Rickenbacker 4003 issues

[alberobello]

Hi everyone,

I am new in this environment and this is my first post (I don't think the last one tough..) so please don't go so hard on me

I've been playing bass guitar for a while, I owned an Ibanez GSR 200 then a squier 50s precision bass.

Recently I've received a Rickenbacker 4003 99' as a gift, since I am not an expert on this and have never used a 2nd hand bass guitar, I thought it might be useful to consult some experts.

What do you think that I should check at first glance? I checked the website 'Joey's bass notes', but can you suggest me something further?

Also I spotted corrosion on pickups, do you think something like WD-40 would work? I used it for my old guitars, but I really don't want to cause something bad..

I am open to any kind of further suggestions..

Thanks a lot for help,

[Thunderbird]

Hi Welcome,

If it was my bass the first thing I would to is take it to my luthier for a set up and restring and get him/her to give it a once over and advise you on any issues if there are any I would say this would cost about £45-50 with new decent quality strings but it can be done cheaper just need to get a few quotes really I would strongly advise against using WD-40 on your bass I would use proper products like a chrome cleaner of guitar polish something like that will do the trick.

[alberobello]

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1389768814' post='2337625']
Hi Welcome,

If it was my bass the first thing I would to is take it to my luthier for a set up and restring and get him/her to give it a once over and advise you on any issues if there are any I would say this would cost about £45-50 with new decent quality strings but it can be done cheaper just need to get a few quotes really I would strongly advise against using WD-40 on your bass I would use proper products like a chrome cleaner of guitar polish something like that will do the trick.
[/quote]

Hi Thunderbird,

Thanks a lot for the advise.. However rather than changing the strings I don't think that my local luthier knows about technics of rickenbackers I guess I will try another one..

Thanks..

[martthebass]

Hi A and welcome to the forum.

By 'the the pickups' do you mean the chrome surrounds - if so a bit of chrome cleaner as TB says would be fine but I'd do it off the bass so you dont get any on the paint. If it's a bit of corrosion on pole pieces (my 2010 has plastic buttons so hard to comment here) then unless it's really bugging you i'd leave it.

On the set up side - the neck cant be screwed up in the same way that it can on a 4001 but I agree with you in checking the luthier has experience on Ricks.

[alberobello]

[quote name='martthebass' timestamp='1389787634' post='2337843']
Hi A and welcome to the forum.

By 'the the pickups' do you mean the chrome surrounds - if so a bit of chrome cleaner as TB says would be fine but I'd do it off the bass so you dont get any on the paint. If it's a bit of corrosion on pole pieces (my 2010 has plastic buttons so hard to comment here) then unless it's really bugging you i'd leave it.

On the set up side - the neck cant be screwed up in the same way that it can on a 4001 but I agree with you in checking the luthier has experience on Ricks.
[/quote]

I got it yes you are right.. Thanks!

[gelfin]

Hi, where are you located. You may find a BC'er near you that can help.

[alberobello]

[quote name='gelfin' timestamp='1389907645' post='2339520']
Hi, where are you located. You may find a BC'er near you that can help.
[/quote]
Hi Gelfin, depending on the time I might be in Turkey or Italy, so I am a bit hopeless about finding someone..

Edited January 17, 2014 by alberobello