Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi guys just purchased a new 2012 4003 special edition walnut burst 1 of 25, really nice bass , just wanted to adjust the truss rods slightly , have adjusted lots of 4003,s without any problems , i have the correct tool but it is almost as if i cant get the tool to slide over the nuts as if the truss rods have been installed too far down, anyone came across this issue , i dont want to force anything. any help appreciated. George

Kind of barbaric, but you could try using a flathead screw driver and gently prying them up a little. It'd be best to clamp down the fretboard around the first 1st fret or so to make sure the fretboard doesn't pop up.

Grind down the OD of your tool.

ken_j wrote:Grind down the OD of your tool.

OUCH

aceonbass wrote:

ken_j wrote:Grind down the OD of your tool.

OUCH

I actually use one of these: It's pretty thin on the outside diameter, not sure if it's thinner than the "official" Xcelite tool, but it's got a sort of bevel/ramp on the internal edges that helps guide the nut into it. Plus, it also works as a screwdriver, etc. with standard 1/4 inch bits.

Here's a place that sells this one for $8.05, but I'm sure you can find this or similar drivers elsewhere.
http://www.strobelssupply.com/Drill%20B ... _id=201054

FWIW, I bought a set of small open ended ignition wrenches at ACE for ~$10, and the 1/4" wrench helped me remove the down-turned truss rod bolts from my 4001 without having to grind down my Xcelite L8 nut driver. Using them does requires some care, finesse (and interesting angles!) due to the tight clearance, but they did the job and saved me from gouging up the wood. They work on my 4003s8 as well, but thankfully the nut driver fits that one.

It's Craftsman part #944778, "8-pc open end ignition wrench set"

chromium wrote:FWIW, I bought a set of small open ended ignition wrenches at ACE for ~$10, and the 1/4" wrench helped me remove the down-turned truss rod bolts from my 4001 without having to grind down my Xcelite L8 nut driver. Using them does requires some care, finesse (and interesting angles!) due to the tight clearance, but they did the job and saved me from gouging up the wood. They work on my 4003s8 as well, but thankfully the nut driver fits that one.

It's Craftsman part #944778, "8-pc open end ignition wrench set"

+1, def gets you out of trouble, not liked in higher circles though

thanks guys, just wondering why i am having this problem on a brand new bass totally unexpected!!!! even old 4003,s were never a problem. the store where i have purchased the bass has another so may just swap it out. thanks all. George
here is the beast in question!! stunning!!!

Limited edition Walnutburst? Huh?

When I had this problem with my beat up '76 4001FL I chiseled a little finish (not wood, just finsh) out from under the nuts. But this is new bass... I'd let the factory sort it.

update !!! sorted gently used a flat head screw driver then once the tool was over the nut that was it thanks guys for the advice. G

George did you buy it from GG in Glasgow

yes scott thats where it was purchased.

Well id have taken it back to Bill and Billy and said sort it.Next time you have a issue im not that far away.

thanks scott all sorted and billy has always been helpful, i think Rickenbacker just made that truss rod fitting just a bit too tight. cracking sounding bass fitted some rotosounds and tweaked the neck, sounds awesome already. cheers