Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

First of all... I had some wiring problems. Somone put me in contact w/ a Mark Arnquist who was very very helpful to me. My problem wasn't a big deal, but thanks to him I now have a real clear understanding of how the RIC is wired, plus now it works! He was very very helpful, and gave me lots of pointers on how to clean it up, etc. Thanks Mark!

However, I have a question regarding how to set up my 4001. The neck is stick straight and plays like buttah. I feel that I have the string height at optimum height. If I do the "action test" I can get 1-2 biz cards at the 12th fret. Just like it should be.

HOWEVER, I play w/ my fingers and I have the PU as low at it can go. Yet my strings bounce off the top of the PU. You know, off the tops of those "rivots/poll pieces". I can't raise the bridge cuz the action will then be to high. FYI, my intonation is dead on. I tested it w/ a digital tuner.

So, I can't lower the PU any lower. It won't go any lower. The screws I have are 5/8". Now, I was trying to get it down as much as possible on the low E side and my screw came unscrewed from the PU. Only one side was holding it up. But guess what? It caused the PU to fall about another 1/4" and now I don't have problems w/ the strings hitting the PU. I was wondering if maybe 5/8"'s was not the right size from the factory? Because unless EVERYONE plays w/ a pick, I just don't see how they aren't hitting those poll pieces either. I mean, you have to totally play w/ the lightest touch possible not to hit them, and that just isn't right. I shouldn't have to rethink 15 years of playing just to play a RIC.

Also, does anyone know why the bridge saddle piece doesn't sit level? It's like the tension from the string tilts it back. Is that normal? Seems to play fine, but it doesn't seem right to me.

Thanks guys!
Jason

I just dealt with the saddle piece. When it's not perpendicular (the adjust screws, that it) you can't bring the action as low as you should be able to...the saddle piece bottoms out and the screws have no more effect.

After getting my saddles right it seems to play a bit easier.

As for the PU height, can't say that I have that issue...but it might be related to the saddle...since if the saddle pice is not perpendicular the action will be lower that it would be if it were true perpendicular. The tesnion *should not* be affected much to my estimation-it didn't seem to when I just fixed mine up.

But really I am not sure what the issue is...the idea of the adjust screws for your PU possibly not being right sounds logical enough...but I really don't want to take mine out to see what I have... FYI, it's 13/16" from the top of my bridge PU support plate to the top of the PU housing, so 5/8" sounds a little short...and the top of the pole piece to the bottom of the E string is 5/32" on my 4001.

maybe the neck needs to be flatter so you can raise the bridge ... I've never seen a 4001 where the bridge pickup couldn't be lowered enough ...

Well... I went to the hardware store and got longer screws and longer springs. I didn't even THINK about doing this the first time because I didn't think I should have to. I mean, I figured this was the way it was, and that I just wasn't going to like RIC basses. I then come home to read that my screws are just way too short. This made me feel better.

Anyway, I got the thing all diailed in now, and it's DRIPPING WITH CREEME!!! Because I was able to lower the PU considerabley, this allowed me to then lower the bridge saddle. Now, my bass plays it self! You just look at it and it starts playing. I'm really really excited now baby. Never have I had the pleasure of playing such a fine instrument. PERFECTLY suited to my tastes. I just can't get over how cool it is.

I just feel so lucky too. I have a KILLER bass that isn't mint, but it's worn PERFECTLY. And the color is just way too cool. I think it's neat that no one else has one that looks like mine. That mine has a more Rust color i.e. the Tomato Glo. It may not make it worth anything, but to me, it just makes it all the more valuable. I'm very proud to be a RIC player now! I can seriously say that I feel like part of the club now that my RIC plays like a dream.

Thanks to everyone. Mitch, Jeff, Mark, etc. You're a wonderful bunch of guys.

Merry Ricmas!

Jason

You just look at it and it starts playing

ROTF!

If it plays well and you like it, it's got worth. Good to hear you have it working right.