Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Is there a RIC-recommended set of dimensions for the filed grooves of the 4003 saddles?

The groove on my G-string saddle is tiny, and as a result the action is way high even with the bridge bottomed out on that side. The E-string slot, however, is very deep. Of course the slots should be different since the strings are different sizes, but even recognizing this, the relative sizes I have right now don't look quite right. The neck is flat, so taking out relief isn't an option.

I intend to file that groove down a bit, but I suspect all four grooves' dimensions are related so I'd like to make sure they're all dimensioned correctly relative to each other.

I file the grooves in the saddles half as deep as the gauge of the string. Use a proper gauge nut file for this purpose. Also, if your bridge is bottomed out and the only way to get the action lower is to file the nut deeper, you have bigger problems with what sounds like a bass that has developed a negative neck angle, probably due to the GIANT neck pickup route.

You use a nut file for the saddles? Is there a difference? And as far as I can tell my nut is fine. Action at E and A is great BTW. It's only G and D that are high and their set screw is bottomed out.

Pics of the bridge and neck angle?

Perhaps when I get home from work tonight. Thanks.

Yes, a nut file is also used on the saddles.

Thank you, aceonbass.