Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi there guys is there anyone has photos of cracked 4001 because of string tension?

hahahaha!

Did you mean something like that? But these cracks were rather done by some headstock crash, as the neck is perfectly straight w/o further truss rod adjustment, though 105 stringset on it.

Fingerboard delamination is not from string tension. It is from improper truss adjustment technique.

You beat me to it Ted....

Rics don't crack from string tension ... but if you mistreat wood enough it will crack ...

Thank you all for your replies!
what would be the proper rods adjustment technique ?
I used at once a quite heavy string set and I can see some external finish "hair cracks".
Is there any suggestion about fixing or at least maintain this "tendency"?
thnx

Hi Vasilis,

Check out the definitive guide at Joey's Bass Notes: http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Joeys%20frameset.htm

Click on "Bass Guitar Maintenance" and then on the Ric bass icon.

When adding tension to old style Rickenbacker rods, it is necessary to first remove the string load. The old rods do not move the neck they merely hold it in place. There are two basic ways to do this. The factory suggests tuning up and placing the instrument on its back on a workbench or table with the headstock hanging over the edge. While someone is holding it in place or it is secured with a clamp, press down on the headstock slightly until the strings lie on the frets. Then tighten the nuts about 1/8th of a turn. Retune and check the relief. Repeat if necessary. I do it another way that can be done pretty much anywhere. All that is needed is a chair. Take your shoes off. Sit in the chair and stand the bass on its end button between your feet with the back of the bass facing your left leg (your right leg if you are left handed). Hold the bass between your feet (that is why your shoes are off) and pull back at the first fret with your left hand so the bass is pressing against your left leg. Pull until the strings go flat against the frets then adjust the nuts as described above. Retune and check the relief. Repeat as required. If you do it this way you will not pop your fingerboard off.

Welcome Vasilis. I believe you are talking about finish checking. Cracks in the CV clear coat finish. There is nothing to be done short of a refinish. It is usually caused by quick changes in temperature.

I really appreciate your information!!
This is how she looks like.

She is beauty !

triantavas wrote:I really appreciate your information!!
This is how she looks like.

These are the typical cracks due to truss rod stress on the fingerboard. I advice to give her some relief!!!

Is that the original nut? Something looks goofy. Maybe its just that the photos are so big and close up that I don't have much else in the photo for a reference. Has the nut broken free from its glue?

Thoses "cracks" are simple finish checking ... most old Ric basses have some finish checking ...