Two truss rods. That alone deserves a Purple Heart! LOL! I am a Rickenbacker aficionado. It's a labour of love, though, to keep these babies in top shape.... OH..... I ditched the bridge cover ages ages ages ago....
I remember one thing you said when setting up guitars/basses: *there's no rules, only guidelines.* It is indeed a peculiar bass, maybe its owner has a peculiar way of playing it, which would definitely be outside of your setup guidelines. I think the best course of action is definitely having the guy sit with you and play/adjust until he's happy with it. Or maybe, he's used to play it with a bad setup for so long, a good setup feels wrong? Keep up the good work you do, Davey! Stay safe.
This reminds me of Al Bundy vs. a customer who didn’t like the exact shade of blue on some shoes: “I’ll tell you what I’ll do then, we’ll stand you in front of a mirror. I’ll begin strangling you. When you reach the shade of blue that’s satisfactory to you, you yell ‘Moo’ and I’ll stop.”
This is the first time I've ever seen you put Ballsack Cobalts on a job; I'm surprised they haven't caught on more because they're really quite something. Their superpower is they sound like new strings about four times longer than regular strings. Been using them for years now...
I rewired all my Ricks to have a master vol and a master tone. Just two knobs. No blend. I am much happier. Had to have new pickguards made. I kept all the original stuff so they could be put back to factory. The vol on the bottom just drove me nuts.
There are some tricks like using a capo for string changes. Swapping out the “R” tailpiece for a trapeze style or replacing the tail piece and bridge with a Gibson style tune-o-matic bridge. The truss rods you will just have to accept.
Use a lock washer, in conjunction with flat washers. Lock washers come in two varieties, Star washers or split washers. It depends on how long your shaft is, if it will fit. Rics often look nice, sound great, but many design issues are inferior. Plus, 65 years in hardware advancement make the playability of modern guitars much better, and they cost a heck of a lot less.
Thank you for this information. I'm familiar with single truss rod adjustments on most guitars, and comfortable making those adjustments for some years. But in the last 2 years, I acquired two new Rics, a 360 -12 and a 660 -6. I NEVER adjusted a Ric, so I need some assistance. MY CURRENT RIC ISSUE, is with my 660:: the "A" and low "E" strings, on my 660, have a slight fret buzz when depressed after the 8th or 9th fret, while the other strings play fine. This might be caused by an un-level bridge, but more likely, an ""un-level" fret. But the easiest 1st step could be by just raising the bridge "a little" on the low "E" string side. If that doesn't correct it, I'm thinking about loosening the trussrod "just a little" on that side of the guitar. Do you have any advice for adjusting the bridge? Do these tactics seem reasonable as beginning steps? And is it OK to add a little oil to the trussrod nuts to help prevent future corrosion? Thank you so much.
How is the bass guy not happy if he didn't even try it out yet? For what he paid for that the factory should make it play the way he wants, presumably they would be the experts.
Sounds like he did try it out. However, I'm guessing he's one of these guys that wants a non-traditional set up but is incapable of verbally communicating exactly what he wants, because he lacks the knowledge to do so. Dave said it - he needs to putz around with the thing himself or spend an hour with a tech in the same room.
I’ve noticed more than usual lately of those type of switches getting caught at quality checks for overly loose/tight function. The central plate needs to be at 90 degrees on one axis and straight on the other to work properly.
Weird about the Brazilian fretless... we all saw the thing came in with neck backbow and buzzing and that was taken care of. Could have said "there is significant improvement but I need some tweaks" rather than just "not happy". Here's an idea: ask him if he's got any other fretless that he's happy with and have him bring it in to compare measurements (and if he doesn't, then what are his expectations based on exactly?)
Maybe the bass player that isn’t happy should try a regular scale 4 string bass made by a reputable company instead of a shuffle board with strings. He just might like it better. 🎸
At least the cover doesn't get in the way of picking/plucking and you don't have to detach the pickup from the pickup ring to remove the cover - as is the case on Ric basses.
Maybe that bass has a neck that is so buggered, the truss rods need DAILY adjustment? Maybe the wood used for the neck is simply not hard enough. Even a very expensive instrument can be a lemon.
