Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm getting used to the dots being where they are on my new 4003FL. Actually, I'm getting used to it faster than I got used to the dots at every position of my '75 4001FL. More practicing in the dark!!

I got some good news today, they are probably going back to the old way, I hate the new markers, they make no sense for a fretless. I play it better with my eyes closed. I'm going to have new binding put on it.
I have no trouble with my 72 except if I'm up high on the neck right below the octave.

Hello boys and girls!

Good news for me: Jeffy T (the rabid Rick S fan) just scored this 4003SFL on ebay. I've had it for a few days and am very pleased. The neck is as sweet as a 70's Rick, but more adjustable. The body is smooth and comfy. Tone is pure Rick.

I've been wanting one of these for a long time and am very happy to finally have one. Its my first fretless so I'm looking forward to practicing and improving.

But I have a couple questions for you Rick fretless owners:

1) It has the side marker dots where every fret would be, but the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 12th position markers are pinkish. Does anybody else have similar dots? I'm thinking that somebody colored them with a red permanent marker, but the previous owner claims that this is how it came from the factory. Not a big deal, I like them how they are but I think the 9th should have been done too!

2) The action is pretty high at the nut(.060). I generally like my nut slots filed down to about .020 action at the first fret. So my fretless newbie question is this: Is there any reason on a fretless why I should leave the nut alone(high)? I don't see why I shouldn't file the slots down to get my action as good as my fretted Ricks but thought I should ask.

Thanks in advance, and here's a pic:

Mmmmm. Nice!

Wow. I love the lighting in that picture. It makes the bass look like gold.

"I'm looking forward to practicing and improving"

That's good, as you will be going that for a lifetime.

I filed the nut down on my 4003FL to provide a nice low action at the first fret position, so go for it.

careful with them nuts...

hmmm..i never do that to a fretless..i play upright as well..i raise the nut to give some meat there to use vibrato..take a look at a cello or upright...you need some distance there for good true vibrato...not the same at all as an electric bass GUITAR a fretless is an electric BASS

ive been only playing fretless exclusivelee since 1976..ive only played music as my profession an only source of income since 1979 as well