There really is little doubt, at least to my ears, that the 21 fret model sounds more mellow, chimey and rich in tonality than the 24 fret instrument, when you are using the neck pickup as a point of reference. While the tone of the 24 fret model is different, it is by no means harsh or hard on the ears. If we acknowledge that the 21 fret model allows for a more desireable tonality, can the 24 fret model be tweaked to morely closely approach the golden tone. I believe that the short answer to this question is yes.
So what is the solution? The choice of pickup and a tweaking of the electronics is a good first start. I offer this "solution" for the 24 fret model 350 and the extent to which these suggestions are helpful or productive in the case of other models can only be determined through trial and error.
In our discussions with Tony Carey we have learned that Tony's ear leads him to recommend the toaster with 21 fret models and the high gain with the 24 fret models. In my research, perhaps better characterized as tinkering, I have found that the toaster pickup sounds excellent in both 21 and 24 fret models at the bridge, but falls short in the neck position. I would further suggest that this observation holds true for the solid body and the semi-hollow body guitars. The problem arises when you put a toaster in the neck and middle positions of the model 350. In both of these positions, the toasters sound more bassy. In stock three pickup Rickenbackers this bassy tonality seems to be accentuated by having the middle and neck pickups on the same volume and tone circuit. The first part of the fix is to put a high gain pickup in the neck of the 24 fret model 350.
The second part of the fix, is to have both the middle and neck pickups with their own tone and volume control. There are many ways to achieve this and the method offered here may not the best or the most effective. It is, however, the most straightforward. I wired the fifth knob so that it became the volume control for the middle pickup. This allows for the middle pickup to be turned down or off completely for that matter. This is an important step in attaining a sound closer to the two-pickup 330, 360 or 1997 for example. Yes I realize that the magnets are still on and pulling, however, being able to turn the volume off or down for the middle pickup certainly helps.
Further, a simple way to increase the brightness of the middle pickup is to use a .001 mfd capacitor at the volume pot of the middle pickup. I found after experimentation that the best sound overall sound was achieved by putting a .0047 mfd capacitor at the input jack so that the slightly brighter sound is applied to all three pickups. Your ear may lead you to going further in this regard.
Finally, there is the matter of the choice of the pickup for the middle position. A very nice choice is the RIC humbucking pickup which has the largest aperture of the three guitar pickups made by Rickenbacker. It also has just the right tonality for the middle position and, based on its smooth surface, seems very easy to strum over compared to the toaster and high gains. I have tried all combinations of pickups in different positions and this arrangement works best for me.
I suspect that the pickup fashion police will not approve, however, the sound is worth the effort and tolerating the appearance. There is also an edge to this pickup when used between the brighter toaster and more powerful high gain that leads to a jangly tonality too.
I offer a photo below of the look. Sorry no sound-bytes available as yet.
