Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have a Fernandez Gravity 8 string bass. After I bought it I realized the neck was too wide so I took it to a local luthier and had him remove about 1/16th inch on each side of the neck. It turned out great. The neck is a bolt on. Can this be done to a neck-through Rickenbacker? My 1989 4003 has a 1 11/16" wide neck at the nut. Too wide for my surgically repaired wrist. This bass sounds great and is very solid so I would like to keep it and just be more comfortable playing it.

I've thought about whether or not this is possible myself. I think if you removed the neck binding, carefully cut the frets on either side with a Dremmel, then worked the sides narrower with a small diameter sanding drum till the neck width was even with the sides of the fretboard, it could be done. You'd then need to hand sand the necks profile to suit your hand, and if position markers are required, reinstall them.

Sounds like a job for Mr Wilczynski.