Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

OK, bit of a rant here....please forgive me but I am not too happy.... I have recently purchased TWO used 4003's. I got the polishing cloth and the paperwork that the basses were sold new with. But in neither of my cases was there a wrench to adjust the neck with. My MG needs a minor neck adjustment....but honestly in the condition it is in....I really cannot play it on gigs..... So far I have ordered the suggested Xcellite tool online and as warned....it does not fit. Now I am going to have to send the tool to a very kind forum member who has offered to grind the tool down so that I can hopefully adjust the neck of my bass. I am really shocked that I have to go through this much to get my bass in playing condition. I truly am thankful for you folks on the forum who have been able to offer insight, information and help..... but I just can not believe that it is going to take me WEEKS to simply be able to adjust my bass neck. Please tell me that the basses are sold new with the wrenches and I just happen to purchase two nearly new Rics from two totally different guys who by chance happen to collect Ric truss rod wrenches....

The nut drivers are not included with new Ricks, as most people will never adjust their own guitars and there are some people who shouldn't adjust their own guitars. Therefore, RIC doesn't doesn't add it to the cost of the guitar by adding it in as case candy.
RIC is not the only guitar maker that does not include a truss rod adjustment tool with a new instrument, probably for the same reasons.
Sorry you're going through this right now, but once you have the tool as you need it and your 4003's are properly adjusted, you should be very happy.

Scott, deep breaths. Look at this link.

from here: http://boutique.rickenbacker.com/Access ... 0.html#top

If you use a clamp on the neck at the nut (fretboard to back of neck) you can pry the rods up with a flat blade screwdriver and be able to get the wrench on them.

I can honestly tell you..... I have worked on and off for the better part of 25 years in guitar stores..... this is the first time I have dealt with this. I am not slamming Rickenbacker..... I just purchased TWO of them. But the hassle that I am going through to be able to adjust and play my bass....not cool. For $1900.00 I don't think the added cost of a truss rod wrench is gonna bother anyone willing to lay down the bread for a Ric to begin with. I purchased the "suggested tool" and there is no way on earth it will fit in the opening to adjust the truss rod. I am going to have to go and purchase a bench grinder tomorrow so I do not have to wait for weeks to play my bass on gigs (the reason I purchased it). I will be about $75 into this just to adjust my neck once this is all said and done. I can't imagine that it would have cost me that much if the company added the cost of their wrench to the bass. Anyway..... I just want to be able to play my bass on a gig...I am a HUGE Ric fan....but I am just giving a little honest feedback...this put me out quite a bit..... If they dont provide them because of the cost of folks damaging their basses because they don't know how to adjust their neck....I can understand that....but dang man...how about making it just a little easier for those of us that might... just saying....rant off.

johnallg wrote:Scott, deep breaths. Look at this link.

from here: http://boutique.rickenbacker.com/Access ... 0.html#top

If you use a clamp on the neck at the nut (fretboard to back of neck) you can pry the rods up with a flat blade screwdriver and be able to get the wrench on them.

****...that is what I was looking for...... I looked all over the sight..... guess I missed it. Thank you..... save me buying a bench grinder!

Availability: Out of Stock

Of course!

Man I swear that looks just like the one I purchased

http://www.amazon.com/Xcelite-Hollow-Nu ... B004UNFR1A

Because it is the same tool.

well....it doesn't fit..... at all

I just adjusted the neck on a 4001V63 this past Sunday with the Snap-On tool I linked to in your other thread. It slid on with no issues. I will measure the OD and give you an idea what your target is.

Thanks Ken, I was trying to avoid the $75 Snap On..... might have been the smart way to go after all. Should have listened to you.

The OD measures 0.398" (10.11mm). The nice thing about this ratcheting driver is that, once on the truss rod nut, you can index the handle to make it easy to turn in 1/8 (45 degree) increments. This comes in handy when turning both rods an equal distance.
Edit: At this point I would have the one you purchased turned down to that diameter. Do you know anyone with a lathe? If not go at it with a grinder, belt or disc sander.

LOL....just read your tag line ;0)

Thanks Ken....I will see what I can do as far as locating a local bench grinder and take it from there....

Scott, you can use any 1/4" interchangeable bit driver that has a long shaft. They are usually thin walled. That's what I'd used for at least 26 years until it finally gave out. You can buy them in a set at a very reasonable price at most hardware stores. Now I do have an Xcelite tool.

Thanks Joey, I bought the Xcelite tool but it doesn't fit on my bass at all. I guess I could take the Xcelite to Home Depot and see if I can eyeball compare it to others and see if I can find a slimmer tool.