Bridge pick up cover

bassmandudge · Post by **bassmandudge** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:29 am

I am new and this has probably been done to death so bear with me. Is it easy to remove the chrome bridge pick up cover on a 4003? I have played different basses for over 25 years and on the Rick it is in exactly the wrong spot for me. Also I get a very different sound plucking behind the cover to in front of it. I get the feeling that exactly the right sound for me would be to play directly over the pick up.Would there be any change in sound if I were to remove it or is it just for looks? Thanks in advance.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:41 am

Very easy! Just remove the strings, remove the two large screws just to the outside of the handrest then remove the four small screws on the p/u ring. At that point you can just lift up the ring and take off the handrest and reassemble. When you put the large screws that actually raise/lower the p/u make sure the springs are in place and that the lower (control side) screw goes through the ground wire terminal. It sounds worse than it is. Just take a look as you take it apart and it will make sense. Cover your bass with a few towels to limit the chance of dinging your beauty.

Welcome to the Forum!

ilan · Post by **ilan** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:44 am

Welcome Carl. This should help:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdfs/bpickups.pdf

And no, there will be no change in sound. It's there for looks, history, and some of us (myself included) find it comfortable and use it as a hand-rest.

John Hall (Rickenbacker CEO) once mentioned a trick to remove the cover without removing the strings and taking apart the chrome surround, but I have no idea how he does it.

And it's not really chrome, it's plastic.

delberthot · Post by **delberthot** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:46 am

Most people I have come into contact with have removed for the very same reason as you - ie it is exactly where they want to play.

The only down side of it is that when you hit the E string, chances are your index/middle finger will come in contact with the edge of the surround which can be painful. A way round this is to get a surround from pickguardian who are based in the US.

I am from the UK like you and I have ordered from them without a problem. They even give you a free plectrum.

They do them in a variety of finishes to suit your bass.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:46 am

edit.....I was posting the link but Ilan beat me to it....

bassmandudge · Post by **bassmandudge** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 12:24 pm

Thanks guys. I had noticed that the large screws also raised and lowered the pick up which is why I was slightly hesitant to dive straight in. I'll have a look at pickguardian as well. All the best.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:00 pm

I've done it a few times without removing the strings, & it's VERY awkward. Taking the assembly apart is easy, but reassembling is no fun. You're not actually saving time or effort doing it that way.
Just don't lose the cover! Keep it in the case.
Oh, and welcome!

lars · Post by **lars** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:11 am

I find it easiest to remove the four screws that holds the surrounding first, then lift the hole assembly. Then you can see clearly what's happening when you remove the two larger screws. (The pick up base plate, the spacers, the springs, the ground lead, and the cover)

beacon · Post by **beacon** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:53 am

I removed mine with the strings on...it would be much easier with them off. Also, you may notice a slight increase in hum....I believe the cover does add a bit of shielding. I notice it only when standing directly in front of the amp facing it.

philipharris · Post by **philipharris** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 3:02 am

I find they look better on, play better off. Horseshoes I leave on, even though they are dummies on C64s/V63s. On '01s &03s I take 'em off. Also I've found that using (if you can find one) a non-scooped pup surround helps minimize pain/bloodloss in the fingers....