Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

A few months ago I picked up this '86 4003 and I really enjoy it. As nice as it is stock, I am a perpetual tweaker and, after looking at the Hipshot drop-in replacement bridges, decided to go for one. I went with the brass model because I came through the glorious Brass Age in the 70's, when every bass needed a brass nut and bridge!!!

Anyway, got one and here it is. First I have to say those guys make tip-top stuff across the board. This is no exception - excellent machining, and I love the added tweakability in the saddles. I had a "less than live" note on the D string 9th fret and this definitely tightened it up. Overall the bass sounds noticeably better - not night and day, but improved without a doubt.

I'm glad I can do this guilt free because this isn't a collector but a player. If any of you are borderline on this - go for it. Highly recommended.

I put the aluminum version on my V63 and have the same opinion. It helped the sound of this particular bass and the ease of adjustment is superior.
I prefer the looks of the factory tailpiece, but this is my workhorse.

I love my Hipshot stuff. I've got their brass bridge on my 4003S.

Man, I think it'd be cool if RIC and Hipshot joined forces to make a bridge for the 4003's. imagine, the Look of the RIC, the strength and adjustability of the Hipshot, and they could still put some mutes on it with some minor design tweaking.

Regardless of other comments and thoughs, a bridge that bends with age and use is NOT a perfectly functioning bridge ,IMO.

The Hipshot 'A' style bridge is also a nice drop in replacement for the 4004. I prefer the secure string spacing adjustment over the rollers from the ABM Ric used previously. The string "top-loading" feature is a minor bonus as well....especially when I was changing strings after every gig. I can't positively attribute any direct tone changes due to the bridge but it seemed to offer just a touch more clarity and sustain. The main reason I switched to the Hipshot, however, was because they are readily available in a black finish and I prefer the aesthetics. I may get one for my LK at some point due to the stock ABM gold finish being almost completely gone from wear (but that's another issue).

That looks great, Brian!
The tailpiece looks like it's solid as a rock, too!

Just beautiful, Brian. You need black hardware on the pups....

What a cool looking bass Brian. I agree that black hardware would finish off the "look".

bassilisk wrote:I went with the brass model because I came through the glorious Brass Age in the 70's, when every bass needed a brass nut and bridge!!!

What does the weight differential from the original to brass feel like to you? Does the neck want to jack itself up now or is that a negligible issue when you're playing?

winston wrote:What a cool looking bass Brian. I agree that black hardware would finish off the "look".

johnallg wrote:Just beautiful, Brian. You need black hardware on the pups....

Actually, the Laredo looks a little different now and may be undergoing some more drastic changes before too long.....but that's another story. I always liked the stainless hardware (no longer chrome) to offset all of the black. It goes well with the frets, strings and TRC lettering (IMO). OK, back to Hipshot talk.....I just thought I'd clarify my Laredo's current status and whatnot.

incubus2432 wrote:Actually, the Laredo looks a little different now and may be undergoing some more drastic changes before too long....

So, you decided to paint it white?

jps wrote:So, you decided to paint it white?

Not quite.....I have something a little more "severe" in mind.

Sharkbite?!

Steinberger-like?

jps wrote:Steinberger-like?

There's a scary thought!