At various locations on the web I saw reference made to a RIC-provided quarter-inch nut driver for truss-rod adjustment on 4003 basses; I don't see any mention of it anywhere on the RIC website, though. Is one available through RIC or a recommended third-party?

I just had a look at the two nuts on my 2015-manufactured 4003, and all I can say is that that is a tight space indeed! Nothing I have on hand already will get into that tiny (one-sixteenth-inch or so?) clearance between nut and headstock wood. I hope someone can direct me to the proper tool.

Thank you.

There is an official RIC tool that occasionally appears for sale, but this is pretty much what I've always used: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britool-E165490 ... TP6HV63GHB
It needs to be long enough to extend beyond the headstock; avoid the T Bar design that encourages you to apply more force than is necessary.

Thanks for your reply, Dazzz. I heard that this tool, which I am awaiting from Amazon, is one that is RIC-recommended:

http://www.amazon.com/Xcelite-L8-Nutdri ... B004UNFR1A

I'm still fearful that it may not have a sufficiently thin wall, given all that I've heard about folks having to grind down existing tools. We'll see tomorrow, which is when I expect delivery.

Does the tool you're referring to work straightaway? Any interference when you tried to adjust?

Sorry for the delay in replying; you probably know the answer by now as Amazon may have been quicker than me. I had no problems at all - my 4003 is a 2006 model so there's a chance the access is easier on mine?? I get the feeling that RIC change something minor every month or so just to make sure we're all paying attention
Hope it works out for you. I'll start measuring stuff if you need it.

Expecting tool by tonight. I'll let you know how I make out.

The Xcelite L8 1/4" nut driver does NOT fit. Will break out the Dremel next and hope for the best.

RIC, I love the product, but this is unacceptable. A customer should not have to endure this to obtain a proper maintenance tool.

I ground mine down with a bench grinder.

You need to grind it in a cone or bullet shape so you don't cut through the weld.

If I were to grind down another one, I would leave more metal on the handle side.

Hmm...I have the same Xcelite 1/4" nut driver and it works fine with my 2013 620/6. I also have another Grover branded truss rod tool (looks like what typically comes w/ most guitars) and that's fine too.

Spent an hour of grinding/checking/repeating yesterday, but finally got it to fit. Then gave my E-string-side truss a rod a needed small turn. FWIW, my 4003 was manufactured in 2015. Unbelievable.

I looked at Stew Mac, and the dimensions on their similar truss-rod tools suggest they wouldn't fit either.