Possible RIC 4003 Neck Issue

[Wolfenstein666]

Let me start by saying I don't want this to turn into a mudslinging thread. Just looking for some advice. I'm having another issue, and I am admittedly frustrated but company bashing doesn't do much. Thanks.

In 2015 I bought a 4003 brand new. It came set up perfectly and I immediately fell in love with it. About 3 months later I noticed the finish was bubbling around the bridge. After a long warranty process (chronicled here: Rickenbacker finish issue (Resolved by RIC)) I got it returned to RIC in California. When I got it back it was set up beautifully and it was gleaming. I was a happy guy.

Several weeks ago I noticed the action was creeping up higher on it. We've had crazy weather (Indiana) so I summed it up to that. I went to take the TRC off to adjust the rods (first time I'd taken it off since getting it back from the factory) and noticed the D-G string rod was maxed out, screwed all the down to the hilt. Normally I do my own setups, but this had me a little freaked out, I didn't really know what to do with it. I had some other minor things I wanted done (shielding, input jack was scratchy) so I figured I'd take it into Sweetwater and have them do all of it: pro set up, fresh strings, input jack and shield it.

I got a call from them today. Basically, the tech said that both rods DID move. As he was attempting to set it up he said the right rod functioned fine, but on the bass side (his words, I'd assume that's the E and A string) there was a back bow that he could not fix with the set up, and there was buzzing starting at the 3rd fret and running down to the 9th. He said he could do a neck planing and refret to solve the issue.

I declined. That's a lot of money. I asked them to see if it's anything they would consider warranty work as my bass is still covered and I'm now waiting to hear back.

Any thoughts on this? Would his recommended fix even alleviate the situation? Could the neck be twisted? Truss rod broke or bent or otherwise unusable?

If they decide it's not a warranty issue I'm not sure what I'll do. Probably just have them set it up as best they can and see where I'm at. I love Ricky's man, I really do. But this is getting to be expensive and a real pain.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance to anyone who responds!

 

[GTHintz]

I have been fascinated by Ric for years! Nobody else makes a bass like that! Its interesting that you mentioned that the truss rods were cranked over so far. At least they didn't fail like was common on old school 4001's. I think its so sad that you bought a brand new lemon of a bass and from probably my favorite bass company. My best advice is if Ric won't do anything about this then you might as well either cut your losses and sell it and use the money for a good used 4003 that hasn't let anyone down. OR have your luthier try to cheat down the bow like they were talking about. You might be able to even put the neck in a straightener, back off the truss rods if they are so tight, carefully sinch the neck in the position you want it and after it's as straight as you can get it, reset the truss rods. It may hold. Idk I've done it with a cheapo bass and it worked pretty well. Never on a ric or a 2 truss rod system. Just my 2 cents of thought. There is a guy named Jaymie or "pink bass man" nice guy, he's got tons pf YouTube vids, I've asked him about RICs before and he definitely has lots of knowledge. I'd look him up on here or YouTube and message him. He would probably be able to give you good advice. On a side note, I've lived in Bloomington, IN and I know how the humidity can cause problems in guitars. I wish you luck and I hope that you can get it playable again!

 

[Skybone]

Maybe you should ask the Tech to write a report of his findings, and then get back in touch with Rickenbacker, attaching a copy of the report, and saying that you want the issue rectified, or a new bass. You bought it new, so you should still be covered by the warranty.

If they "fixed" it, then they should have fixed it properly.

Maybe even take some legal advice regarding this too. Was the previous warranty issue documented (i.e. do you have copies of the correspondence in relation to the work they did?).

 

[lug]

You had high action with one of the truss rods maxed...sent it in and now hey can't correct low action? That doesn't make a lot of sense.

 

[mellowinman]

See if Greg Rezel still works there (Sweetwater,) and if he does, ask him about this. He's very smart.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Maybe you should ask the Tech to write a report of his findings, and then get back in touch with Rickenbacker, attaching a copy of the report, and saying that you want the issue rectified, or a new bass. You bought it new, so you should still be covered by the warranty.

If they "fixed" it, then they should have fixed it properly.

Maybe even take some legal advice regarding this too. Was the previous warranty issue documented (i.e. do you have copies of the correspondence in relation to the work they did?).

That’s a good idea. And yes, I keep meticulous records of all stuff like that. Nothing regarding the set up unfortunately, but the fact remains that I hadn’t touched it since they had my bass.

You had high action with one of the truss rods maxed...sent it in and now hey can't correct low action? That doesn't make a lot of sense.

Yeah I’m not entirely sure what the deal is in all honesty. I’ll know more today when I get a call back from them. I’ll definitely update the thread.

See if Greg Rezel still works there (Sweetwater,) and if he does, ask him about this. He's very smart.

If it’s the same Greg I’m thinking of he was my go to bass guy for about 7 years before he dropped off and I couldn’t find him. Saw him working at sweetwater a couple years ago and was psyched. He’s awesome.

 

[Skybone]

Your Tech might charge you for the report, but it'll be worth having if Rickenbacker come back at you.

 

[ihixulu]

I'd look to get a second opinion before doing anything else. I've had techs get spooked by things in the past that were easily handled by another tech or by myself (after getting the knowledge and courage up). Not everyone understands how to work a Ricky neck, especially when they get wonky. It may be that the bass is doing what all basses do in weird weather and the tech is out of his league. IMHO.