Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have my 4080 JG at a shop being worked on due to a "high second fret" (the fret board is probably raised in that area due to a previous botched attempt at adjusting the rods by someone who didn't know what they were doing). The luthier left a voice mail yesterday (that T-Mobile finally let me access today ), and he said that he found that there is a piece of lead in the channel and wondered if this was a normal thing on this model.

This is the first time I've heard anything like this. Anyone have a previous experience finding a counterweight?

Edit: I will post this also in the Vibrola sexction.

Yep! It is a thing. Buried under the fingerboard in many Rick basses, can't say for sure what period ('70s?), to eliminate dead spots. Surely Joey or someone here has more definitive info.

kennyhowes wrote: Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:20 am to eliminate dead spots. Surely Joey or someone here has more definitive info.

Yep, that what it was for. If I remember correctly, many of them were round, like a coin.
...and Happy Birthday, Gary!

Yes, round like an old school watch battery.

Happy Birthday Dr. Clauson!

The info and birthday wishes are greatly appreciated! Thank you, kind gentlemen!

Happy birthday, Gary!