Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have several newish 4003 basses and it seems that my 2011 4003 JetGlo has an odd odor. None of my other 2010-up basses have an noticeable odor, but the JetGlo has a distinct smell. Maybe it's the case, but whatever the source, it is odd.

Anyone else??

--jack

The skb cases can impart a funky odor. You might try Febreze,or some other odor killer on the case,if you notice the smell coming from there.

I'm not sure if the case is the source of the odor - could be - but it also has the odor. I can try some febreeze in there to see if that clears it up.

--jack

Is Febreze finish-safe?

Are you the original owner?

Have you tried storing it outside of the case for a few days to see if you can differentiate where it's coming from: the case or the bass?

jdogric12 wrote:Is Febreze finish-safe?

Are you the original owner?

Have you tried storing it outside of the case for a few days to see if you can differentiate where it's coming from: the case or the bass?

Don't know if the finish is febreze-safe. Good question.

I am the original owner - I bought it new from Musician's Friend (coulda been a return I guess). It has had the odor since I first got it a year or so ago. It has been stored in the case in a closet, but I just recently started playing it. I had been favoring my MidBlue and Ruby 4003 basses.

I haven't tried leaving it out of the case, I'm a bit paranoid that it could get damaged. I could leave it on a stand in my "gear" room and close the door so the cats don't get in there, but it's so hot in there with the door shut. I also have a spare RIC case I could put it in.

--jack

You may want to try baking soda packed in bags of cheesecloth . . .

Probably safer than Febreze.

Can you describe said odor...I used to have an odd odor coming from the case for my 4001 (I believe the case is about a 1980-81 vintage). Reminded me of corks. It eventually went away.

I did have a period where the strings on the 4001 had some odd oxidation on the strings - almost felt like metal splinters. It was at my buddy's place on the water (Tampa Bay, FL) for a long time at that point and had spent most of a couple years in the case. I took the bass home (mind you, I am not on the water, but the Gulf of Mexico is about 2 miles from me, so it's hardly "dry" inland Florida at my house) and the oxidation (or whatever it was) went away in a couple days of keeping the bass out. I did a little Febreze on the case and left it open for a couple of weeks, unsure if the smell issues from years ago had anything to do with. I don't think it did.

My best guess on the string oxidation is it was a test given to me by aliens from Tau Ceti. I guess the case smell 30 years ago was some outgassing from the glue.

I just love bass forums. Reading posts about 'febreze-safety' of bass finishes.

Chris P wrote:I just love bass forums. Reading posts about 'febreze-safety' of bass finishes.

You certainly won't find that kind of top value information anywhere else!