Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

You say there's no output when the switch is in the down position. As long as that switch position selects only the pickup in question, you can use an ohmmeter to check the coils. They should read about 13k ohms. There are actually two ways the pickup can go bad - shorted or open. If it's open, you still could be lucky in that the break may be where the two coils are tied together, which is accessible to fix. If it's shorted (dead short at less than 1 ohm), it would probably be in the wire leading to the pickup. You really need more information to effectively troubleshoot this problem.

If it is the pup, you should at least contact RIC customer service to see if they will accept just shipping the pup rather than the whole bass.
It is still under warranty, so it's entirely possible you'll get a new pup for the price of shipping. The turnaround time would be short, I'm sure.
It's worth a try.

Those guys/gals at FedUp and OOOOOOOPS won't pay up for the full value of that LK, they'll get an "independent" appraiser to say its $900, and be done with it.

Don't let 'em have the satisfaction!

Not quite Jared.. UPS is is good if it's packed right and insured . Brand Ex can't say, I've never shipped any thing with them, but a friend in N.Y. bought a 14K Rick Light Show Guitar and UPS broke the neck, it was insured and they paid for it and let him keep the instrument..

Dale wrote:
"...a friend in N.Y. bought a 14K Rick Light Show Guitar and UPS broke the neck..."

United Parcel Shredders strikes again!

Hi Kevin, interesting idea thank you. Now that you mention it, the nice fella I talked to at RIC mentioned a similar procedure as a possible solution.

(Caution: Anal Alert) (NO!! Not that kind!!!)

This is where I really became whiny, I did not send in my warranty card as I wanted to keep all the documents that came with the bass. I began to snibble about sending copies or other ways to document the bass. Young chap was very pleasant and somewhat amused, but he held steady that I properly send in the correct paperwork so that RIC could cover the repair. DRATS! Hard to argue with a guy who is trying to help you.

Well, me being the dope that I am, I just decided to ante up for a new pup and keep all original paperwork. It's tough being me, expensive too.

Thanks Kris for the tip. Ken J. has kindly offered to explore that avenue when we get together this week. With his expertise the actual problem should be positively identified. I feel fairly confident it is the pup as the first tech to examine the bass has done well by me on prior occasions.

BTW, Kenny in RIC customer service has kindly offered his services to locate a pup if that turns out to be the problem. Thanks Kenny!

Dale, oh my God, if my Light Show guitar was broken in shipping, I would be heart broken even if they doubled the value. The problem is then, where do you find another to replace her? Was the damage repairable?

There are really only two problems that can be addressed with this pickup; a short or an open. Both of those conditions can only be at the solder pads on the back of the pickup or the leads. Those are things one can check quite easily with an ohmeter, if not visually.

The pickup is entirely encapsulated, so if it's an internal problem, there is nothing anyone is reasonably going to be able to do about it.

Since you are determined not to avail yourself of warranty service, you CAN save yourself some money by purchasing ANY working HB2 type pickup, chrome, gold, or black; the inside is the same on all models. The cover portion can be successfully transplanted.

Thanks John, I have an opportunity to use a pickup from a 650 Dakota, but we were not sure if guitar and bass HB2's could be interchanged.

You know, if you had not made such a beautiful bass it would be much easier to ship her back. Well done sir.

If my house were to catch on fire, I would have to get Mom out on the second trip. (She does not use a computer, thus my bravery.)

Yes we Rickenbacker owners are "some brave" aren't we? Good one, Gary!

Look at Gary's occupation, listed in his profile.

Hah! Excellent one, Gary!

Alright, alright, you guys busted me.

Due to pressure from the troops: The Rescue Schedule
1) 4004LK
2) Mom
3) Rest of my Ricks (Rush,rush,rush)
4) The Alembics (Rush,rush)
5) The Ken Smiths (Rush,rush)
6) Hofner (Rush,rush)
7) Fender (rush) OK Jeffery, (Rush,rush)
Sorry,leaving the Ampeg 810 cabs, unless Mom helps me.

Have Mom carry of couple of the Ricks while you're rescuing her. That'll save some time.

You read my mind Jerry. That's why she got promoted to #2.

Already got her a helmet.

Fireman humor... LOL! I'd pile the Alembics on the Ampegs and roll with them.

Heck, easier yet is make a big room in the basement that is like a fire safe and put them all in there!