Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I know this is a fairly rudimentary question and its probably been explained before but . . . can someone explain the difference between a set neck and a through neck? Why would someone prefer one over the other?

On a through neck the neck runs the full length of the body and the body wings are glued on to it. On a set neck the neck only extends a short way into a pocket in the body. In most cases (but not all; some builders prefer it) a set neck is used to cut costs, but it does impart a somewhat different sound.

I always like to weigh in on this subject. While I agree that neck through is the better design, the fact remains that my set neck 4001S is still the best neck of my three Ric basses by far... perhaps because it it an early 80's model with a slim neck, but the action is so low... I just always advise potential "S" buyers not to pass on one because of the set neck factor. They are wonderful basses!

Oh I agree Jim. My 4000 sounds fantastic and can be set up with virtually no action. I always thought of 4000 basses as second rate til I played this one; sound and playability-wise I like it better than the V63 I had or either of the CSs I've owned. It's really got something IMHO, although I'm sure wouldn't be too everyone's taste.

Shaun, I must agree about the set necks. My 4000 is also my favorite RIC.

My set neck 4001S gets alot of playing time. It sounds great, the action is very low and it was pre-beat up, so no worries about scratching or dinging it.

So which Rick basses have set necks and which have through necks?

The set-neck Rick basses were the model 4000 and 4001S during the mid/late 1970s to the mid 1980s. At some point (still to determine when and why), the company streamlined production of these models by using a common "chassis" (my term) with the neck produced separately from the body. The differences were the selection of one or two pickups and the associated controls and wires. Many (most?) of this era basses used the shedua "skunk stripe" through the center of the neck, but since the body was carved separately, the stripe was absent from the body. Full-trim 4001 of the era had the stripe all the way through as they were manufactured "through neck" or "neck through." If anyone has firm data on when the set-neck design started to be manufactured, this author would appreciate it.

Oh, also the Rick 4005 semi-hollow bass had a set-neck.

The "budget" (my term) models 3000, 3001, 2030, 2050, 2020, and 2060 had bolt-on necks.

I've played a few 4000 basses before, and they are nice basses. The pickguard looks a little bare with no pickup on it, but they sound just fine.

My first bass was a '81 4000, and it was a clankin' machine... the pickup on it was fantastic, it really cut through. I'm sure someone will set me straight, but maybe the set neck has more fundamental and less overtone harmonics than a neck-thru? I don't remember the 4000 having the pianolike quality the neck-thrus have. I would be very leery of buying a 4000 if it's been routed for a neck pickup (apparently not uncommon for the factory to do) since the neck butt is quite a bit thinner than on a neck-thru Rick and it doesn't seem to leave much wood joining the neck and body...I'm guessing 4000 set-neck models left the factory with flatwounds??

"A clankin' machine"

Jo, that just about sums mine up!

Jo my '73 4000 has no route and sounds awesome. Must thank Sergio again for his bit as well.

My '76 4000 is a set neck & has a bit less low end than the 4001, but loads of harmonics & sustains beautifully. The bass is quite a bit lighter than a 4001.

It had the original 10 year old RIC flats on it when I got it.
The neck is slim & you can get any height action on it you could want.
That mid 1970's FG is just beautiful!

It's not a subtle sounding bass, wouldn't do well in a smooth jazz format, but cuts through a heavy mix like nothing else!
It's also one of the most responsive bass I've ever played.

Hey Bob. At your service - always.