Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi,
my question is about the difference in the amount of relief on each side of the neck on my new 1986 4003S. I have it set-up like this: 0.5mm on the treble side of the neck and 1mm on the bass side.

I've always found that the E and A strings benefit from slightly more room to vibrate.

Is there any risk of twisting/bowing by having different amounts of relief on each side of the neck?

No, that is the reason for having two truss rods in the first place. Different relief on each side on an otherwise perfectly straight neck is twist. The dual rod system is designed to apply a small amount of twisting force (torque) to the neck.

Thanks that's put my mind at rest.

twist & shout!

Ouch. The word play around here is excruciating sometimes;)

For the record, we suggest our instruments be set up with no relief at all, a dead straight neck. Then introduce relief only as needed to reduce the buzzing the the level you're willing to accept. Going by a straight measurement rarely results in a satisfactory set-up as there's just too many factors involved, i.e. string type, playing style, and basic personal preference.

That being said, your action is quite low, because 2.4 mm on the bass side and 1.6 mm on the treble side is more normal.

Thanks for the advice Mr. Hall.

If it wasn't for a slightly worn third fret present when I recently acquired the bass I would indeed be setting the neck totally flat. Until I get the frets dressed this still allows me low action without buzz.

...2.4 mm on the bass side and 1.6 mm on the treble side is more normal.

While I realize that these numbers are meant to be a ballpark starting point, there is something that I've always wondered; is this measurement taken at the 12th fret while fretting at the first fret (as I've seen some other manufacturers and many luthiers recommend...), or with the string "open" to the nut (or in my case, zero fret)?

IIRC, it is taken while fretting at the first fret (I usually capo at the first fret when checking relief).