Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey everybody, I just bought a used (2002) 4001C64. I noticed in a few spots on the bass side of the fretboard I can fit my thumb nail in between the fretboard & the neck. I ran my nail across the seam & it started to break through other spots down the neck too. The treble side is better (cant break the lacquer) but I can see the stress line on that side to.

Any rate. I"m kinda bummed out thinking I bought a good bass, but if the fretboard/neck is separating that obviously means I bought a mishandled bass. Any suggestions to tell if there's any internal damage to thebass from the truss rods literally pushing the fretboard & neck apart (I'm guessing this is what happened)? Or is this pretty much a lost situation? I'd like to fix the cracks & repair it as good as possible. Any advise on sealing them up & trying to make things like new again? Thank you for anybodys help.

-Kris Miller

Kris, I recommend that you cross-post this under the Vibrola section so that the luthiers will be sure to see it.

It sounds to me that a previous owner was a bit too aggressive at adjusting the truss rods.

Sounds like someone got a little overzealous when adjusting the truss rods. I wouldn't give up on it. This definitely sounds like abuse. I'm no guitar tech, but it should be fixable, I would think.

This is very not normal, Kris. And since you mention that you "just bought it," I have to ask...Are you able to return it?

I'm sure it can be fixed, but if it arrived falling apart I would want a refund.

I'm with Jeff. It's like the bass has seen temperature conditions that let the glue holding the fretboard to the neck to dry out and break bond. I'd return it.

No returns.... I have no choice. I'll just have to fix it.