Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ok, Brand new C64S. With brand new D'Addario Chromes (.94-.40). I put these strings yesterday and I noticed that they are tight against the fretboard until tuned to pitch. Then the 1-5 frets buzz almost to the point of no sound. and the action gets progressively higher to an uncomfortable lever by the 16th/17th fret. I do not know if its under or overbowed. I do not know hot to adjust my neck. How do I correct this without having to trust someone else with this work.

This sounds like a combination of things. The rods are too tight and the bridge is too high. Do you have the correct truss rod wrench? This is important to have and does not cost a lot of money.

I do not have a truss rod wrench. Where would I get one? And ill need to pick up an allen wrench for the bridge. I've missplaced mine.

I do not have a truss rod wrench. Where would I get one? And ill need to pick up an allen wrench for the bridge. I've missplaced mine.

Classic case of overbow (convex neck, just to be clear).

You will need to remove the truss rod cover and loosen both truss rods a bit. Using the special RIC tool or another brand of thin-walled, long-handled 1/4" nut driver (which I'll bet you don't have, and don't use a socket wrench!), loosen both truss rod nuts until you feel no resistance. Then tighten each about 1/4 turn--no more. This will take a day or even longer to settle in. Check things again, and repeat in 1/4-turn increments every day or two until you have the action you like.

I guess I'm on my way to Home Depot. I've always wanted to know how to set up my own stuff, but I was always afraid to do it. Thanx Guys.

Craftsman makes a great tool as well. Made in the USA I mite add.

Cole

Hmm. Home Depot? Careful! Can't over-emphasize the thin wall socket or driver. Don't get anything you have to force over the nut or gives you a poor angle.

Paul, after I tighten that first 1/4 turn should I tune to pitch. Or leave it alove and let it adjust?

You can tune it to pitch again (It won't be far off...) and play it, too. It'll help the neck to settle in. Then check it every day until it settles down. Then re-adjust if required.

Don't overtighten!!!

I second the Craftsman 1/4" nut driver (red handle accent). It is thin enough to fit without any forcing. Head to Sears, not Home Depot.

I bought one for each guitar!

Cole

Caution: Two handed adjusting is best left to professionals - Don't try this at home!

What do you mean Kris?

Ok Paul, I found a suitable tool and followed your advice. It seems to be ok, I need to get an allen wrench and lower the bridge. I guess i need to also give it some time like you said because that "E" string still likes to buzz.