Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi everyone.

I'm very new - so sorry if this has already been covered.

I'm a long time bass player, love flats and I'm looking at a Rick as a bass I would like to get accustomed to!
But...I like BIG flats.
I play down in C, F,.... and use TI jazz flats from a 5banger set tuned up.
I've read in a few places on the net that Ricks don't like flats?

Is this gonna be possible on a Ricky?
Which Ricks should I avoid/look for?

Thanks in advance guys and gals

3001!

Welcome Slave!

Eden.

slave wrote:I've read in a few places on the net that Ricks don't like flats?

Ugh. It varies from rounds to flats depending on which place is milling your rumors. Truth is they like both just fine.

I've put around ~170 lbs of tension on all of my Rics' necks' at different times with no problems. That's about 43 lbs per string.

Okay - thats nice to know!
So the newer Ricks have a dual truss rod, making them suitable.

Would the older 4001's be more likely to have problems with high tension?

Ricks have two types of truss rods, and the "newer" ones on 4003s are single action and capable of withstanding a lot more tension than the old "bobby pin" configuration.

I've never seen your configuration, but it sounds interesting! I wonder, however, how much tension that neck would be getting! I'd leave the truss rods adjusted for a factory set of RWs, and install the thick set. Then I'd tune the thick set up to pitch gradually, keeping an eye on the relief. As it becomes evident, I'd tighten the rods gently to counteract the tension. However, if it really begins to feel "wrong" (and feel trumps numbers!), back off and give it a think.

So you would tighten up a truss rod with the strings at tension?
(I'm always careful with instruments, never done that before, I've only ever adjusted a truss rod after easing off the tension)

The same neck and truss rod system is used for both 6-string and 12-string guitars. The factory puts what is effectively a double set of 10's on a 12-string. That means that a 6-string neck can withstand the tension of a set as heavy as 14's, if you ever wanted to go that heavy. So a standard set of 12-gauge flats is not an issue.

iiipopes wrote:The same neck and truss rod system is used for both 6-string and 12-string guitars. The factory puts what is effectively a double set of 10's on a 12-string. That means that a 6-string neck can withstand the tension of a set as heavy as 14's, if you ever wanted to go that heavy. So a standard set of 12-gauge flats is not an issue.

Scott, read the OP. He's talking about a bass.

Yep, you can tighten the rods with it tuned to pitch; as I said, it's a matter of "feel". I think I'd have a friend hold the neck in position, applying pressure, if it felt a bit tight, though. That loosens the fretboard side of the structure enough to add a bit more torque.

However, if you don't think you can understand the "feel" thing, or are afraid to experiment (and I don't blame you...), loosen, adjust, and tighten again. Whatever you feel most comfortable with!