Hey Woody, I repaired that for Tony Matura about 6 years ago. He bought it from someone in the SF Bay area who put it on Ebay. The Bass was virtually unplayed and sat in a closet for many years, It was a repair that I used 4 .125 diameter carbon fiber rods to put it back together. There was no pieces of Mahogany missing so the repair turned out great.
As far as I understand, Rickenbacker basses with hairpin truss rods do not accept round strings. In fact, J. Hall himself said that the high tension of these strings will bend the fretboard. Thanks for your response!!
It is true that the 4001 was not designed for the higher tension of roundwound strings. And when “new” using RWs would void your warranty. That said, I’ve had a 1977 4001 since 1989 that has never seen flats in all that time and it’s fine. But—and this is the important thing and I feel like an idiot for missing it—your 4001C64 is actually a 4003 “under the hood”. You’re fine. Go for it.
Haha, he was specifically referring to the Rotosound. Thanks a lot, Andy. I just discovered your website; you have so much information, which gives me confidence in what you say. It's amazing, I'm also a huge Rickenbacker fan. You're added to my favorites! Cheers!
I have two used 4001’s I purchased in 1996. Their hairpin rods have not needed adjustment since. Also, they have the nice-looking “wavy Grover” tuning gears. Again, no problem with having the back covers “exploding” off!
Hey Woody, I repaired that for Tony Matura about 6 years ago. He bought it from someone in the SF Bay area who put it on Ebay. The Bass was virtually unplayed and sat in a closet for many years, It was a repair that I used 4 .125 diameter carbon fiber rods to put it back together. There was no pieces of Mahogany missing so the repair turned out great.
Do you know if the 4001C64 (Paul McCartney Reissue) has a double truss rod? Is it possible to install round strings?. Thanks!
Yes it does, and everyone does. If it’s held up this long…you’re fine.
As far as I understand, Rickenbacker basses with hairpin truss rods do not accept round strings. In fact, J. Hall himself said that the high tension of these strings will bend the fretboard. Thanks for your response!!
It is true that the 4001 was not designed for the higher tension of roundwound strings. And when “new” using RWs would void your warranty. That said, I’ve had a 1977 4001 since 1989 that has never seen flats in all that time and it’s fine. But—and this is the important thing and I feel like an idiot for missing it—your 4001C64 is actually a 4003 “under the hood”. You’re fine. Go for it.
Haha, he was specifically referring to the Rotosound. Thanks a lot, Andy. I just discovered your website; you have so much information, which gives me confidence in what you say. It's amazing, I'm also a huge Rickenbacker fan. You're added to my favorites! Cheers!
I have two used 4001’s I purchased in 1996. Their hairpin rods have not needed adjustment since. Also, they have the nice-looking “wavy Grover” tuning gears. Again, no problem with having the back covers “exploding” off!
Best article on RiC truss rods I’ve seen. Thanks for the time and effort to put this together.
Great and actually really concise article (if you think about all it covered).
The beheaded ‘57 4000 headstock photo added a dramatic touch of horror! 😅