Need help with 4003 saddles

drbassman · March 28, 2012, 11:49:47 AM

Quote from: dadagoboi on March 28, 2012, 06:52:39 AM
Nice tips, Doc! That fret punch is sweet.

Nut slot depth is of major importance in getting intonation right on the first five frets. Superglue gel can be used to partially fill a slot that's too deep so you can refile it to proper depth.

Good points Carlo. I've had to use superglue a time or two for filler. It worked well.

Spiritbass · March 29, 2012, 11:01:18 AM

I don't believe a nut driver exists with walls thin enough to adjust the trusses on my '10 4003. I ground mine down and ended up with this which works:

I like my Ric but am still of the opinion that it's ridiculous that they have NO shielding and are not supplied with appropriate tools for necessary adjustments.

ramone57 · March 29, 2012, 11:59:55 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on March 24, 2012, 08:59:45 AM
Ah the honeymoon is over I know I did something with my since sold 4003, I can't remember what it was

here's a pic of it, Scott. the nubs over the mute were removed. you did a very nice job on it; it looks like it could be factory.

godofthunder · March 29, 2012, 02:35:47 PM

Ah there she is! I do miss that bass a good one for sure. You still have her ?

Spiritbass · March 29, 2012, 03:11:53 PM

Quote from: ramone57 on March 29, 2012, 11:59:55 AM
here's a pic of it, Scott. the nubs over the mute were removed. you did a very nice job on it; it looks like it could be factory.

NICE wood!!!

godofthunder · March 29, 2012, 03:31:13 PM

That bass has spectacular grain, one of the prettiest Rics I have ever owned.

drbassman · March 30, 2012, 11:46:20 AM

You know, I was thinking about grinding the 1/4" wrench I bought. Why not? I'm gonna give that a try.

godofthunder · March 30, 2012, 01:03:21 PM

That's what I would do!

ramone57 · April 04, 2012, 06:16:23 AM

Quote from: godofthunder on March 29, 2012, 02:35:47 PM
Ah there she is! I do miss that bass a good one for sure. You still have her ?

yup, it's one of my best sounding basses. I catch hell from one of the guitarists I jam with if I don't bring it.

drbassman · April 04, 2012, 07:53:13 AM

You have to admit, they are great sounding basses in spite of the lame bridge.

dadagoboi · April 04, 2012, 09:03:04 AM

Quote from: drbassman on April 04, 2012, 07:53:13 AM
You have to admit, they are great sounding basses in spite of the lame bridge.

Too bad they've been unwilling or unable to fix that in 50 years of development.

Dave W · April 04, 2012, 02:58:42 PM

Quote from: dadagoboi on April 04, 2012, 09:03:04 AM
Too bad they've been unwilling or unable to fix that in 50 years of development.

They may be unwilling because of pressure from traditionalists. A few years ago JH made reference to a newer bridge design. Whether it will ever be introduced on one of the traditional style models is anyone's guess.

drbassman · April 05, 2012, 05:41:42 AM

Quote from: Dave W on April 04, 2012, 02:58:42 PM
They may be unwilling because of pressure from traditionalists. A few years ago JH made reference to a newer bridge design. Whether it will ever be introduced on one of the traditional style models is anyone's guess.

I think organizational arrogance, driven down deep from the top, precludes them from doing anything progressive or responsive. In many other businesses, this would end in corporate suicide. Fortunately for RIC, they offer enough of an alternative to other guitar makers that customers grudgingly accept their products in spite of needed improvements.

ilan · April 05, 2012, 05:54:35 AM

They make the 4004 series basses, modern versions of the 4000 series, but without much success. Most of their clientele demands the 4003 variant.

gearHed289 · April 05, 2012, 09:00:06 AM

It's a shame too, because the 4004 is a great instrument at a fair price. $:-\$