Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thanks

I bought my V63 around 5 years ago planning on removing the shoes, but not knowing if it was possible. This was before I knew about this forum. I wouldn't have kept it if I couldn't remove the shoes.

But it looks like attitudes toward going shoeless are changing. A few years ago I caught so much flak on this forum about removing mine! I told people that I noticed no difference in tone when I removed them, but some members insisted that this was impossible; there HAD to be a difference. I said the only differences I noticed was that my bass was much easier to play, had more tonal versatility, lost around a pound...but was unfortunately a little less cool-looking.

Anywho...glad to see others discovering what they've been missing out on!

And glad to see that some of you (Ilan and Kevin) actually use and like the shoes.

Rock on!

Shoeless Jeff

Jeff,

My brother's C64 had no "detectable" tonal change at all when he took his shoes off. (Other than being able to play over the pu).
I remember people saying it had to change, and believe Mr. Hall was one of them. Our sample size of 1 didn't show that.

Get the shoes off and get stuck into that "sweet spot" which is exactly where they get in the way.

For me, the "sweet spot" is right in between both pickups. I'll keep my shoes on, thanks!

Barefoot's where it at, man.

Good for you David!

I too removed my "shoes" yesterday in preparation for my gig tonight. I have been playing my 4003"v68" with its pickup cover attached for a few years now, after having it off for my first few years with the bass.

I love the way it looks with the cover on, but I was having some functionality problems - I couldn't get the pickup low enough to match the neck toaster in volume, and my facsimile shoes are not bendable. So, off it came, and problem solved. Just call me Shoeless John!

I play my '88 behind the shoe with the toggle on the neck p/u. Very "Wing-sey" sounding

what we 'need' are "slippers", they stay on for photos, snap off for playing!

hey, didn't somebody already do that?

David, I like to leave it as is. I don't really care for the plastic Pickguardian thingies - I much prefer the chrome look. Lots of players leave theirs "as is" as well.

Pics? Hopefully people were taking 'em at the show. It went pretty well. I can't say that i'm all that conscious of where my right hand is when i'm playing live, I just kind of switch to autopilot. I suppose it was a bit freeing.

This was also my first show with roundwound strings in years and my fingers are KILLING me. I've got a disgusting blood blister on my right hand index finger - I thought by the third set I was going to have a "Crisman moment"!