Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

First of all. If I add the two extra screws to the tailpiece of my 4003S-5, will it diminish the value of the instrument?

Second, what is the proper procedure to install the two screws? drill bit size, countersink, screws used, ect..... Im really on the fence with this one, If I keep it, I will do the mod.

Thanks in advance..

send it to jeff!

Scott, I took one of the tailpiece screws to my local mom and pop hardware store and bought a handful of stainless screws the same size. I then used a screw on my drill index to choose the smallest that would clear the screw. For location I used Gary C's template, but IIRC it aligned with the round mold marks on the underside of the tailpiece. Make a good dimple at the location you will drill with a center punch. Drill a much smaller pilot hole. Then open it to the correct size. Then countersink, going slowly and testing with the screw to get the amount/look you want as far as recessing the head. Then mount the tailpiece to the bass, get a drill that is about the diameter of the shaft part of the screw - not the spiral threads, but the body part. Judge how much the screw will sit in the tailpiece hole before it hits maple, then how much screw will be in the maple, making sure not to go through - IIRC there is well enough room. Put a masking tape stopper on the drill bit to act as a stop so you don't drill too deep into the maple. Make the pilot holes then drive the new screws in by hand.

Enjoy the difference and peace of mind.

As to changing the value at resale; it would to a strict collector, it might not to some collectors, and it won't to a player. Of course, IMHO.

Hopefully Gary won't mind me posting the template he drew up:

Much appreciated John..

cheyenne wrote:First of all. If I add the two extra screws to the tailpiece of my 4003S-5, will it diminish the value of the instrument?

Since many, if not most of the S/5 basses have the two extra screws in the tailpiece, I don't think that adding them will diminish the value of yours, as long as the job is done well, like John A explains.

johnallg wrote:Hopefully Gary won't mind me posting the template he drew up ...

Not at all, John!

Scott, I'm sure my old thread is still in the archives ... ha! Found it (I searched my postings for "lift"):

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=161788&st=0&sk=t&s ... t&start=90

It has a bunch of pictures that should be useful.

As a point of reference, consider that I had no qualms putting the extra screws on my 4003S/5 SPC even though it's very rare (5-7 probably made).

cheyenne wrote:First of all. If I add the two extra screws to the tailpiece of my 4003S-5, will it diminish the value of the instrument?

Second, what is the proper procedure to install the two screws? drill bit size, countersink, screws used, ect..... Im really on the fence with this one, If I keep it, I will do the mod.

Thanks in advance..

I don't think 2 extra screws on a 4003s5 or a 4003s8 will hurt the value of the bass ... maybe on a 4001c64 or a 4001cs but the s5 and s8 really need those screws.