Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is this amount of lift a cause for concern? I'm looking to buy the bass.

I don't think any amount should be "acceptable" but it is likely that you won't have any further problem out of it. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get much worse. I wouldn't let it keep me from getting a 4003 and it is likely that any other will have the same issue (or worse).

get it!

I own several Ricks, and I wouldn't let that bother me at all.

Thanks Brian, pragmatic advice!

...and Sean & Randy (quick posting guys!)

that amount of lift is not a problem ...

Where's Gary's photo for the "this is too much" perspective?

In any case, those things are very easy to fix or replace.

Has anyone ever had one pop off? My 4001 has about the lift shown above. Doesn't worry me.

That looks like it has Pyramids on it. My bass looked like that with Pyramids. I switched to TI Jazz Flats, and the lift flattened out.

Before and After pics

Greetings All,
I just teched a C Series Bass with factory strings that has tail lift exactly as pictured above that's a couple of years old.

I would not consider it's lift an issue.

Additionally, setting it up with Pyramids afterwards showed no change in the amount of lift measured after 5 days. I don't expect it to change. Adjustments included the usual routine; truss, and intonation.

With my own C bass, which doesn't have lift at all, it's been strung with Pyramids for 2 years at standard tuning. It's solid, with no lift.

If your Rick bass has tail significant tail lift, I would strongly suggest the composite of the tail is suspect, and/or the cast lot is at fault if it's flexing.

That lift is definitely not a problem. Bear in mind that sometimes the top of the bass is not flat giving the illusion of lift.

Like Ted said!
Buy that bass!!

the worst case scenario is you either have to replace the tailpiece or add 2 extra screws ...