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Post new topic Rickenbacher B6 string frustrations
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Author Topic:  Rickenbacher B6 string frustrations
Lee Holliday


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 8:57 am    
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My recently adopted B6 has had the usual DNA strip down and spit and polish.

All was going well until re-stringing and one or two popped through the tail piece holes.

Is this a common problem or am I missing a trick.

I have used Daddario electric chromes with the standard sized coloured ends.

It is the later model with the T plate on the headstock (Rickenbacher) & the tailpiece as opposed to strings through body.

Other than the minor frustrations it has a great tone and cutting sound.

Lee
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C. E. Jackson


Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 10:37 am    
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Lee, this is one way I have solved the problem. Get a very small stainless washer, available at most hardware stores, then thread it on the string before attaching the string to the tuner. Washers can be used on as many strings as necessary, and a broken string can be easily and quickly replaced. Hope this helps.





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Lee Holliday


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 10:46 am    
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Thanks I was thinking a washer was the answer but it was late when I did this yesterday.

Regards

Lee
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Bill Creller

 

From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 6:53 pm    
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I had to do the same thing, with the washers, so it's likely more common that we might think...

I did convert a couple to string-through when that bracket cracked...
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Jon Light


From:
Saugerties, NY
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 7:14 pm    
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Whoa. Because some of my strings ball ends were also going on through, I assumed that the problem was the reverse--that the ones that would not go through were too large (or the holes too small.) I thought the balls were supposed to rest at the arrow, below. My solution was to feed the string through from the side.
This is how I've got my Ric strung. Wow, do I have that backwards!

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Lee Holliday


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 9:41 pm    
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I currently have one that has gone through despite bending the string etc, for now it plays ok but if it buzzes inside that tailpiece then there is little room for adjustment.

I have some washers (from hand rivets) which I will experiment with next week.

For now it plays fine but with one sting up and five down the OCD is starting to kick in....

Lee
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Garry Vanderlinde


From:
CA
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2017 10:10 pm    
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On my early '50's BD-8 the string ends stop at the bottom of the tailpiece.

Cool
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Lee Holliday


From:
United Kingdom
Post  Posted 29 Apr 2017 1:34 am    
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Garry that is what I am aiming for, currently one string is inside the tailpiece.

Regards

Lee
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Jim Sliff


From:
Lawndale California, USA
Post  Posted 4 May 2017 2:28 pm    
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As far as ball position goes, would an extra ball slid over each string help? It's a common solution on many vintage instrument.
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