Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A friend just bought a brand-new 4001C64MG, it has a dead spot at 7th fret, D string. After 2 new sets of strings, and a set-up(intonation/action) at the dealer, the dead spot is still there. Ideas?

Tweak the truss rod(s) a bit? Someone postulated that is where the tight truss rod pushes the neck and damps. Someone else also posted it was only when they played finger with an upstroke, where a pick downstroke didn't exhibit the dead spot. This was in a similiar thread I read today but I don't remember if it was here or on the RIC forum - I had a lot of reading to catch up on this morning.

Tweaking the rods was my suggestion, Bass Emporium is closed Mondays so he'll take it back tomorrow for John to try the rods.
Keep the ideas coming!

My C64S has a "damp'd zone" around the 9th & 10th frets on the D string. It's isn't enough of an effect to keep me from gigging it, however...

...truss rod tweaking is ongoing with slight differences noted. We'll keep 'ya posted!

If the bass is brand new and still covered by warranty, try RIC customer service. They should have first crack at it anyway.

That is a common spot for a dead note. If a Rick is going to have one it will be between the 4th and 6th frets on the G string or the 7th to 10th fret on the D string. On rare occasion the open E will do it.

Yeah, it's definitely a recurring thing with Ricks. The dead spot on the D string. Probably a design feature... LOL!

My 64 RM1999 has one there too. It's good to see the factory reissues are truly keeping to original specs!

My '63 has a fairly strong one at D-7 and a somewhat weaker one at D-10.