Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Sorry if this has been asked before, but my minimal thread searching skills returned nothing about it so here goes: Why was the original 4004C discontinued? I was reviewing the literature archive on the Rickenbacker site and I really like the maple and walnut contrast on that model. The thing I find most odd about the C not being available is the 650 series has the same wood and color scheme as the C, but no Sii or Dii with translucents. Were sales any worse than the Cii?

JH?

I would think dealer orders would be the cause.

I agree Ryan, I find the appearance striking, love the maple neck, the feel of the bass, I enjoy mine.

She is a keeper.

I contacted Mike Parks recently about 4004s in stock or on the way based on curiousity generated by comments here. 4004Cii MG with chrome, Hi-gains, and VVT would be cool.

Anybody put a Hipshot on a 4004 yet? Chrome Toaster covered Hi-gains, Hipshot bridge + tuners, and script knobs would be a sleek updated Rick look on a 4004.

Really no need to replace the stock bridge/tailpiece on the 4004 unless you are converting it to a 5-string (or 6 or 8 or 10). I've got an original Cheyenne and an early Laredo.

I think the original body design was changed because the factory was having trouble getting good-quality walnut, so the sandwich was thought up with attractive maple front. I seem to recall JH or someone mentioning that somewhere. Maybe they have enough good walnut for the Sierra?

Wes- JPS had put a hipshot on this Cii when I bought it(pic 1), I removed it and sent it back to him when I added the fifth string. I really like the hipshot saddles and used those with an Allparts B style base to make a hybrid bridge(pic 2) for the conversion. You can't get those Allparts bridges anymore so I'm using Schaller bridges for future conversions as hipshot doesn't make a bridge narrow enough.

True enough, except if changing out the gold hardware on a Cheyenne the bridge has to go anyway. In that case, the Hipshot has a nice Rick tapered shape and proven performance. Is it too narrow spaced for the wider 4004 neck?

The hipshot in pic 1 above is a direct replacement for the ABM bridge that RIC uses and fits perfectly. It also comes in chrome, gold, and black for those who might be changing hardware color. The Schaller 496 bridge(pic below) that I use for my other fiver conversions also comes in those colors and gives 2 7/16" spacing which is close to perfect on a 4004.

Interesting conversion you made there with the hipshot Mark. Looks like it weighs less, which was my only complaint about the bridge.

Mark,

That one you got from JPS is stunning! Love the toasters and maple on it!

I guess in my Hipshot query, I was refering to the Rick style tapered brass replacement (the heavy one). I realize the B style will work, I have one on my P bass.

Mark, any idea why Jeff swapped bridges in the first place?

I think Jeff and I shared the same problem with the stock bridge.

In my case, to lower the action to my liking, the "E" and "G" string saddle would completely bottom out. Any additional adjustment would have to be made with the truss rods.

I didnt like that.

Jeff had the same problem I believe, and suggested the Hipshot style "A".

The best thing I ever done. Heighth adjustment problem gone, Increased sustain, (even noticable when played acoustically), and a general increase in ambience of the instrument. The sound before seemed "choked", now it seems to "breath".

I highly recommend the Hipshot Style "A" if you are experiencing any of these problems.

One more thing, If anyone orders one, make sure you ask for the longer intonation screws.

Scott is right as to why I replaced the bridge. I couldn't get the action low enough to my liking; the Hipshot style A bridge has a wider range of adjustment, plus the string slots are nice to have for obvious reasons. The model with 3/4" spacing is a direct drop-in with no holes to redrill. Interesting that Scott mentioned longer screws as I did not have any problem intonating mine/Mark's with the stock screws as supplied.