Pickup selector knobs...white vs. black....

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Thu Apr 05, 2001 11:17 am

In scanning the net looking at a LOT of photos of Rickenbackers, one thing I've noticed is that on some guitars and basses you will find white or ivory pickup knobs on toggle switches, also black ones too. The time period I refer to is from about 1968 thru, say, 1973-'74...was it just a situation of whatever they had they used, or was it a thought out decision??? Are the white-colored ones original to the instruments????

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Thu Apr 05, 2001 11:41 am

Most of the 'Switchcraft' switches that come on Ricks have black caps.These are the 'long' ones(as compared to the Gibson style).

I know that both colors were at one time available from 'Switchcraft',but to my knowledge (and I have NOT contacted Switchcraft on this matter) only the long tip comes in black at this time.

If the tip is a short one and if the switch itself has a grounding/earth lug where all the other solder connections are made ,then it is a replacement switch.It could well be a 'Switchcraft' brand ,but to the best of my knowledge ,the short post and bat has never been used by Rick.I know that the mini switches are not 'switchcraft' and have a metal post /bat.Theses are not what we are talking about ...correct?

You are looking at the type found on all the classic models since 1958 or so .

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Thu Apr 05, 2001 11:58 am

Mark, the length is the long style just as it is today except the knobs are white instead of black--I saw a 1968 620 on ebay recently that had a white knob on it rather than black--it seems most of the guitars range in the '68-'73 range...also a 1972 4001 had a white knob on it..Of course I can only assume they are original but I see them more often from this time period and no other....am I seeing things??? Help me Spock !! Help me---Spock !!!!

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Thu Apr 05, 2001 3:33 pm

Let's all learn the "correct" terminology for the "switch tip"; If you needed a replacement
tip from Rick, on their parts list it is called a "bat handle"[does kinda look like a mini baseball bat at that]

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Thu Apr 05, 2001 4:56 pm

I have seen them in that time frame as well.Probably what ever Bill could get at the moment or maybe there was something in the air from FC's wife and the look of things!?!

She did after all come up with the amp look.At least ,that was a good story in the plant.I liked it .

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Apr 06, 2001 3:42 am

I went through Richard Smith's book last night and saw what you're refering to Mark, as far as the early (late 50's) instruments....they are the short white ones...so yeah, maybe an occasional batch of white-tip switches were used here and there. "Bat-Handle" it is from now on, Dr!!! Thats better than "Hey, I need a bat-handle-switch-tip-knob-wigit-thingymebob...."

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Mon Feb 25, 2002 9:36 am

Mark, F.Y.I.--there is a 1973 4001 on ebay at present that is very similar to my '72 that is the basis for this thread. It also has a white bat handle on it, as well as being Mapleglo with all the older features and what I believe to be the linoleum-type inlays rather than crushed-pearl. The tuners are even a schaller-type replacement such as what has been used on my bass which is kind of a neat coincidence.....