Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

PJRL wrote:Is that from over tightening the truss rods ?

That is from not knowing how to properly adjust the old style rods.

jps wrote:

PJRL wrote:Is that from over tightening the truss rods ?

That is from not knowing how to properly adjust the old style rods.

To clarify further, with the old style rods, which were designed to hold the neck not move the neck, if you over-tighten the truss rod nuts, it will make the rods bow too much, developing too much pressure at the aluminum block at the nut end of the neck, and the fretboard tries to pop off. Depending on how good the glue is there, and how the maple is grained, it will crack the woods apart either at the fretboard/maple glue joint (more desirable for repair) or down into the maple like CJJ's AzureGlo picture. Properly glued, it will be as strong or more strong then original, as long as the neck is moved to where you want it and the rods tighten a bit to hold it there.

johnallg wrote:

jps wrote:

PJRL wrote:Is that from over tightening the truss rods ?

That is from not knowing how to properly adjust the old style rods.

To clarify further, with the old style rods, which were designed to hold the neck not move the neck, if you over-tighten the truss rod nuts, it will make the rods bow too much, developing too much pressure at the aluminum block at the nut end of the neck, and the fretboard tries to pop off. Depending on how good the glue is there, and how the maple is grained, it will crack the woods apart either at the fretboard/maple glue joint (more desirable for repair) or down into the maple like CJJ's AzureGlo picture. Properly glued, it will be as strong or more strong then original, as long as the neck is moved to where you want it and the rods tighten a bit to hold it there.

Yep. I can only assume that's what happened to this one as it was bought from a pawn shop looking like this. The neck had been repaired at that time and seems to be quite stable, even with a set of slightly heavier than normal strings I had on it for a while...

michael.m wrote:I own a 1986 Ruby red 4003 and it is the best Rickenbacker bass I´ve ever played. I bought it as a back up for my 4001c64 but I play it more than 4001 The neck is great, very comfortalble, no tail lift because there are extra screws. I think that the truss-rod adjuster at the body end is not that bad.
Best thing is to try the bass you want to buy. Two Rickenbacker basses from the same year can be different instruments

Ditto on this one. I've owned many, many Rick basses over the past 30 years. My '86 is hands down the best sounding Rick I've ever touched - period.

Ruby, B/T, coincidentally.

Good to know, that I am not the only one with great ´86 Ruby 4003

Jeff Thomas also has one.

Would love to see some pics of your (80s) Rics - so feel free to share.

Am looking at a 4003S model on ebay - I hadn't heard of that before, what is the skinny on the 4003S?

Simply the "S" version of the 4003.

I once had an early 1981 JG 4003, and a mid 1982 FG 4001. Both were outstanding in every respect, including pickup output. I sure miss them.

My '85 4003 is fantastic! Nary a complaint, can't say enough good things, my buddies drool over it! Wouldn't part with it.

Having older models of the 4003 and 4004, I cannot attest to current manufactured goods; but, I can say this, I have found the 4004L to have a greater capability of filling the gaps when jamming in a small (3-piece) band. But, then again, Rush is a great 3-piece band, so what do I know...LOL

iamthebassman wrote:Simply the "S" version of the 4003.

any difference besides the fretboard inlays? Looks like the S has dots...

...and mono output, no body or neck binding...

jps wrote:Jeff Thomas also has one.

Did someone say "Would love to see some pics of your (80s) Rics?"



http://www.rickresource.com/register/us ... llsize.jpg

http://www.rickresource.com/register/us ... llsize.jpg



I'm not putting down any other model or vintage of Rick bass...they're all great in their own way...but I really like my '87 S's. To me, they're like the best of the old and the best of the new combined. Great, full tone...Small, yet strong necks with the modern truss rods, those great new Schaller tuners, jumbo frets, etc.

They don't have thin horns or walnut wings, but I like 'em just the same!

And if you can find one in Ruby, you get bonus mojo! Just ask these guys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDRJ7HrzjM