Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

it hasn't been that cold between here and nashville since tuesday and the case doesn't feel cold.

Give it an hour just to be safe! Even 1/2 hour is probably enough.

ok, it's open. i must say i am less than impressed with the paintjob. the bass is in immaculate shape but is in serious need of a set up. the neck looks straight enough but the action is too high. i definitely need to get straplocks!

overall, it's gorgeous. can't wait to plug it in this weekend.

Funny.. from the photos, the one thing that seemed to stand out was the finish...

it's damn near flawless except for on the serial number and in a 4" spot on the back where the body meets the top wing there's a few tiny spots of the wood showing through. most wouldn't notice but it was the first thing i saw. from a few feet away, no one would ever see it, including me.

now i just need a good set up and some decent strings.

Pics?

no camera, but the one i posted in the "i just bought this" thread does it justice.

the nut on this thing barely has any routing for the strings and the bridge is sitting super high. i9 am taking it to my "guy" tomorrow for a once over and set up to make sure the neck's ok. i am a tad bit concerned seeing the strings sitting as high as they are. maybe the previous owner just liked it that way. when i first started playing i liked my action super high...then i wised up.

If you get the nut cut down (I had to do that a little too...) and get that bridge cranked all the way down (be careful not to crack the finish....those damn bolts have washers on 'em that might do that...) it's sweet!

Cutting the nut to your optimum playing style is "THE" key to making a good bass an incredible bass.

People usually overlook this, and often give up on a great instrument just because they cant get the action where they like.

Sean, be really careful when lowering the bridge, detune the strings first or you run the risk of having the bridge screw ferrules pull out of the wood (I should know). If you have any questions you might try asking the folks at the Gibson bass section of the Dudepit, they discuss T Birds quite a bit.
http://www.vintagebass.com/thedudepit/forumdisplay.php?f=49

i'm taking it to a pro this morning to get this done and to make sure there are no issues with the neck that can't be adjusted out.

T-Bird necks are notoriously delicate & prone to dips & such. Also there are many folks out there who aren't fond of the 3 point Gibby bridges.
I got mine brand new direct from the Gibson factory & the set up was a joke.
BUT a properly set up T-Bird is a joy to play (& hear!)

i took it in, a litle badaboom truss twist, a little nut work and a slight bridge tweak and it plays like a dream!

How do you like the speed of that neck? It makes up for the lack of access to the upper registers!

it feels a lot like the MIA jazz basses I previously owned. i like it. can't wait to rock it out with my band next week.