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Rickenbacker 4001 - dead spot


gus752
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G'day all, anyone out there able to help with solving a dead spot on a '78 4001? The bass plays really well except for an annoying 'dead' 7th fret D string. I have had this bass for years but have used it very little 'cos of this problem. I generally use Rotosound round wound but have tried other brands but no change - it is definitely a resonance issue with the bass. Is this maybe a problem with neck tension ?

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There was a series of posts on www.rickresource.com that went into the details of Rick basses, including dead spots. Its probably worth taking a look at that. Another alternative could be one of those small weights that attach to the headstock - I can't remember what they were called but seem to remember a thread on here saying they could help shift a dead spot.

Edit: It was a Fat Finger - [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=29717&hl=headstock+weight"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...eadstock+weight[/url]

Edited by Musky
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Have a dig/ask around on the [url="http://www.rickresource.com/forum"]RickResource[/url] bass forum. Unfortunately Joey's Bass Notes site is down at the moment (a hosting problem) but Joey Vasco is a regular contributor as are many other experts. Not a popular suggestion among the Rick Faithful, but a Hipshot bridge might help your problem.

Jon.

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Hi,
Did you check out the Groove tube "fat finger" ? Basically a mass of brass, chrome or brass colour,
that clamps on the headstock,claiming to add sustian and do away with dead spots ?

I have never tried one but might be the cheapest way to go.

Let me know if you find one to try I was always curious.

I often wonder why PRS and some other makers are using aluminum, and other lightweight tuners,
bridges,ect, If mass = sustian?

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Yep try a fatfinger. If it seems like expensive snake oil, go to the tools aisle of your local 99p store and buy a mini cast-iron g-clamp - one of the tiny but solid ones. Put this on your headstock to emulate the effect of a fatfinger - remember to pad it with thick card or similar to protect the finish. If it eliminates the dead spot - buy a fatfinger. If not you've wasted a quid.

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