Humbucker phase problem?

tubetone74 · Post by **tubetone74** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:54 am

Hello everyone,
New kid on the block here. I just installed a RIC humbucker in the bridge position of my 620 (have a toaster in the neck). I am getting what sounds kinda like the Strat quack sound (but better:}) when in the middle position. When I have the blend knob in the middle the sound is very thin and weak. I soldered the blue and exposed wires that we wrapped together when I got it to the pot for ground. I put the Red wire to the side of the switch where I unhooked the hot wire for the toaster I removed. I then put the Black wire to the switch. Hearing the phase problem I then attached the black to ground and it perhaps sounded a little better but not much. Can anyone help me? All knowledgeable replies are greatly appreciated!

bmi_guy · Post by **bmi_guy** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:37 am

Richard,
Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but I can assure you there are several RIC owners "lurking" about that can help you out!!!

Welcome to the forum...

joepee · Post by **joepee** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:54 am

What I always hear people ask is:

Did you put it in backward?

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 11:05 am

Go Here: http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdf/19521-HB1%20Wiring.pdf

That shows the humbucker wiring. If it only does it with 2 pickups on then just reverse the phasing of one of the two and that should fix it.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 11:20 am

Thanks Ken. That tells the story. I sent Richard off a note from work but it is from memory. It seems that I was close to the truth.

tubetone74 · Post by **tubetone74** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 4:49 am

Wow. What a board! You guys are great and thanks for the warm welcome. I am afraid the RIC schematic is only confusing my "non-techy" brain. With Peter's additional emails I will attempt to re-wire the guitar over the weekend. That HB in the bridge alone sounds really nice and I know the blend with the toaster will be too when I get it connected correctly.

ol_reb · Post by **ol_reb** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:19 am

Hey Richard, I'm a bit new here too. Let us know how that Humbucker sounds on your 620. I'm seriously thinking of putting two of them in my 610.

Also, what kind of amp are you using?

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:03 am

Richard sorry for the Reader digest answer and welcome. The schematic is showing this pickup as having 5 wires. Solder the black and clear wires together and insulate them with tape or shrink tube (my preference). The blue wire and the sheild (non-insulated wire) both get grounded, most likely to the back of a pot. The red wire goes to the selecter switch. It should be right if wired like this. If it still has that hollow nasal sound with both pickups on then you must switch the red and blue wires. Hope this helps.

tubetone74 · Post by **tubetone74** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:30 am

Ken: Thanks! Now I get it :}You are great.

David ( ol reb): Three amps (depending on situation)primarily: Dr.Z Mazerrati, Allen Accomplice, and a Marshall 18 watt clone. Tone heaven!!!

kennyhowes · Post by **kennyhowes** » Tue Apr 05, 2005 10:51 am

I had the exact same thing happen once. I liked it, so I left it...

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Apr 06, 2005 2:43 am

Richard: So it all comes down to the red and the blue. Please let us know how you made out.