Neck measurements
Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 12:55 pm
I made a few neck measurements this morning in response to a person thinking about getting a Ric. Some might find this interesting.
The smallest neck on any of my Rics is on my 1986 4003. Neck width at the nut, according to Rickenbacker, is 1 11/16" 942.9MM). By my measurement, this one is only 1 9/16", so it's definitely narrower, and feels as though it may be thinner as well. Thickest is my 2005 4004Cii, which really is 1 11/16", but feels both wider and thicker.
My favorite Rics measure 1 5/8" at the nut.
Another factor is how much the strings flare from the nut to the bridge. On a 4001 and 4003 bridge, the strings are ~2" center to center. On the 4004, which has a different bridge, they are 2 5/16". I find that the 4004 feels a lot like a Precision, with its wider, thicker neck and greater flare. I prefer the 4001/4003 feel, with a slightly narrower and thinner neck profile and less flare. In addition, one of my Rics has a Badass bridge. The strings are 2 1/8" center to center.
My newest Ric, a 4003W, measures 1 11/16" at the nut and 2 1/16" at the bridge. The neck doesn't feel nearly as massive as the 4004Cii.
The smallest neck on any of my Rics is on my 1986 4003. Neck width at the nut, according to Rickenbacker, is 1 11/16" 942.9MM). By my measurement, this one is only 1 9/16", so it's definitely narrower, and feels as though it may be thinner as well. Thickest is my 2005 4004Cii, which really is 1 11/16", but feels both wider and thicker.
My favorite Rics measure 1 5/8" at the nut.
Another factor is how much the strings flare from the nut to the bridge. On a 4001 and 4003 bridge, the strings are ~2" center to center. On the 4004, which has a different bridge, they are 2 5/16". I find that the 4004 feels a lot like a Precision, with its wider, thicker neck and greater flare. I prefer the 4001/4003 feel, with a slightly narrower and thinner neck profile and less flare. In addition, one of my Rics has a Badass bridge. The strings are 2 1/8" center to center.
My newest Ric, a 4003W, measures 1 11/16" at the nut and 2 1/16" at the bridge. The neck doesn't feel nearly as massive as the 4004Cii.