Replaced Sheared-off Tuner on 4003

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:57 pm

While I was recently comparing my basses for direct recording tones, I had the misfortune to have my '94 4003 slip out of its guitar strap and fall to the basement floor, shearing off the tuner on my D-String (I'd like to blame it on the vintage strap buttons, but user error was a major portion of the blame):

Just when you thought you'd seen it all....

I ordered a set of replacement tuners through the Rickenbacker online website and dropped in a new tuner tonight. It was a direct, exact replacement, and the operation was easier and quicker than changing the strings. I'm glad RIC offers replacement tuners, and they are the same ones as at least as far back as '94.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 3:59 am

Dean go to your local hardware store and buy yourself a couple of stainless steel "fender washers" the same size as the strap button. You will no longer have this problem.

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:28 am

Thanks for the tip, Ken. I assume that works with the vintage strap buttons, right? I'll have to give it a try.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 12:51 pm

Correct. I went to the RIC website to see what size (dia) the thread is, but it is not listed. It is probably a #10 or #12 but I don't remember. Just take the screw with you and get the best fit.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 6:48 pm

I think it is 1/4-20.

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 8:53 pm

It's too bad RIC doesn't sell single tuners anymore. I have two spare Schaller/RIC tuners, one new and one almost new. $15.00 each plus shipping or trade for something usefull.

redvette · Post by **redvette** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 2:42 pm

The RIC strap buttons are easy to work with because they have a 10-24 machine screw thread. I replaced the vintage type with the strap lock type and just saved the old ones if I sell to a collector. I get new buttons and the Schaller locks from:

http://www.the-music-connection.com/ric.htm

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 9:00 pm

That's a good idea. Thanks, I might try that.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:01 pm

Hey Dean, if you make some yourself, these pictures might be of help:

http://www.geocities.com/glclauson/DIYRICstraplocks/RICStraplocksDIY.htm

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Sat Jan 21, 2006 7:27 pm

Gary, that's a very good website. I'm not the greatest handyman, so I'll probably but a set of new strap buttons, but that is a good option for those who are interested.

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 2:57 pm

Thanks for the good words, Dean. I still need to ge tthe text wriiten and posted - the thread size wouold have been there, for example.

I still plan on getting going on having some of my DIY straplocks on hand in chrome, black, and gold. Gotta use the TARDIS, I guess, to gain some time ...