Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is this one just me, or does everybody have it?

When I re-string my 4004 Laredo, I have always noticed that the 'D' string is always very tight when fitting. The machine head feels really tight when it gets to pitch, more so than the others. I was a bit worried because it got so tight, didn't want to damage anything!

Funny thing, I re-strung my new 4004 cii yesterday, and it was exactly the same!

Anyone else got a really tight 'D'??

If it is the tuning key, you can adjust the tension with the screw at the end of the key. Loosen it a bit.

I'd say that all the tuners on my 4004Cii are pretty much equal...

my '93 4004L all seem to be the same - I would suggest doing what Jeff offered.

My guess is that it has to do with your string gauge of choice. RIC factory strings are 45-55-75-105 and they slot their nuts to match them. The string sets that I use are usually 45-65-85-105, which requires a widening of some of the slots--especially that pesky D. Not widening the slot will make the tuner harder to turn and will also cause tuning issues as the string doesn't want to move through the nut slot.

Thanks guys.

I've loosened the screw a small bit, and that seems to have done the trick.

Hope that's cured it....!

Thanks again!

If the D string is much bigger than 55 gauge it will be tough getting into the nut. I don't think your machine head should be an issue though.

spongebob wrote:Thanks guys.

I've loosened the screw a small bit, and that seems to have done the trick.

Hope that's cured it....!

Thanks again!

There is a reason those screws are there! I am glad that did the trick.

Had an issue with the D string on my 2005 4004L when replacing the strings, was unquestionably the nut because I widened the slot, and the problem was solved.