Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

That's our very own Ace on Bass, D(ins)ane Wilder!

I had an idea it'd probably be someone from here.

apparently you can use replacement pins

Sure you can go down to the hardware and probably buy something that would fit right in BUT when I did the conversion
I wanted to retain the same material for the pole pieces hence - cut off the heads.
Does it make a difference , I'll know soon as I'm doing another one and I'm going to test replacement pins with cut off originals.
I really liked the sound of the pickup stock which is why I tried to utilize those original pins - just cut them off - with the toaster covers and got great results.

I'm looking forward to that report

Anyone know what size screws are used as polepieces? How about dimensions too?

Thanks,

Cole

WoW thanks John, I didn't even think to look there for some reason.

loverickbass wrote:WoW thanks John, I didn't even think to look there for some reason.

I couldn't remember the thread size so it was easier to link to the actual screw.

#8-32. The length for the adjustable pole pieces can be 0.500" but for the older pickups with the push pins the length needs to be 0.400". I just do them all at 0.400". I found if you go too long the pickup output is decreased.

I got 1/2 inch 8-32 set screws finally but when I went to install them I'm running into some resistance the lower they go. Can that set flush with the bobbin top or do they have to be raised a bit. I don't want to break the magnet off.

Cole

loverickbass wrote:I got 1/2 inch 8-32 set screws finally but when I went to install them I'm running into some resistance the lower they go. Can that set flush with the bobbin top or do they have to be raised a bit. I don't want to break the magnet off.

Cole

They need to be flush with the top of the bobbin in order for the toaster cover to fit. I prefer using a screw with a head approximately the diameter of the original poles but counter sunk into the bobbin. The set screws will have a narrow magnetic focus.

I've always loved the look of the Toastes, and I've performed this hi-gain conversion on my Fireglo 330/6 with excellent results. I used 8-32 socket screws that I found at my hardware store to replace the pole pieces and they worked perfectly. I removed the magnet with a gentle pry and installed them from the bottom - similar to the instructions contained in this very helpful thread - so that the blunt (i.e. flat, non-socketed) end was flush with the top of the bobbin. I then re-glued the magnet with a few, thin beads of super glue. I've been really pleased with how it turned out, and I'm soon to do the same with my Mapleglo 330/12.

Surely I should be able to go lower than this without mucking with the magnet?

loverickbass wrote:I got 1/2 inch 8-32 set screws finally but when I went to install them I'm running into some resistance the lower they go. Can that set flush with the bobbin top or do they have to be raised a bit. I don't want to break the magnet off.
Cole

Cole , you need to have shorter screw sizes to accommodate/offset the distance or depth of the countersink you have drilled in the plastic. This happened to me when I Toasterized my High Gains on the WB and I almost broke the magnet, when tightening down on the screws, before realizing I had to replace the screws with ones 1/8th of an inch shorter or so, to compensate for the countersink depth.

That's what I kinda figured. Thanks for the info guys!