Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi:
I'm new to the forum, so I'll just spill the beans. I've got an '88 4003s/5 that i've owned and played since '91. The B string sounds like a piano, just awesome. I find myself reaching for my 4001 when slaping is required. I've seen a web site where a fellow has modified 4003 4 strings to 5 strings using a cut down 6 string nut. Since I don't really want to mod my precious 4001's and I already have a great sounding RIC 5-string, I'm wondering has anyone out there tried the six string nut and re-filed saddels on a 4003s/5??? Any info/suggestions greatly apreciated since I'm not likely to land a 4004Cii 5 (can't find one anywhere )

I sent you a PM.

There's no way a 4003S/5 can support more than 15-16 mm center-to-center string spacing without pushing the strings off of the fingerboard, whereas most 4001s are 17 or 18 mm. So I don't think you'll ever get it wide enough for you to think it's "slappable". Not that you couldn't play it anyway but I personally would find slapping on a spacing that narrow quite hard. (By the way, I am a horrible slapstyle player, so this means nothing.) Love your bass for what it is or sell it forward.