Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The bridge lift on my c64 is getting really bad. So bad that I have to completely detune the bass when i'm not using it or else it just gets worse.

Right now I have is strung up with Pyramids, and I know that's most likely what's doing it, i'm going to go with TI's next.

My question is, is it repairable, and if not, where can I get a c64 tailpiece? Rickenbacker does not have them in their boutique, only the 4003 ones.

somebody might suggest you to add a couple of extra screws in the tailpiece... but I think it's an ugly remedy...expecially for a C64 which I would love to keep in '64 cosmetical appearance if I had one

Do modern 4003 bridges fit the C64 screw holes, and if so, would it be better to use a 4003 bridge for practicality, and keep the C64 bridge in the case?
I am assuming the C64 bridges are similar to the genuine old ones, and do not have the internal strengthening that the newer 4003 bridges have.

The 4003 bridge will fit, perhaps a Hipshot bridge may be needed, they are very strong and you could use just about any string made.

The tailpieces made until sometime in 1972 only had three screws and don't lift at all, the C64 tailpiece can't be historically accurate. Make sure the tailpiece screws under the bridge are tight, all my Ric tailpiece screws were kind of loose when I checked them. I use Pyramids and have no problems with tailpiece lift.

Shouldn't all C64's still be under warranty since they're less than 5 years old? Would the use of Pyramids void the warranty?

I bought the bass used and i'm not sure that the previous owner filled out the warranty card and all. I'll try to find out.

Ideally, i'd like to replace it with an actual c64 tailpiece rather then a regular 4003 one, just for some sense of continuity and authenticity.

As far as I know, Rick doesn't sell those tailpieces separate from the bass. I've been hearing of bridge lift on these from retailers with new instruments so there may be no permanent cure for it. Drilling the extra two holes at the rear like on the 4003/5 string bridges is tha way to go. At least the C64 bridges don't have the two extra holes behind the bridge to look at.

I don't believe that the warranty is transferable.

If you contact Ric and explain your situation they may work out an exchange for the defective part ... and it will cost a few dollars as well ...

Yeah,contact RIC.

That would be your best bet.

I sure wish they'd cut that new bridge design loose.

I decided to try an extra light set of strings before I went and got a whole new tailpiece. I went with a light set of Chromes and the problem has stabalized - the bridge is no longer lifting and my action is significantly lower! I thought i'd really miss the Pyramids but the Chromes are great.

Another convert!

I've got the same problem on my '02 c64...the bridge lift is terrible. No way I'm drilling two more holes in it, though.