4003 - known for a "weak" bottom E string?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Thu May 11, 2006 1:55 pm

I am not surprised Jeff. It think it is mostly a 4001 thing. Perhaps some early 4003s had them but basses from that era would also have the old rods so would likely not be in your collection. I have seen them on instruments from about '75 to '80 only. They may have been used outside of that range but that is my experience. YMMV

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Thu May 11, 2006 2:24 pm

Ted:
Exactly. As for the plastic spacers being mostly a 4001 thing, I think so myself.

cerrem · Post by **cerrem** » Thu May 11, 2006 3:19 pm

The reason I brought up this up was what is the effects of removing" these plastic spacers... If you need the spacers for clearance than what would happen if you substituted something made from metal??? I am curious since many basses don't use insulation between tuning pegs and headstock... I don't always buy into "the factory must know what thier doing if it's on there" point of view...
Well..I guessthere's only one way to find out...
Since this is a such a pain in the A$$ to do, I was wondering if anyone already monkeyed with this and what was the outcome..

Chris

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Thu May 11, 2006 6:16 pm

I have them on several of my 4001's and they sound great, I always thought they were rubber gaskets. I think also my 81 4003 has them. May be a reverse tuner thing.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Thu May 11, 2006 6:52 pm

My '80 4003 has them.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:15 pm

Does it have reverse tuners Ted?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:18 pm

Yes it does.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Fri May 12, 2006 7:21 pm

I'll try and remember to check my 81 tomorrow.

grayk · Post by **grayk** » Sat May 13, 2006 2:44 am

Hello everyone, I havent posted for a while as I have been that busy with projects over the winter that spending time on the net hasnt been an option. Its good to see the "names" are still here. There is so much knowledge and knowhow to be gleaned from this site. It is without a doubt the best forum that I read and participate in.

There thats that bit done, now to throw a spanner in the works. my E string isnt a problem, but my G is !! I find that when I have both pickups on my 2000 4003 that the G is weak. If I play with just my bridge pickup the problem isnt as pronounced. I like to play just using the bridge but would love to have the option and darker sound of playing the bass fully open. Anyone experienced a similar thing ?

geddeeee · Post by **geddeeee** » Sat May 13, 2006 3:19 am

My 'E' string used to sound weak. I've found that it's a lot to do with the strings. 'E' side pole pieces are closer than the 'G' side.
Various sets of strings sound a wee bit different.
Just make sure that the strings are not twisted slightly in any way. It's been mentioned before in this illustrious forum, and I've found it makes a hell of a difference.
I haven't touched the nut at all. Mine seemed to be perfect, so I haven't had to deepen the grooves at all. The top of the nut is still quite high.
Can anyone tell me if the top of the nut height affects the sound or sustain in any way??

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat May 13, 2006 6:02 am

on a 4003 I find a .105 E string works good

ben_brown · Post by **ben_brown** » Sat May 13, 2006 7:53 am

Nut height should only affect the action desired unless of course you file it too low and then it might buzz and the buzzing will lessen your sustain.

grayk · Post by **grayk** » Sat May 13, 2006 8:03 am

Weak G string on a 4003 anybody ?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat May 13, 2006 11:12 am

Make sure your treble pickup is installed correctly.

thumper · Post by **thumper** » Sat May 13, 2006 4:43 pm

i tried to raise the E side of the neck pickup, the screws were very tight and when i turn them i can't see any change. ?