Handrest removal on 4003

camel · Post by **camel** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 6:44 am

How do i remove the handrest over the bridge pick-up?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Mon Nov 25, 2002 6:26 pm

It is also called the ash tray ....

1 - take off the strings.
2 - remove the four screws that hold the chrome pickup suround down.
3 - lift the pickup out of the bass carefully, don't break any solder joints
4 - remove the 2 pickup height adjustment screws ... the whole assembly now comes apart.
5 - take the handrest out and use it for an ash tray or a door stop.
6 - reassemble the pickup still being careful of the wiring.
7 - or hire someone to do it for you ...

camel · Post by **camel** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 4:41 am

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the info, that all seems pretty simple. Any tips for re-assembly of the pick-up as regards height adjustment. I recently took off the strings supplied on the Bass and fitted some flatwounds so i guess it could do with a new set-up.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 5:43 pm

Most players like the pickups as close as possible to the strings ... but never close enough to touch the string even on your most aggressive string hit ...

The same goes for action .... as low as possible without getting too much fret buzz ...

The amount of fret buzz is a matter of taste

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 8:19 pm

FYI,
from a repair persons' standpoint, the term "ashtray" as relates to a Rick bass,refers to the huge cast baseplate on the 4000 series basses that the saddle section nestles in.More than one repair guy I know has used these in the shop[usually ones that the plating is ruined on]
for ashtrays or soldering iron cradles. The more famous"ashtrays", seldom used parts off a guitar or bass, are the snap on chrome cover for the bridge/PU on a Telecaster.Closely following that are the 2 large chrome covers off Fender P and J basses.If you used a Rick 4001 handrest for an ashtray, the embers might melt the cover a bit, as it is chrome plated plastic, NOT metal.