Is there an email I can reach you for repair. I have a base neck that needs a straightening heat treatment. It is too concave or has way too much bow with the truss at maximum. Standard tuning with 45 to 100 4 string set of bass strings. Maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard.
Switches... I upgrade all the electronics on my cheap guitars and I went thru a run of 3 brand-new switches from Switchcraft (2021/2022) that did not make proper blade contact and the one that did work correctly rattled something fierce when in the middle position. And it was completely random as to which position the blades would fail. Sure, they could be repaired/rebuilt, but I'm just not into fixing things I just took out of a package. But, where do you turn when the best no longer measures up?
Nice work Dave, that would have to be the nicest I ever heard you talk to a Rickenbacker! It warmed my heart!
Two truss rods. That alone deserves a Purple Heart! LOL! I am a Rickenbacker aficionado. It's a labour of love, though, to keep these babies in top shape.... OH..... I ditched the bridge cover ages ages ages ago....
Nothing better than working on a Ricky on a rainy day in Canada. You lucky dog you!!
I remember one thing you said when setting up guitars/basses: *there's no rules, only guidelines.* It is indeed a peculiar bass, maybe its owner has a peculiar way of playing it, which would definitely be outside of your setup guidelines. I think the best course of action is definitely having the guy sit with you and play/adjust until he's happy with it. Or maybe, he's used to play it with a bad setup for so long, a good setup feels wrong? Keep up the good work you do, Davey! Stay safe.
This reminds me of Al Bundy vs. a customer who didn’t like the exact shade of blue on some shoes: “I’ll tell you what I’ll do then, we’ll stand you in front of a mirror. I’ll begin strangling you. When you reach the shade of blue that’s satisfactory to you, you yell ‘Moo’ and I’ll stop.”
I had one of those. Nice guitar! Easy to play. I’m glad to hear that you have rain. Especially with the smoke from the wildfires. Thanks! 😎
Being from northern CA, I know from choking smoke. Hope you get enough rain to keep the smoke down.
The moment I saw this video pop up in my recommended stack, I thought, oh no, it’s yet another Dave vs. a Rickenbacker!
9:31 - 9:36 sounds like day tripper and metallica one in one tune:) nice sounding guitar indeed!
Dave,
When I have restrung my 360/12, I use a capo to hold the strings in place.
Pretty guitar and looks like you got it fixed to perfection.
This is the first time I've ever seen you put Ballsack Cobalts on a job; I'm surprised they haven't caught on more because they're really quite something. Their superpower is they sound like new strings about four times longer than regular strings. Been using them for years now...
I rewired all my Ricks to have a master vol and a master tone. Just two knobs. No blend. I am much happier. Had to have new pickguards made. I kept all the original stuff so they could be put back to factory. The vol on the bottom just drove me nuts.
You rock Mr Dave!!
I love the looks and sound of a Ric, but man, they sure look like a PIA to maintain.
There are some tricks like using a capo for string changes. Swapping out the “R” tailpiece for a trapeze style or replacing the tail piece and bridge with a Gibson style tune-o-matic bridge. The truss rods you will just have to accept.
Nah, Super Easy to maintain.. As you could see, It takes no longer to set one up than pretty any other guitar
Great video.
Thanks for the visit
Use a lock washer, in conjunction with flat washers. Lock washers come in two varieties, Star washers or split washers. It depends on how long your shaft is, if it will fit. Rics often look nice, sound great, but many design issues are inferior. Plus, 65 years in hardware advancement make the playability of modern guitars much better, and they cost a heck of a lot less.
Thank you for this information. I'm familiar with single truss rod adjustments on most guitars, and comfortable making those adjustments for some years. But in the last 2 years, I acquired two new Rics, a 360 -12 and a 660 -6. I NEVER adjusted a Ric, so I need some assistance. MY CURRENT RIC ISSUE, is with my 660:: the "A" and low "E" strings, on my 660, have a slight fret buzz when depressed after the 8th or 9th fret, while the other strings play fine. This might be caused by an un-level bridge, but more likely, an ""un-level" fret. But the easiest 1st step could be by just raising the bridge "a little" on the low "E" string side. If that doesn't correct it, I'm thinking about loosening the trussrod "just a little" on that side of the guitar. Do you have any advice for adjusting the bridge? Do these tactics seem reasonable as beginning steps? And is it OK to add a little oil to the trussrod nuts to help prevent future corrosion? Thank you so much.
