Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The neck pickup pocket can't accommodate the 1/2" pickup spacing without removing some wood. With the upper and lower cutaways moved back like they are, I still wouldn't do it.

It looked that way to me, but Dane would know better; he's done work in there.

I have several 1970 4001's. The cavity is about 1/4" and less from the body rim on the treble side.
Very weak area, but workable with light, low tension strings.

On a current 4003S it certainly would be at your own risk and I wouldn't do it if you like strings heavier than TI Flats or Rounds....

I would only have seriously considered it if the spacing could be accommodated in the existing cutout.

That's money I won't have spend on another pickguard.

No mods when I get mine, I'll be happy with stock routing.

I'm already building harnesses with a push-pull stereo option for people wanting ROS on these basses with their single output jack.

Dane, or anyone who has one of Dane's wiring harnesses...please elaborate the difference between yours and the stock? You have me curious, is it hotter? More output? Should I consider one for my 75 4001?. I'm not quite ready to do that to my newer Ricks but would like to go,for it in my 75

I'll let Dane speak about what options he can offer but I got him to build me a 60's spec harness for my S bass. It has 60's spec pots all around and Ajax caps. I'm hoping ot pick up the 60's early 70's clank with those mods and the 60's spec Classic Amplification pups I had built for my Walnut S.

Sepp

Larry, the harness I build for 4001/3's replicates the look and specs from 60's 4001's, which are very different than what RIC has been using in these basses for the past several years. Possible scratchy pots and output jacks aside, your 4001 would need a harness like this less than a newer 4003 with its 330K pots. Since I use vintage spec 500K pots for tone and 250K pots for volume (all matched and within 5% of rated spec) the current pickups especially have greater clarity and brightness. While the current made in China Cornell-Dubillier caps aren't bad, I have a limited quantity of NOS axial Ajax and Sprague caps as used in Ricks at one time that I think also sound a bit better.

My 4003s came today!!! Woot!!!

Pics, Larry or it never happened!

Yeah, pics and where did you get it from, Larry???

It's true. I saw the picture.

I posted it on Facebook on the rickenbacker guitars and basses page...as soon as I get a chance to upload it to photobucket, I'll upload,it to here. It was being unpacked as I walked into the Guitar Gallery in Canonsburg, Pa. They were getting ready to call me. Had I known it was coming today I would've taken my pick guardian pick guard along to have it installed. I pick it up tomorrow after the pick up cover is installed. It'll be a twin to Tom's

4003's on popping up on Ebay already. Dealers