4003 Pickup/String Concern

[jack1953]

Let me first say that on both of my pickups, underneath each string, is a screw that goes into the pickup. The 1st and 4th screws on both pickups seem to be screwed all the way in. The 2nd and 3rd screws on each pickup, appear to be unscrewed somewhat but appear to all be at the same height.

Question 1: Is this normal?

Also, my E, A, and D strings all seem to have the same equal amount of volume, but the G strings has noticeably less volume. I understand that this could be either a dead string or the pickup under that string isn't producing the volume amount needed.

Question 2: How do you know if it's a dead string vs pickup problem?

I've also heard that those screws are there to adjust the amount of volume produced from each string.

Question 3: Is this true?

Question 4: If it is true, should I unscrew the 4th screw under the G string some, to see if it increases the volume?

Any and all help appreciated.

Thanks again.

Jack

[rickenbrother]

Let me first say that on both of my pickups, underneath each string, is a screw that goes into the pickup. The 1st and 4th screws on both pickups seem to be screwed all the way in. The 2nd and 3rd screws on each pickup, appear to be unscrewed somewhat but appear to all be at the same height.

Question 1: Is this normal?

Yes, the A & D polepieces are a bit higher than the E & G polepieces to suit the string height & fingerboard radius.

Also, my E, A, and D strings all seem to have the same equal amount of volume, but the G strings has noticeably less volume. I understand that this could be either a dead string or the pickup under that string isn't producing the volume amount needed.

Question 2: How do you know if it's a dead string vs pickup problem?

First try adjusting the pickup. If that doesn't work, change the string.

I've also heard that those screws are there to adjust the amount of volume produced from each string.

Question 3: Is this true?

We call them adjustable polepieces on hi gain pickups installed in Ricks since about late '05. They have an allen key hole at the tops of the polepieces. Yes, they can be individually adjusted to your liking.

Question 4: If it is true, should I unscrew the 4th screw under the G string some, to see if it increases the volume?

Yes, raise the polepiece by turning it counterclockwise to the desired string output.
If you raise them too high, you'll get unwanted distortion and/or clicking noises when you play though an amp.

[jack1953]

Let me first say that on both of my pickups, underneath each string, is a screw that goes into the pickup. The 1st and 4th screws on both pickups seem to be screwed all the way in. The 2nd and 3rd screws on each pickup, appear to be unscrewed somewhat but appear to all be at the same height.

Question 1: Is this normal?

Yes, the A & D polepieces are a bit higher than the E & G polepieces to suit the string height & fingerboard radius.

Also, my E, A, and D strings all seem to have the same equal amount of volume, but the G strings has noticeably less volume. I understand that this could be either a dead string or the pickup under that string isn't producing the volume amount needed.

Question 2: How do you know if it's a dead string vs pickup problem?

First try adjusting the pickup. If that doesn't work, change the string.

I've also heard that those screws are there to adjust the amount of volume produced from each string.

Question 3: Is this true?

We call them adjustable polepieces on hi gain pickups installed in Ricks since about late '05. They have an allen key hole at the tops of the polepieces. Yes, they can be individually adjusted to your liking.

Question 4: If it is true, should I unscrew the 4th screw under the G string some, to see if it increases the volume?

Yes, raise the polepiece by turning it counterclockwise to the desired string output.
If you raise them too high, you'll get unwanted distortion and/or clicking noises when you play though an amp.

Thanks Joey, you da MAN!!

[jack1953]

Joey,
I was able to bring the screw underneath the G out some and I did hear some improvement, but wouldn't I also need to do the pickup underneath the horseshoe? How do I get to that one? I guess I'll have to removed the horseshoe, but I'm not sure I want to attempt that without making sure I know what I am doing.
Jack

[rickenbrother]

Jack, not that I've had to do it myself and I'm sure it's a bit tricky, but with the cover on you'll need the same size allen wrench, but a long handle side and a very short side to maneuver into the hole in the polepiece.

If you really want to remove the cover, read here:
http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Rick%20maint.htm#rem

[paul_yan]

Jack, follow Joey's instruction and you'll be a happy Ricker. I myself love those adjustable polepieces for their adjustability to give you perfect string volume balance! Good luck!

[jack1953]

Well the allen wrench is too big to fit underneath the horseshoe to loosen the pole and I looked and called around and can't believe I couldn't find a stubby, so I ordered one off of Ebay. I also contacted Rickenbacker and asked them to send me another G string. I haven't heard a lot of positive things about the customer service there, but I guess I'll find out myself.

[johnallg]

I haven't heard a lot of positive things about the customer service there, but I guess I'll find out myself.

?????

[winston]

I haven't heard a lot of positive things about the customer service there, but I guess I'll find out myself.

Jack the collective experience that we have here on this forum with RIC customer service is a very positive one. I am sure your comment will generate a number of remarks similar to mine.

[rickenbrother]

I haven't heard a lot of positive things about the customer service there, but I guess I'll find out myself.

Jack, I've had experiences with Rickenbacker customer service since '81. I can't say that I've ever had anything other than excellent customer service.

[jack1953]

Glad to hear the positive remarks. I'm not sure if it was in TB or not, but I had heard a negative experience from someone. Good to hear about these experiences.

[ajish4]

JUST CALL THEM, don't rely on an Email message.....

I'd also call the dealer you purchased it from and ask them.

[rickenbrother]

Glad to hear the positive remarks. I'm not sure if it was in TB or not, but I had heard a negative experience from someone. Good to hear about these experiences.

Don't go by things you hear elsewhere.

[jps]

Glad to hear the positive remarks. I'm not sure if it was in TB or not, but I had heard a negative experience from someone. Good to hear about these experiences.

Don't go by things you hear elsewhere.

Yeah, only the real truth can be found on these pages!

[rickaddict]

Jack-

If you need to adjust your pickup pole height under the bridge pickup cover you should be able to saw/grind the short end of a normal Allen wrench down to where it will fit under the cover.

And I too have had good experiences in my dealings with RIC customer service.