Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

In an effort to create greater awareness, so you don't miss out, Larry Davis is having these saddles manufactured for those who may need or desire them for their instruments. He is going with the order of 100 initially...25 sets. I've ordered two sets to provide some flexibility and experimentation without having to worry about removing too much material from an original set.
The posting may be found here....

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=413566

For those who have committed to purchasing the saddles, I spoke with the CNC shop today, and they are still on schedule for finishing them this month. They also confirmed that for the initial order of 100 pieces (25 sets), the cost per piece is $7.50 each, which means that the cost per set is $30, which is $10 / set less than originally anticipated. Spread the word - the bigger the order, the less they will cost!

Thanks for the update, Larry.

Speaking of Saddles, my March-73 has Brass Saddles, has anyone else ever seen this type of saddle, or where these a custom job ?

Those are not original to the bass, probably just a victim to the brass is best for sustain phenomenon decades ago.

jps wrote:Those are not original to the bass, probably just a victim to the brass is best for sustain phenomenon decades ago.

I do have to admit of all my Rics the March 73 does indeed sustain for the longest time .... maybe there was something in that fad after all

They'll be getting replaced with Aluminium ones shortly, she's going off to Larry Davis to be re-fretted probably this week

The fret in my March '73 4001 are still in fine shape; being a fairly light handed player helps in that regard. A lot of people clamp down too hard on the strings, but all that is needed is to press down just enough to ensure a clean sound.

Just got back from the CNC machinist, and the ETA for the saddles is next Wednesday, 2/10. Once I pick them up, I'll contact all who ordered a set (or sets) with the final cost.

Brass at the bridge end makes more sense to than at the nut end. I offer no science to back that up.

Kiddwad57 wrote:Brass at the bridge end makes more sense to than at the nut end. I offer no science to back that up.

Maybe, perhaps, but these are to be reproductions of original saddles, therefore, they are aluminum.

Will these custom made saddles fit on the current 4003 and 4003S bridges?

Boogie wrote:Will these custom made saddles fit on the current 4003 and 4003S bridges?

No. Why would you want them to? Current saddles from RIC fit just fine.

aceonbass wrote:No. Why would you want them to? Current saddles from RIC fit just fine.

Sometimes, especially when the intonation screws are drilled a smidgen to low, which causes them to rock, kinda like an annoying teeter todder.

Sepp

Just got a call from the machine shop and the saddles are done! I'll be in touch with each of you who ordered a set (or sets) with the cost.

The saddles are here! Just picked them up from the CNC shop and they are great. The photo shows one of the saddles polished vs. as they will be shipped. I will be contacting those who ordered for their postal mail address.