Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Update:
Everything looks good with the new truss rods; neck is straight as an arrow and the action is nice and low. I've noticed a little fret buzz, but nothing too serious. Hopefully this will fix the bow issue.

I was very close to taking this bass to a dealer in Illinois and trading it for a 4003 MG. But it was going to cost me an additional $450 and I really like the 4004 sound. I did some soul searching and didn't want to give up on it so easily. The dual humbuckers remind me of a 2060 I used to have, but way better. Anyway, I'm sticking with it in the hopes that the neck ages well and only minor adjustments are needed in the future.

Glad it turned out well, Jason!

Good news Jason! I think every bass player should have a 4004 in their arsenal (especially a 4004L). The 4004 to me sounds like a Gibson Ripper on Rickenbacker steroids – a huge sound from such a light weight bass – phenomenal!!! I usually take me a little while to get a new bass zeroed in to where I want it… Sounds like you are close.

Man, I'm starting to jones for a 4004 now that I've tried one. But I really wish they'd push the pickups forward to LK position or some such... 4002 position would be sweet as well.

Guh, stupid GAS. I haven't felt it for a long time.

You underestimate the power of the dark side! You are beaten! It is useless to resist...

Ok so I'm still workin on this 4003 I got and I got it used and whoever had it before me treated it like shiza! So I got to straightening the neck yesterday and I seriously felt like I was trying to disarm a BOMB. I was soooo scared to go a little tighter, then a little more tight and maybe a little more tight waiting to hear that dreading crack or pop sound. but luckily I pretty muched tightened the two rods to the max(finger strength only no use of the arm!) and its pretty damn straight with no relief (not sure if thats a good thing...) but the action is awesome and oddly enough there was this frett buzz on the 3rd fret of the E string that just WOULD NOT go away, and I was getting frustrated cuz buzz on the early or late frets means I have to relieve the neck and that meant poopy action and feel for this bass! but I got mad and tightened the truss rod even further and whalla! It miraculously went away!