Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Unpotted pickups, like RICs, are subject to internal corrosion when affected by sweat, high humidity and spilled liquids. Any minute cracks in the wire covering can let 'em in and lead to corrosion and a break in the circuit, particularly if somewhere near the pole pieces where you can also get electrolytic reactions from differing metals. I've pulled apart a couple of dead Duncans a mate gave me to play with, both of them with obvious corrosion on the pole pieces and in both cases the inner dozen or so wraps were cactus. It happens.

Cheers,
Andrew