Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Modern years of Rickenbacker Guitars from 1984 to the present

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DoubleThink
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Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by DoubleThink »

I'd like to rewire my 340 so that I can control each pickup independently along the following lines:

• One tone pot will become a third volume pot, and the remaining tone pot will become either a Master Tone, or remain as tone for the bridge pickup only. Thus, three volumes, one tone;
• I’d like the 5th knob to maintain its current function as a mixer;
• The toggle switch will retain its current function.

Now, while I’m pretty handy with a soldering iron, I have no idea where I should place the wires to achieve the set-up I seek. Can anyone recommend a wiring plan? Perhaps someone can upload a quick sketch of where my wires should go? I know that, at some level, this is a no-brainer, but maybe that's why I'm having difficulty figuring this out :oops:

If this works well, I might do the same with my 370/12.

Any discussion, advice and/or sketches/diagrams are appreciated.

All the best
Rics ... and some other stuff....
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ken_j
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Re: Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by ken_j »

Since the 5th knob is actually a second volume pot (ungrouned, as I recall) for the neck/middle pickups. I would wire the middle pickup volume to this pot then directly to the output jack. This way the middle pickup can be added to either or both of the others. Wire the other two pickups the same as a 330. Schematics can be found here: http://www.rickenbacker.com/service_g_schematics.asp
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iiipopes
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Re: Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by iiipopes »

I'd be glad to send you my wiring mods that do the neck and middle pickup either/or with a pushpull installed on the 5th knob, which keeps all controls performing their stock functions.
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jdawe
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Re: Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by jdawe »

Those are both excellent ideas. Since the 5th knob doesn't really do anything that you can't also do (albeit a bit less conveniently) by twiddling the bass volume knob, you don't really lose any functionality with Ken's modification. Scott's push-pull mod sounds even better, if you don't mind having to get the additional part.
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DoubleThink
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Re: Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by DoubleThink »

Thanks for the input.

I'm intrigued by the push-pull mod that would allow, if I understand correctly, both full 340 standard function, as well as a pull/dial-in option for middle PU control.

Is there a particular push/pull pot you would recommend, or is a standard StewMac-type product sufficient?

Scott, yes, please forward your wiring mods. Great help.
Rics ... and some other stuff....
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iiipopes
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Re: Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by iiipopes »

The RIC push-pull is the only one with a switch body compact enough to fit. I'm at work; I'll send the diagrams after I get home from my son's Scout Troop meeting tonight. Thanks for your interest.
Stoneboat_dhd
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Re: Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by Stoneboat_dhd »

Hi Scott,

Would you be so kind as to forward to me your push/pull schematic to [email protected].
I have a 370 12 (FG) which is going under the knife and I think your mod sounds like a great way to go.

Would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Mark P (Stoneboat_dhd)
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8mileshigher
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Rewiring a 340 or 370 - Help Needed

Post by 8mileshigher »

You guys are on the right track with seeking the iiipopes mod 8)

This mod is now so famous, there is even a thread with this title over on the Ric Company Forum
http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewt ... f=2&t=7928
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