any other Rick owners who have had any problems... I sympathize.
I've been following Dale's exploits and restorations with a lot of interest.
The man is a craftsman, a true artist.
I'll let everyone know about the progress of the patient.....

I think 400#(sorry I don't have the correct key...)
is a blatant rip off for that job. Good for you on persevering
I've had similar jobs come my way and I never had the you-know-whats to charge more the $100....
And That was for a very unregenerate patient!

Not all Ricks are created equal. Most are wonderful instruments but some begin life with significant handicaps. Some of them should never have shipped.

I was just reading along, and thought "wait a minute, these guys are really helping him through this ordeal!"

I'm truly amazed.......that's pretty damn cool!

That is the problem in the UK. There are not many 'luthiers', and I use the term loosely, who have experience with Ricks. They are used to Fenders or Gibsons. I've spoken to one or two specialists who know about Ricks, but they are charging silly money for repairs. If it was a restoration job I might consider paying for it. My Rick is only 2 years old.
I've been playing bass for 27 years, I didn't come down in the last shower. A lot of experts are used to the proliferation (long word) of younger players. They think they can overcharge. I know there are a few luthiers who don't overcharge and they care about the actual instrument and not the easy buck.
I wouldn't trust my Rick with just anyone. That's why I'm doing the work myself, with help from a few friends who know how I feel. And of course my fellow forumites who have been a mine of support and very useful information.
The Rick 4003 is a true musicians bass guitar, a one off design classic... fantastic to look at and a neverending joy to play. Like I've said before, during the last couple of weeks I've played a few so-called premier bass guitars from various 'top-of-the-range' manufacturers. Whilst these are undoubtably good instruments, they are not a Rickenbacker, which is truly an organic experience.
After the initial shock of the broken trussrod, I've discovered I cannot live without my Monty Brown Rick. It just wouldn't be cricket!!!!

UPDATE: Well, I finally got nearly all the masking tape out of the trussrod cavity. Will put the new rods in tomorrow, get it strung up and adjusted.
Will let everyone know the outcome. The end is nearly in sight. Can't wait to hear my baby snarling again.....

Mark - glad to hear you're making some progress with getting your bass back into playing shape. How did the original break? Were you just doing a truss rod tweak?