4004cii E-String observation

[rickenbrother]

Ryan, a pickup being out of phase is a problem that's not worth worrying about since it's an easy fix and It only happens occasionally. It can probably occur occasionally with any manufacturers pickups.

[bassduke49]

Another possibility is the room. D'ya ever notice that some notes ring louder than others? Could be the room's resonance is absorbing some of the lower tones. Just a thought.

[bottom4]

Steve, try a minor neck adjustment. I recall JH recommending that once for 4003's. Worth a shot!

[ken_j]

How does one tell if a pickup is out of phase? This problem worries me a little since I have the Cii on order, but I also have a 650C with the same pickups. Is it something that is obvious?

It was obvious to me. On the 650 each pickup sounded fine when selected but when both were selected the bottom end dropped out and the sound became hollow and nasally. I am sure that this is an extremely rare occurrence. Your ears will let you know if it is not right.

[86kubicki]

Ken that's exactly what I'm hearing! Thanks for the tip on what the problem may be - I'll contact RIC regarding the issue.

[jwr2]

Try a .105 or .110 e string ...

Also try a more massive bridge ...

[ken_j]

Steve here is the link that shows the the magnetic pole polarity: http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdfs/19521-HB1%20Wiring.pdf The Schatten Magnet Polarity Tester is cheap enough to help with a diagnosis.

[johnallg]

Joey and Ken have it. And I found a solution to the 4003S loss of E string presence with the new pickups on it. Thanks guys, never thought of them being out of phase. Now where's my soldering iron....

I had two indications - loss of E string presence and having the cap in the bridge circuit, lowering one pup made the E louder, which I've only noticed in the uncapped circuit to happen.

Steve, if you decide to do it yourself, pick the easier pup to work on and at the wire end that is the right of the pdf drawing, move the shield to the red wire and then swap where the red and blue connect.