Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I got a really, really good deal on a 4003 yesterday. I brought it home, changed the strings and I love it! The only thing is, that the neck is a little snakey. Is this fixable? I took off the truss rod cover, and it seems like they have been tightened down quite a bit already.. I only have a week to decide if I want to keep it, or get a refund, so please help me out!

Thats probably why you got such a good deal . If the neck looks like a roller coaster from top to bottom it is likely you wont be able to get it straight without pro help. so... That being the case i would give it back . You can always find a good deal on a rick on e-bay . Good luck to you and welcome to the forum .

Robby, welcome to the forum. It would be best to have a luthier /repairman who is known to be very experienced with Rick basses take a look at it to give you their opinion. If you can't do that within the week, bring it back.

There is a guy here in Austin. I am probably gonna take it up to him. Thank you both for your help.

The neck isn't REALLY bad.. Its just a 'little' snakey. The action is pretty good and there is no fretting out or anything.

Another question..

It had flat wounds on it when i got it, and I put some pretty heavy roundwounds on it (Up to 105 for the low E, those Ernie Ball Hybrids.) Could that be part of the problem?

The advice given so far is very good. The only thing I could add is if you are handy, try taking the strings off and loosening the truss rods all the way. Once you get there, try sighting the neck to see if there are any bend when both loads (strings and trusses) are removed from the picture. Sometimes necks get squirrely because the rods are too tight. Use a long straightedge to test for high and low spots. Don't lay the straightedge in the string lies but rather in straight lines that parallel the center line of the neck. Test 3 or 4 lines between the nut and the end of the neck. Avoid spots were the frets are worn as that will give you false low spots. Report your findings here. Pictures are great if you can provide them.

Yes, heavy strings tend to deflect the neck more.

One of the rods could be tighter than the other, causing a "twist".

Whenever I get a new Rick, I always change strings, and loosen both rods, and tighten them evenly till the neck flatens out. That way I know that the rods have even tension.

Rare occasions I have had to tweak one more than the other.

Listen to Ted. He knows what he's talking about.

Thank you guys again for all the help.
I found a guy here who sounds pretty reasonably, and highly reccommended. I will take it to him sometime this week.

I tried to take some pictures, but my digital camera is a complete piece!

Thanks again

I have a photo of the trusses.
Is it me or are they too tight?

This particular Ric has seen lots of shows. It is definitely "broken in". I am not gonna gripe about the cosmetic condition too much, it sounds great and the look has sort of a mojo to it. I just need to get this neck thing fixed.

I have set up 10 guitars for my friends as well as myself, but never a bass. New territory, and that makes me nervous. I'd like to take a stab at it, but I just gotta know what I am in for.

Appreciate it.

The picture is not very clear but when I zoom in it looks OK.