Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've read a lot about how 4003 had issues with some suspect saddles a few years ago, and I was under the impression that this had been solved.

But, I've noticed lately on my April 2011 4003 that when I hit the E string I get a pretty strong buzzing noise. When I push down on the saddle the buzzing noise seems to stop. The saddle itself is not noticable loose or anything. Do you guys think this is the same sort of problem or is this something easier fixed?

Unrelated: I've noticed a few guys who have wrapped some sort of fabric typically around the headstock, just above the nut, to apparently add pressure to the strings or something. Any idea why they've done this?

Maybe to prevent saddle sores?

Hmm,, not sure what to say about the saddle buzzing issue. Have you swapped strings on the bass? is the saddle even, not pitched forward or rearward? The first string swap I made on my 73 4001, I noticed the saddle was pitched forward a bit. I suppose it rocked slightly forward when it had no tension on it. I loosened all the strings, centered it, brought the strings up to pitch and it is rock solid. With the amount of downward force on the strings at the saddles, I can't see any looseness issue cropping up there.

The thing I have noticed in the various years of the basses I own, the headstock angle is more pronounced on my 2011 4003. There is quite a noticeable break angle on the 2011 than my 4001's and I think even my Blackstar. I think proper string winding at the post is more important on the earlier basses with less headstock angle.

I had a guitar tech, who specializes in Fender's, tell me once that he could not understand why Rickenbacker did not add tension hold down's, like the round disc on the Fender P headstock, to add downward pressure to the strings between the nut and posts. I told him why, as long as you properly wind your strings, you don't need it on a Rick. Fender guys crack me up, sometimes!

Sepp

Wow. You've got a Blackstar?

jingle_jangle wrote:Wow. You've got a Blackstar?

Why yes, yes I do, and it's going to be smokin hot when she's done!!!

Sepp

Hmm!

Well, I'm definitely not the type to drill things. I'm particularly not handy. I don't remember the buzz when I first got the bass. Perhaps I'll try the easy possible solution and loosen the string and re-tighten it onto the saddle to see if it's just in a weird position or whatever. I'll report back.

Thanks!

Loosening the string, resetting it, and tightening didn't have any effect.

I appreciate the suggestion, Dane, but it's not possible. I don't have even own a drill, etc..

I'll figure something out.

Thanks!

It's not a permanent fix for your issue, but I had the same problem when I bought my 2010 4003 FG. My saddles were all tight, even after changing from the Ric stock strings to flats; only when I started adjusting the intonation , did my saddle buzz/wobble start. Ric stepped up to the plate, and sent me new saddles. Even then the "D" string saddle was still buzzing. The other saddles were now fine. I just ended up cutting a tiny piece of thin clear plastic, and wedged it up under there. I was going to persue it later, but it's almost impossible to see the shim, and it works out nice now, so I've just left it. The thought bothered me at first; having to shim a new bass, but there are just too many other things I love about a Ric bass, and I'm not going to find them anywhere else. I'll get to it one day. Might be an option for you, if it wouldn't bother you.
John Sr.

crawlspacestefan wrote:I don't have even own a drill, etc.

Everyone should own a drill!

I live in a tiny inner city apartment - there isn't room to store a drill, let alone operate one!

An update: I called Ric for advice, etc. They were extremely pleasant an helpful, and (especially on hearing that the saddle does not sit flush) will be sending me a new saddle.

Thanks!

Same thing is happening to my 2011 4003. The saddle moves slightly left to right. The buzz is only there when I play an open E. Any fretted note is fine, and the buzz is not audible in a live setting.

When this happened to me a few years ago, CS took care of me with some new saddles under warranty. Give it a try.