Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Welcome Beau. Sorry to hear that. So it's coming from the bass itself, and not part of the signal? First thought was strings touching pickup polepieces, but that would be from the signal, not the instrument in the room itself. Maybe a screw came loose? Does it happen at random or when it's turned a certain way?

Are the truss rod nuts snug?
Are the strings out of tune after this happens?
Bad tuner slipping?
Does this happen just after playing?
Maybe inspect back of pick ups wiring and control cavity to make sure nothing is burnt looking?
Are you're not slots and bridge slots large enough for the string gauges you're using?
Did the selector switch move after it clicked? Maybe one of the stiff wires is positioned up against it and causing it to move on it's own.
That is about all I can think of that would mechanically move on a guitar just sitting still. If you can't find anything wrong with it I would call Rickenbacker customer service. Maybe they have had similar complaints and know what is wrong.

caroline_bunny wrote:I have a 2016 4003 and sometimes when i'm playing or just have the bass sitting in a stand, I'll hear a very audible click sound. Sounds mechanical, like a switch being flipped very loudly. It only happens once in awhile and seems to emit from somewhere inside the bass. It's definitely concerning to me because if there is something wrong I would like to get it fixed as soon as possible. Any clues as to what this may be? Thanks.

I can't think of anything that would cause such a sound from inside the bass, especially when it it is just sitting on a stand, except................. a cricket. Is it a click, or a chirping sound, that you are hearing?

Does this happen regardless of where you leave the selector switch set to, ie., neck or bridge positions, too?

Does anyone else hear this clicking, too, or just you?

A bridge saddle maybe?

Hmmmm.....Could be a truss rod settling in.

No other radio-like sounds, fridge switching on, etc.?
Does it happen when plugged in to a different amp elsewhere?
Or is it when it's not even plugged in?

caroline_bunny wrote:No its definitely a mechanical sound. I've only noticed it when I haven't had the bass plugged into anything.

For those who can't see the embedded link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7avME4gW-w

Maybe you play blisteringly fast and the strings are cooling down after.

Maybe a Cap discharging in a bad way?

ram wrote:Maybe a Cap discharging in a bad way?

Most plausible cause mentioned thus far.... with truss rod being close second.

There aren't many bits of the bass that can make that sort of noise, particularly when the bass is stationary on its stand.

Have there been any subtle changes in relief, neck angle, or wing/neck joints? have ther been any cracks or flakes in the finish at any stress areas?

I'm hearing Tubular Bells...