Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm thinking I want to replace the original plain white pickguard on my 4003 with a white-pearloid. But I'm confused about which 'version' I should buy. I was looking at the AllParts site, and noticed that the two-piece pickguard is supposed to be for the 4003. I subsequently did some research on here and learned that this is only for the early 4003. Mine has a pickguard config that looks very similar to the 4001 pickguards. Which one should I buy? They sell them pre and post 1974 for the 4001. Will either of those work for my recent 4003?

Michael....The AllParts pickguards are flimsy junk made out of ABS. Call Tony at Pickguardian if you want one in pearl.

Oh cool, yeah that'll work. Thanks!

The 2 piece pickguard were for only the very first 4003 models, which had the truss rod adjustment at the base of the neck, rather than at the headstock.

Other's can probably be more precise, but it was probably 86 or so when that was changed. If you don't have a 2 piece PG on the bass now, you don't need a 2 piece PG.

You also say "recent" 4003. You don't need a 2 piece PG.

Yeah, Tony does great work.

Also, it appears that Pickguardian is the only authorized manufacturer of these trademarked items...

cjj wrote:Also, it appears that Pickguardian is the only authorized manufacturer of these trademarked items...

I wonder when this happened? Is the general look trademarked, or is it only the exact shape? They can have the trademark on the current 4003 pickguard shape.

aceonbass wrote:

cjj wrote:Also, it appears that Pickguardian is the only authorized manufacturer of these trademarked items...

I wonder when this happened? Is the general look trademarked, or is it only the exact shape? They can have the trademark on the current 4003 pickguard shape.

It would also seem that RIC is going back to the old non-double hump shape as well...

Excellent! Back to a real classic shape.

cjj wrote: It would also seem that RIC is going back to the old non-double hump shape as well...

What does this mean?

Compare the pickguard from a 2015 4003 with that of a pre 1997 4001/3, and you'll see what we mean. If they were women, the older one would have just the right curves, while the newer one has like..a double muffin top.

aceonbass wrote:Compare the pickguard from a 2015 4003 with that of a pre 1997 4001/3, and you'll see what we mean. If they were women, the older one would have just the right curves, while the newer one has like..a double muffin top.

Wow, that's the best description I've ever heard...

Well, now I am confused. Is it just the 2015 model 4003 that has the "double muffin top"?
And can Nutrisystem help?
I'm going to look into this one, but I guess I just haven't noticed this before....

It is kind of subtle,but once seen,it cannot be unseen. The main thing is the old pg shape followed the curve of the lower body,and looked like it belonged there....the newer ones are ,shall we say,bulbous.
I applaud the company returning to form on that!

woodyng wrote:It is kind of subtle,but once seen,it cannot be unseen. The main thing is the old pg shape followed the curve of the lower body,and looked like it belonged there....the newer ones are ,shall we say,bulbous.
I applaud the company returning to form on that!

When did they change it back? I just bought mine new a few weeks ago and I believe it has the aforementioned "bulbous" pickguard shape.

Oh, and I need to stop coming on here.....it's giving me buyer's remorse.

As far as I know, the guards haven't changed yet, but if you have the "double muffin top" guard, it can be reworked with a Dremmel to resemble the old shape.