Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

hi. i am on of those players that uses the B-E-A-D
tuning on a four string bass. i know that there must be more of us out there than i realized, for ROTOSOUND now produces a 4 string bass set B-E-A-D, RS66LH -- 130/105/80/65…a set which i now use on fender and G&L basses with no problem. i dont own a 4003 but would like to. due to all of the neck problems i have been reading about i would like to know if the 4003 will handle the BEAD set?... Will it void the warranty if I do? What problems, if any, might I have? Also, is the 4003 available in white with black binding? thanks david

Dm150: As RIC makes a five string bass with the same truss rods as in the 4 string bass, I see no reason why a modern Model 4003 wouldn't accommodate the B-E-A-D setup. You will need to do some tweeking of course. I suspect that if you make this modification that you may indeed void the warranty. This is a warranty question, however, that can only be answered by the RIC service department and so it would be important to contact them directly.

With regard to the white bass with black trim, the good news is that you can certainly order a BT option at the present time. The bad news is that white is not a finish offered by RIC at the present time. Again, an interesting question that should be taken up with customer service at RIC.

The follow-up question I have for readers, is, has anyone modified a Model 4003 or a Model 4001 using the B-E-A-D setup.

Peter,
The last thing I had heard from RIC was the BT option had been discontinued. Have they started making them again?
Sorry for the absence, I'm currently stationed at Ft Carson, and I don't have a system to access the internet very often.

I restrung my 1974 4001 B E A D and the neck is stable ... I had to raise the action .... If I want to leave it that way I will have to modify the nut.

I like the D G C F tuning on a four string as well. Also a A D G C F tuning on a 5 string is interesting.

But I love my 4003s5 with B E A D G tuning.

So Yes the 4003 can support that type of tuning and many 70's 4001's can too. But don't try it on a 60's Ric.

Kj: Yes, you are correct about the BT option being discontinued, I believe.

fyi....in emailed ric about the warranty issue regarding changing string gauges. they said it CAN void the warranty. i need to know if it WILL because, im thinking about buying a NEW 4003. i have re-emailed them to get a definitive yes or no on the subject. i appreciate the comments and after reading the 4-5 string conversion thread i feel confident that the 4003 neck would not be adveresly effected by the string change.i dont know if ric feels the same. we'll see.

According to Ricenbacker you are not supposed to put round wound strings on any bass made before 1980.

Most of those old 4001's do just fine with round wounds on them. They are being conservative.

Most of the neck problems came from people not knowing how to adjust truss rods.

You can still get the black nameplate and the black pickguard.

You may be able to order black bridges and black pickup surrounds for a while.

But the black binding on a 4003 would have to be an aftermarket item.

I've got my 4002FL (1982) strung C-G-D-G. Similar gauges ( a B sting tuned to C, A sting tuned to G).
My Fender Jazz is also C-G-D-G but with a hipshot on the C. So it can go A-G-D-G. Makes for nice deep octaves using the A&G at the same time. I'm currently using half-rounds on both (GHS Brite Flats).