Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

trout wrote:on the subject of this, i've just bought a 73 rick 480 and to be honest i don't like the sound much, would prefer humbuckers in it, would it be possible to put humbuckers in it?

'Possible' isn't really part of the equation. It's wood with some electronics on it, anything is possible. What it comes down to is A) What are you willing to pay B) Are you familiar with electronics and or would be willing to learn and C) Are you sure that putting Humbuckers in it would get you the sound that you want. You could buy a set of Rick humbuckers and that would be a fairly simple swap, but i've never heard Rick humbuckers so I can't say if that would be a good idea or not. If you wanted to use humbuckers from a different brand then that would most likely require modifications to the body and pickguard.

Spike- wrote:If you wanted to use humbuckers from a different brand then that would most likely require modifications to the body and pickguard.

...and not recommended.

jps wrote:

Spike- wrote:If you wanted to use humbuckers from a different brand then that would most likely require modifications to the body and pickguard.

...and not recommended.

+1 times infinity!!!!
If you're going to mod it, try the Ric HB's. Don't rout that guitar!! There are plenty of us out here that would love her just the way she is now, especially me! I too was not a big fan on the Hi-Gains in my 480's. Not that they sounded bad, just not what I wanted. I put 12k toasters with the 0.0047 cap in the bridge positions and Ric HB's in the neck positions and they rock, at least IMO, and they're still all Ric!

trout wrote:on the subject of this, i've just bought a 73 rick 480 and to be honest i don't like the sound much, would prefer humbuckers in it, would it be possible to put humbuckers in it?

Richard, I suggest that before doing any mods, check that the wiring hasn't been messed with. If a previous owner added/removed caps or changed connections, that would most definitely alter the sound.

Looks like Rickenbacker produced the first 481 in almost 30 years and listed it on eBay. Check out the Ric outlet auction. I am grinning ear to ear. Yes it is a hybrid but Wow.

IHeartRics wrote:

jps wrote:

Spike- wrote:If you wanted to use humbuckers from a different brand then that would most likely require modifications to the body and pickguard.

...and not recommended.

+1 times infinity!!!!
If you're going to mod it, try the Ric HB's. Don't rout that guitar!! There are plenty of us out here that would love her just the way she is now .....

Joining this thread late here, Trout, but I echo those sentiments pleading with you not to rout this guitar !!

If you want a routed 480 with "other brand" Humbuckers --- you can buy this one on e-bay from the guy in San Bernardino. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rickenbacker-48 ... 3cbba211df

Just a thought ....

AlohaT wrote:Looks like Rickenbacker produced the first 481 in almost 30 years and listed it on eBay. Check out the Ric outlet auction. I am grinning ear to ear. Yes it is a hybrid but Wow.

More of a 480/12, IMO. I heard about it last month, and i'm 100% not biased in any way because it happens to be using my favourite finish and favourite guitar style. Honest.

Grey wrote:

AlohaT wrote:Looks like Rickenbacker produced the first 481 in almost 30 years and listed it on eBay. Check out the Ric outlet auction. I am grinning ear to ear. Yes it is a hybrid but Wow.

More of a 480/12, IMO. I heard about it last month, and i'm 100% not biased in any way because it happens to be using my favourite finish and favourite guitar style. Honest.

Agreed it looks more like a 480 to me due to the typical Ric size PU's and lack of slanted frets, but without a pickguard, does it not deserve it's own number? Maybe they're calling it a 481 because it has binding on the body, triangle neck inlays, and HB's. Regardless, I'm just stoked Ric is looking at this body style again.

Grey wrote:

trout wrote:on the subject of this, i've just bought a 73 rick 480 and to be honest i don't like the sound much, would prefer humbuckers in it, would it be possible to put humbuckers in it?

'Possible' isn't really part of the equation. It's wood with some electronics on it, anything is possible. What it comes down to is A) What are you willing to pay B) Are you familiar with electronics and or would be willing to learn and C) Are you sure that putting Humbuckers in it would get you the sound that you want. You could buy a set of Rick humbuckers and that would be a fairly simple swap, but i've never heard Rick humbuckers so I can't say if that would be a good idea or not. If you wanted to use humbuckers from a different brand then that would most likely require modifications to the body and pickguard.

There's also the third option of having someone wind you some traditional type HB coils that will fit in the existing covers/pickup routs. IIRC, Rick HBs are voiced more like single coils but with higher output, and the hum cancelling advantage of the HB, of course.

Remember that no matter what p/ups are in the guitar, the maple body has a lot to do with the sound.

And if you're a good player!

Two Walnut 480's on eBay makes this a happy day.

As an aside, if yours is the "1979 Rickenbacker 480" it dosen't appear to be 100% original. The bridge height adjustment screws have been relplaced with added springs,.

I have made some edits to this thread since our new member has broken the rules twice. Unfortunately that also means that I had to edit responses by other members to his posts also.