Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've owned my 4003 for just over a year now, and I've noticed some rusting on the pickup poles and on one of the mute knobs. Actually, the rusting started shortly after I purchased it, and continues to get worse, but the knob just now started. Is there a way to fix this?

I was also wondering what could be the cause. I'm in Columbus, Ohio, and I wouldn't imagine the humidity is bad enough to cause the rusting. I do play very frequently, with several hours of practice and at least one performance every week, so maybe it is moisture from perspiration (yuck!).

Thanks for your help.

It probably is. Just like in the men's room, make sure you wipe. I'm in Florida, so I'm afraid I can't sympathize!

Oh, did you buy it new or pre-owned?

I bought it new. The pickups appeared to have a black coating on the poles, if I remember correctly. But it has long since rubbed off and now an ugly red rust takes its place.

This is quite probably from perspiration--your sweat contains salt and acids, which need to be removed from the instrument ASAP after each playing. Also, keep the instrument waxed--it sheds sweat better that way. Use a formulation like Lem-Oil, too, on the strings and frets.

A black coating on the pickup polepieces on a modern 4003??

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the pole pieces were black. I don't have my bass with me now so I can't look at it, but if you look at the picture, you can kinda see what I'm talking about.

The paint, or whatever it was, wore off, and exposed the metal, which then started to rust.

Um, hold on here. Not to go off the thread topic here, but why is there a Turquoise 4003 on that linked Musician's Friend page? I looked up Musician's Friend outside of that link even, and it still comes up, in addition to the rest of the colors.

Good point, Bob! No doubt an error, since they list MG but no pic of it.