Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

...if Hipshot had made their unit a different shape i doubt they would have sold that many,it's because the shape is so identifiable as a Rickenbacker tailpiece.

Bingo! And that, folks, is exactly what a trademark is all about.

Shawn, by adding two extra screws, your bass is no longer 100% original either ;(

I've heard that up until last week, Jason at Hipshot hadn't even heard about the trademark infringement issue. He did say he wasn't worried about it. Should he be and how could he not know while we do?

So could i say 99% original.

Hey folks, I'd like to make a suggestion here. Since there are at least several people, Jeff, Dane and Gary that have modified their bridge/tailpiece assemblies, how about somebody start a thread on this topic? The modifications you guys have made appear to be pretty simple and could be accomplished by regular folks like me. Well, maybe I'm giving myself a little too much credit there! LOL

Wadda ya think?

I'd agree, and there's also Ted's tailpiece mod that seems to do a great job.

I'd like to know why everyone who thinks the Hipshot bridge is so great, won't part with their original tailpieces. For a lot less than the price an inauthenticity of the Hipshot piece, an original tailpiece/bridge unit can me modified to work properly.

I did, and gladly. Since the Abomination was already, uh, abominated I had no problems furthering the abominationification.

The mods I perform require special tools and a VERY steady hand. I can do them on any 4000 series tailpiece/bridge assembly for $50.00+shipping.

Alan,

nice look there...

Dane - that's cool, and it's useful information. It looks like a fair price you're charging, too. So, does anybody have do-it-yourself tips on bridge modification?

Mick is right, that's a NICE looking bass, Alan.

Thanks, guys.

the mods that I do enable a 4 string 4003 to become a 5 string 4003 ... I use as many Ric parts as I can or other off the shelf parts as I can find them and then as a last resort I will have some parts special made ...

Jeff, what screw size do you use when you add the 2 to the back tailpiece?

I have used several different size screws ... it has to be long enough to get into the wood enough to hold but short enough to not go through the bass ... get a screw slightly longer than the Ric Bridge screws ...

Is the brass version of the Hipshot worth the extra $30? I would think the aluminum would be more sturdy, but is the tone that much better with the brass?

Thanks