Help with Rickenbacher Model S - Tuner - wood block

[David Hayes]

Weird wood block in Body and proper tuners.

I just got a model S grey burst with black pickup.

One tuner peg is broken off so I need to replace the three tuner strip. Since it is metal I need to match to screw holes - has anyone done this so they can recommend a particular brand that lines up?




Wood block Problem - There was a rattle inside so I remove the pickup and found a wood block 4.75 inches X 1 inches beveled down at a 20-30% angle. It seems to have stain on part of it. Is this necessary? If so where is it supposed to go? How is the angle oriented?

[Rick Aiello]

It goes behind the pickup ... under the string thru holes.

Not all have them.

It helps prevent the top from buckling under pressure of the strings ... under the bridge.

I have a Double neck NS ... that is soooo buckled ... it's basically not playable ... but it looks cool ...



Most were held in by that creosote/coal tar I mentioned in another thread.

A couple of my hollows have it ... the D12 didn't ... but to be fair ... the cut and welded middle just wasn't a sturdy idea ...

As far as the tuners ... good luck with the three on a strip. I saw Stewart Mac had a new line of "Restoration" tuners that are 3 on a strip ... but I've never seen them or know if they even align.

If all else fails ... get Vintage Grover Sta-Tites (individuals) ... run a round file through the holes ... just a couple swipes will do ...

The mounting holes on the Grovers almost line up ... just elongate them with a tiny round file or drill them out a tad ... the screw head hides it ...

[David Hayes]

So does the wood block line up under the wood block under the bridge or do you push it down more toward the string thru holes? It kind of pressure fits if i push it down towards the string holes but then only part of it supports the wood block under the bridge. Is the angle side face down? I am going to try to put it back and stick it down with a dab of silicone - does that make sense or should I just pressure fit it by pushing it towards the string holes with no glue?

[Rick Aiello]

So does the wood block line up under the wood block under the bridge

If there is a block of wood already under the bridge ...

Well, that's what I thought your loose block was.

Don't go forcing the block that is there around ...

Maybe it was shoved up the neck ... ???