My recent conversion

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:42 pm

I recently converted 2 hi-gain Rick pickups to fashion toaster covers. I consulted Sérgio via email. I also emailed and talked with Jeff Rath. Their prior experience was very helpful with this project. I thank both of you for your help.

Since I planned on trying these out, and with the possibility of a permanent replacement on my 650C, I chose to use two bridge hi-gain pickup assemblies due to the wider string spacing. I also had an older high gain that was given to me that I used to test prove the method that I wanted to use.

Here is the process I used:
 Remove the pickup cover.
 Removed the magnets with a chisel-blade X-ACTO® knife.
 Removed the pole pieces from the bottom side with a punch.  Drilled out the pole piece holes in the bobbin to 0.250”.
 Cut new pole pieces on a lathe to the same length as the thickness of the bobbin, 0.400”. The pole pieces were cut from 0.250” diameter cold rolled steel (1018). I wanted to use the larger diameter pieces so as not to have any dead spots in the magnetic field.
 Using a large dowel pin (approx. 0.500” x 6”) chucked up in my drill press, I pressed the pole pieces into the bobbin until flush with the bottom surface (where the magnet mounts).
 Glue the magnet back on. Note: Not being sure what glue to use I emailed both Sérgio and RIC customer service. I didn’t have much luck finding the glue Sérgio used. RIC CS wrote back: ” We use super glue for our pickups. Nothing special.” So I went to the Loctite® web site and chose to use #380. This seemed to be the best application due to the combination of materials in the pickup. It worked great.
 Reassemble the pickup with a new toaster cover.

These pickups work fine and have no dead spots when string bending. They have brought a whole new sound to the 650. I will post a cross-thread in the guitar section with pictures of the guitar with these installed.

jps · Post by **jps** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:46 pm

I thought you just became Jewish!

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:25 am

I think that I would dread the Bris, being in my mid-fifties.

blueflamerick · Post by **blueflamerick** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:27 am

I know a guy who didn't get circumcised until he was 34. Ouch.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:09 am

WHAT !?! WHAT ?!? WHAT!?!

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 2:12 pm

Sergio did my higains that way a few months ago. I couldn't be more happy with them. Higain sound with Toaster look. RIC should offer these.

Cole

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 12:28 pm

You know what they say...Ignorance is bris.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 5:43 pm

I'm still trying to get a handle on "Sergio did my higains that way...". Now there's a visual!