Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just throwing this out there, I ran into a post someone made about using washers underneath the bridge. Anybody try this? I am talking about just using them as a shim, not as part of any modification. thanks.

I did it. After using pyramid flats on my bass, the tailpiece began to lift from the tension of the strings. I switched to ti jazz flats, which have less tension. While I was changing the strings, I added washers under the tailpiece. It helped the tailpiece flatten back out, and it helped the strings to have a more even volume. If you have a weak low e string, this can help bring it to life.

I didn't use washers but taped 2 coins of appropriate thickness to the tailpiece cavity of my 4003 Shadow. Both the sonic solidity and sustain were enhanced quite a bit to my ears.

This is most interesting. I recently had TI JF 344s put on and after a few days my tail lift went from a 1/16" to an 1/8. Some of the threads seemed to make little a an 1/8 so I haven't worried. When the strings were put on the tech did straighten the neck more, there is still a little relief. I don't know enough about this, whether to put in the "two cents" or leave it alone, any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

I tried the washers trick on my '73, no tail lift, just wanted to experiment. No significant change in response, I must say.

I am changing hardware on my 1988 4003....I am going to try this.

The last time I had my bass at rehearsal, I do remember of some dead spots on the fingerboard, or even a whole string being weak.

Also, another thread talks about drilling holes in the bridge, so that allen head height adjustment screws actually touch the wood body of the bass, not the bridge...so a more direct sonic link.

I might try that as well.

And, I think this can be used on the hipshot bridge replacement. IIRC, the hipshot is flat on the bottom, and would be able to take shims as well.

any one have experience with that?

allen

+1 here on the washers. One of those little tricks that doesnt get much talk.

Works on the hipshot as well, never thought of using tape...

paul_yan wrote:I didn't use washers but taped 2 coins of appropriate thickness to the tailpiece cavity of my 4003 Shadow. Both the sonic solidity and sustain were enhanced quite a bit to my ears.

Your bass is worth more,now, Paul!

There are other ways to save for a Rick...

thisismusicinc wrote:Works on the hipshot as well, never thought of using tape...

hahahhaa

that is funny....is it supposed to be?

look closely at the pic

big al

[quote="paul_yan"]I didn't use washers but taped 2 coins of appropriate thickness to the tailpiece cavity of my 4003 Shadow. Both the sonic solidity and sustain were enhanced quite a bit to my ears.





is the sound still balanced, even though the coins were minted different years?



juuuuuust kidding~!

jps wrote: Your bass is worth more,now, Paul!

Yup, 2 cents, Jeff.

rokkitt wrote: is the sound still balanced, even though the coins were minted different years?



juuuuuust kidding~!

Yes, absolutely balanced! 2001 for thin strings and 2005 for thick ones. Very logical, ain't it?

paul_yan wrote:

rokkitt wrote: is the sound still balanced, even though the coins were minted different years?



juuuuuust kidding~!

Yes, absolutely balanced! 2001 for thin strings and 2005 for thick ones. Very logical, ain't it?

[shaking head]