Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So slapping the 4004 humbuckers isn't quite a simple one-for-one replacement, but if they're the same size as the 4001/4003 pickups at least I wouldn't have to dig holes in my 4001 (which is my main worry).

I could, in theory, get some 4004 humbuckers and take them and my 4001 to a luthier and say "Can you install these so they're wired in series, gimme 500k ohm pots, and keep my capacitor push-pull cut-out swtich there?". I'd have to pay a bit more than just getting a new pickup slapped in, but it would (if I understand aright) be do-able?

Sounds like a pretty simple mod. There might be a UK board member who could help you do it yourself, and save the $ a luthier would charge. It sounds like a bunch of solderling, and like I said, I KNOW there is more than enough expertise to do that here. Not like you're trying to rehab a broken neck or something.

Well, any UK solder hot-shots out there: do let me know I claim zero experience in electronics, and the idea of poking around my bass with a hot soldering iron for even a simple job makes me nervous. Fancy rewiring with new pots makes me positively freak out!

Failing that, recommendations for luthiers and guitar techs for hire in the east of England (or at worst London) would also be welcome in general. I've heard there's a good guy in Hitchin ....

OK.....now I have a question as well...

My 4003's with the Barts would have stock 250K pots in them and while I like the sound the 4004LK sounds more "lively". What would a recommendation be for pots in the Bart basses? Would there be any downside to running 1000K's or should I stick with 500k's and should I do volume and tone or just volume? If I was only doing one bass I'd buy both variations but I have to do three which at $4 a pop is more than I'd like to waste at the moment.

I know that taste is subjective....just looking for opinions.....thanks.