How is the bass guy not happy if he didn't even try it out yet? For what he paid for that the factory should make it play the way he wants, presumably they would be the experts.
Sounds like he did try it out. However, I'm guessing he's one of these guys that wants a non-traditional set up but is incapable of verbally communicating exactly what he wants, because he lacks the knowledge to do so. Dave said it - he needs to putz around with the thing himself or spend an hour with a tech in the same room.
Just realized I wrote a comment about that fretless bass, but mentioned frets............ Comment has been removed.......
I’ve noticed more than usual lately of those type of switches getting caught at quality checks for overly loose/tight function. The central plate needs to be at 90 degrees on one axis and straight on the other to work properly.
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day also stay safe
Thanks! You too!
Weird about the Brazilian fretless... we all saw the thing came in with neck backbow and buzzing and that was taken care of. Could have said "there is significant improvement but I need some tweaks" rather than just "not happy". Here's an idea: ask him if he's got any other fretless that he's happy with and have him bring it in to compare measurements (and if he doesn't, then what are his expectations based on exactly?)
Good job.
Many many thanks
Maybe the bass player that isn’t happy should try a regular scale 4 string bass made by a reputable company instead of a shuffle board with strings. He just might like it better. 🎸
If I owned that Ric, the first thing I'd do is chuck that cover on the bridge. I do way too much palm muting to deal with that thing.
the saddles will cut you up
@@DavesWorldofFunStuff , i chucked the covers on my Rickenbacker 360 and 330.. My saddles don't hurt me at all.. Maybe that one had sharpe saddles?
At least the cover doesn't get in the way of picking/plucking and you don't have to detach the pickup from the pickup ring to remove the cover - as is the case on Ric basses.
@@DavesWorldofFunStuff Oh, didn't know that.
The cover that goes over the strings is so the player can rest his hand there.
and not get cut
Hi Dave ...what do you think of Roger McGuinn from The Byrd's and his 12 string Rickenbacker
it has the strings on in the right order
What does the smaller (5th) knob do? Is that a pickup blend or something?
blend..look it up
@@DavesWorldofFunStuff ok, thanks.
A "special tool' Like working on a car. It's a $10 dollar part and a $50 dollar tool, $58 with shipping from StewMac. Wow. That neck is shiny.
It is not a necessity that I swear in this comment section, but I wanted to say 'that's a beautiful fucking guitar'.
Maybe that bass has a neck that is so buggered, the truss rods need DAILY adjustment? Maybe the wood used for the neck is simply not hard enough. Even a very expensive instrument can be a lemon.
Dave, Are you wearing a USA flag on your jacket?! Wow! Shocking! ;-)
neil Armstrong's space suit
Is there an email I can reach you for repair. I have a base neck that needs a straightening heat treatment. It is too concave or has way too much bow with the truss at maximum. Standard tuning with 45 to 100 4 string set of bass strings. Maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard.
dreaume@gmail.com
Great camera work. You showed nothing.
If your English you'll know where this is from... Riiiiiiccccckkkkkyyyyy!
you're*
Goochenbacher!
Rickenbacker recommend Rickenbacker guitars set up with a 100% STRAIGHT neck... means NO relief. Maybe a pro repairman should know this...???
please post that info or STFU..they post shit about setup specs
Still wearing an American flag eh?
Rickenbacker guitars are a work of art, but not fun to work on the electrics is my take away from this video Dave.
Ass.......no, really.........🍁
Switches... I upgrade all the electronics on my cheap guitars and I went thru a run of 3 brand-new switches from Switchcraft (2021/2022) that did not make proper blade contact and the one that did work correctly rattled something fierce when in the middle position. And it was completely random as to which position the blades would fail. Sure, they could be repaired/rebuilt, but I'm just not into fixing things I just took out of a package. But, where do you turn when the best no longer measures up?
Yes I’ve noticed more Switchcrafts not functioning properly lately, I think the SG last week was a 2021 or ‘22