Getting to know an MC

[jdogric12]

Nope, not a rapper. I've been playing my new old March 73 4001 JG and find myself somewhat perplexed by the springy pickup cover. I'm used to them being solid, and a wholly hardy handrest. But this one pushes in when you press on it, I think because they were made differently then, right? (Read: Please educate me.) Thoughts? Could I put a modern cover on it as a totally reversible non-destructive mod? Groan, even if so, it would require taking all the strings off. I'm just not slick enough for the JH method of squeezing it out by hand.

[ken_j]

If I recall right the older covers are shorter and are mounted on top of the springs. They do not move up and down with the pickup.

[rickenbrother]

Maybe the original springs were replaced and or maybe there are washers missing? The springs in my Aug '73 bridge pickup assembly seem to have about the same solid feel as my other Ricks.

[doctorwho]

If I recall right the older covers are shorter and are mounted on top of the springs. They do not move up and down with the pickup.

+1

[markbass99]

Hey Jdog, glad you like your MC. The shorter covers are above the spring and the longer covers mount like they do today. I have seen both types on all my 73's as they came in, some probably put on at the last minute just to make the sale and the bass complete. I can't stand the damn things so they are removed asap. (Thanks for the nice letter btw, always glad to share my ricks with anyone on the forum).

[antipodean]

Hi JD,

I have a low-rise cover on my '74 4000 and it has some travel but only under pretty high pressure (ie I have to be trying to push it into the body and make quite an effort to get it to budge). It sounds to me like the springs on your bass have been changed or something has happened to weaken the springs... or maybe you have a very heavy wrist?

[jdogric12]

I guess I use it more as a shield than a rest. Attacks with the pick are the problem.