While adjusting the intonation of the original Ric bridge has always been a problem which the Babicz does address, the one thing it doesn't fix is the problem of tail-lift. The lifting tail of the zinc-cast Ric tailpiece continues to plague many. This is where the Hipshot is a better universal fix and it does it with a more streamlined appearance. Better bridge-to-body contact, easy intonation and action setup. It is also a direct drop-in replacement because it uses the same mounting screw holes so no mods are needed, all for less money.
Yes! I have often thought the whole tailpiece doesn't need to be replaced, it just needs a better bridge and saddles with intonation. Thanks for showing us. Do you know if there are any other manufacturers who make something similar to this? PS: Why split into three videos and not all on one?
Yes that's exactly what got me interested in this one. As far as I know it's the only option as drop in replacement for the bridge and not the tailpiece. It was just easier to do 3 rather than editing. Had to get rid of parts where I was restringing, using the wrong screws, reading the manual etc 😉 Thanks for watching!
@@NXPBass thanks for letting me know, I ordered a new one and I was looking at this bridge issue thinking I needed an aftermarket part. Upon further research I realized that Rickenbacker has addressed this issue themselves and have started putting a version 2 bridge on their 4003 basses. I don't think an aftermarket part is necessary now but thank you
Sliding the bridge saddle by hand pushing back and forth is a terrible design !!! Having No Adjustment Screw for the movement forward/backward of the saddle is a NO GO for ME !!! Also Babicz is asking more money for this add on bridge apposed to buying an entire bridge with added mass from an entire bridge /tail piece base is machined out of a block of metal as in a hipshot replacement Rick bridge ! I'll stick with the hipshot bridge thank you !! Way easier to install and to setup ! Superior in design over this poor design item !
For me the fact that it drops onto the existing assembled is a plus, and I don't like the looks of the hipshot. I'm with you on the saddle adjustment though.
.
Great job installing the Babicz.
Now it's officially the only reliable and well designed part of that bass.
😄
While adjusting the intonation of the original Ric bridge has always been a problem which the Babicz does address, the one thing it doesn't fix is the problem of tail-lift. The lifting tail of the zinc-cast Ric tailpiece continues to plague many. This is where the Hipshot is a better universal fix and it does it with a more streamlined appearance. Better bridge-to-body contact, easy intonation and action setup. It is also a direct drop-in replacement because it uses the same mounting screw holes so no mods are needed, all for less money.
That's a good review. No tail lift on mine but you're right overall
Try to get a Hipshot Ric Bridge in Europe... Babicz is available over here at least.
Yes! I have often thought the whole tailpiece doesn't need to be replaced, it just needs a better bridge and saddles with intonation.
Thanks for showing us. Do you know if there are any other manufacturers who make something similar to this?
PS: Why split into three videos and not all on one?
Yes that's exactly what got me interested in this one. As far as I know it's the only option as drop in replacement for the bridge and not the tailpiece.
It was just easier to do 3 rather than editing. Had to get rid of parts where I was restringing, using the wrong screws, reading the manual etc 😉
Thanks for watching!
Hipshot makes a brass and a steel replacement but it's the whole bridge . But no new holes needed.
what year is your 4003?
2018
@@NXPBass thanks for letting me know, I ordered a new one and I was looking at this bridge issue thinking I needed an aftermarket part. Upon further research I realized that Rickenbacker has addressed this issue themselves and have started putting a version 2 bridge on their 4003 basses. I don't think an aftermarket part is necessary now but thank you
@@marketzero correct the newer ones have a different bridge. Congrats on the new bass, Hope it's a keeper
@@NXPBass I am 99% sure that it's going to be my go to bass sight unseen
Sliding the bridge saddle by hand pushing back and forth is a terrible design !!! Having No Adjustment Screw for the movement forward/backward of the saddle is a NO GO for ME !!! Also Babicz is asking more money for this add on bridge apposed to buying an entire bridge with added mass from an entire bridge /tail piece base is machined out of a block of metal as in a hipshot replacement Rick bridge ! I'll stick with the hipshot bridge thank you !! Way easier to install and to setup ! Superior in design over this poor design item !
Thanks for your input 👍
For me the fact that it drops onto the existing assembled is a plus, and I don't like the looks of the hipshot. I'm with you on the saddle adjustment though.