Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just wondering what your thoughts are on this modification. I replaced the original bridge (a pretty sketchy piece of hardware I must say) with that Hipshot one that's supposed to fit Rics, but I didn't like it because the saddles kept wiggling all over the place when I played, and I had to keep using an allen wrench to screw them back in every 10 minutes. Needless to say I'm not going to put up with that. I just ordered a Badass II because those are supposed to be the best, even though the installation requires new drilling. I'm a little nervous about it and wanted to know what people thought.

James,

I have a Badass II on my 4001. I want to return my bass to its original condition. I would gladly trade you for your original 4003 bridge and tailpiece assembly if you are able to cancel your order.

Failing a trade, would you like to sell me your original 4003 bridge and tailpiece assembly?

To answer your question, the Badass is a nice bridge and it is very stable but I would rather have an original bridge myself.

There must be something wrong with your Hipshot then. My saddles don't wobble.

A Badass #1 is what you need. A #2 won't cover the cavity under the old bridge. I have a 4003S with a #2.

Welcome James and Mark. John Hall (RIC CEO) has dropped hints on this forum in the last year or so that an improved factory bridge would be coming for the 4003 series. No indication of when, specifically, but if I were you, I wouldn't use a bridge that required modification to the body of your Rick. The Hipshot is a direct replacement and shouldn't be wobbly.

maybe one of these ... http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MUSICMAN-STYLE-BASS-BRIDGE_W0QQitemZ280062984589QQihZ018QQcategoryZ41407QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I had a BAII on my 4002 for 25 years.


It worked perfectly but flaws and all I eventually restored the original tailpiece. Have you tried talking to Hipshot customer service? By all accounts they are pretty comitted to getting things right.

I've seen that problem with the Hipshot. It happens when the strings' break angle is too shallow. If it were a bolt-on I'd say shim the neck, but with a neck-thru Ric, I don't know a solution.

Ted, that 4002 seems to be a problem for you. If you want, and only because I'm a nice guy, I'll take care of it,hold on to it, set it up right etc. This way you can tel your friends you own the thing, but it will be in capable hands.

PS - if you hear from a guy with intials JPS,that he can do the same thing, don't believe him. He can't handle an instrument like that. (trying so hard to type without losing composure ha ha)

now as far as the thread - my only issue with the hipshot is the weight. love everything else about it.

I had the same problems with one saddle on the Hipshot at first, but a small drop of non-permanent strength Loctite on the height adjustment screws will hold 'em.

The side to side rocking was a matter of adjusting slightly my playing style, which had always been very aggressive. A slightly different plucking angle solved that.

I only had problems with the G saddle height adj. screws & the D saddle wobbling on a hard upstroke.

The Hipshot is a fantastic bridge . Dont give up on it . They need a little tweaking sometimes but you will get it worked out . NEVER drill new holes in a bass! The badass is a great bridge for a fender as it requires no new holes , But not for your ricky .

The Badass I will require a bit of routing on the 4003 to sink the it into body, to get a usable string height. At least with BadAssII, you don't have to route, so you wouldn't have to replace the maple to restore the bass if desired. You will still have to cover the rest of the original route that Badass I will not cover.
I don't like aftermarket bridges on my Rick basses, makes them look like fakers to me.

if you have to change the bridge, i vote for the hipshot....tinker or have someone set it up for you and roll with it!!! i have had a number of Rics with badass II bridges installed and there is ALWAYS a surround that has to compensate for the hole...I had a 75 once that had a BadassI and it ruined the bass...sold it as fast as I bought it..

"PS - if you hear from a guy with intials JPS,that he can do the same thing, don't believe him. He can't handle an instrument like that. (trying so hard to type without losing composure ha ha)"



Ted knows better than to believe that!!!

Welcome James! I had absolutely no issues with the Hipshot that is on the 4003FLV that is now in the capable hands of Alex Heist. Perhaps you have a more agressive playing style?