Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello all,

It's been a while! Hope everyone's great!

Back in 2006 I purchased a 1982 4001S intended for a full Squire makeover. I also purchased a 1963 Rickenbacker Lap Steel with a true magnetic horseshoe that I intended to have refit to be installed in my project bass, along with a proper toaster. I thought I could just swap the 4001S hi-gain bridge pup into the lap steel and none would be the wiser.

Well, I guess I'm a bit too much of a purist at heart. I don't play slide or lap steel style, but when I plugged it in to test the pickup, I heard a tone so sweet that I couldn't bare to change it. I had seen Steve Howe on a solo tour a while back where he closed the concert with three encores, all on a lap steel. That was my favorite part of the show, as I had not paid too much attention to his steel guitar work in the past, with And You And I being the exception, but I sat up and took notice that evening. Steve's tone was very clear and a bit sweet, even sentimental and as I heard my "new" Ric producing similar tones, I didn't dare change a thing.

Which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the reissue horseshoe pup I found on ebay later that year turned out to be one with a clear, very bright distinct tone which ended up making my "new" 4001S very Squire-Like in tone, when strung with DR Highbeams, I got as close to a raw Squire tone as I could get without having to go very deep into the weeds of Chris's tone. Peter Greenwood, you know what I mean! That can be a very long journey!

I'm not suggesting that anyone else do as I did, but in this case I'm very happy to have left well enough alone, as dear old Dad used to say.

Most of you have seen this picture when Chris took my finished bass for a spin in 2009, but here it is again for context. I miss the hell out of this guy but am grateful for the legacy and friendship he left behind.

My favorite Steve Howe steel guitar.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGq9Mbj ... rt_radio=1[/youtube]

For those who have not seen this superb concert DVD, just get it.

Hi Jim!

Nice post.
I hope you are well!

Doing great Kevin! If you're still north, hope you're keeping warm!

My favorite Steve Howe steel guitar.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGq9Mbj ... rt_radio=1[/youtube]

For those who have not seen this superb concert DVD, just get it.

I do love that one, Jeff, and all other versions, but... The Ancient (from Tales) will probably always be my favorite bit of Steve on the pedal steel. But in his solo tour, my point was that he used a simple lap steel, which I'd never seen him do before. Really was a standout moment for me.

I'd still like to, someday, do a 4001S project with a true magnetic horseshoe and proper toaster. Anybody tried the Lollar pup? I know he does good work. Well, one of these days! btw, Jeff, your old Double Anniversary Gretsch is doing fine!

just_bassics wrote: Fri Jan 30, 2026 5:15 pm My favorite Steve Howe steel guitar.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGq9Mbj ... rt_radio=1[/youtube]

For those who have not seen this superb concert DVD, just get it.

I do love that one, Jeff, and all other versions, but... The Ancient (from Tales) will probably always be my favorite bit of Steve on the pedal steel. But in his solo tour, my point was that he used a simple lap steel, which I'd never seen him do before. Really was a standout moment for me.

I'd still like to, someday, do a 4001S project with a true magnetic horseshoe and proper toaster. Anybody tried the Lollar pup? I know he does good work. Well, one of these days! btw, Jeff, your old Double Anniversary Gretsch is doing fine!

Glad to read you still have the 6117. Did you ever get it into Steve's hands?

Glad to read you still have the 6117. Did you ever get it into Steve's hands?

No, but I did tell him about it that evening. I haven't been in touch with any of them since Chris passed, except his family.

I do remember playing the Gretsch at the RIO confluence and left there thinking "Am I the only guy that just left a RIC event wanting to buy a Gretsch? I have a nickname for that guitar, "The Healing Guitar". I play it and just feel better. Especially during covid, which is longer for some of than others...

Here's pic from that day for those who are wondering

Am I the only guy that just left a RIC event wanting to buy a Gretsch?

That's funny, I've been thinking about a Gretsch lately!

just_bassics wrote: Mon Feb 02, 2026 10:42 pm Glad to read you still have the 6117. Did you ever get it into Steve's hands?

No, but I did tell him about it that evening. I haven't been in touch with any of them since Chris passed, except his family.

I do remember playing the Gretsch at the RIO confluence and left there thinking "Am I the only guy that just left a RIC event wanting to buy a Gretsch? I have a nickname for that guitar, "The Healing Guitar". I play it and just feel better. Especially during covid, which is longer for some of than others...

Here's pic from that day for those who are wondering

The 6117 looks just right in your hands, Jim! I am glad that it gets some love by someone who can really do it justice. I eventually sold off all my electric guitar gear and just have a few acoustic guitars, along with my bass stuff.

teeder wrote: Tue Feb 03, 2026 9:19 am

Am I the only guy that just left a RIC event wanting to buy a Gretsch?

That's funny, I've been thinking about a Gretsch lately!

What's on your radar?

Not sure yet. Early into my Gretsch GAS.

teeder wrote: Tue Feb 03, 2026 12:43 pm Not sure yet. Early into my Gretsch GAS.

Are you looking at big body guitars or something in the Duo Jet range? If I were to go back to playing electrics I want a Duo Jet (US made).

Definitely more Duo Jet sized.

I almost bought a 1955 Duo Jet around 10 years ago but Sam Ash wanted a bit more than I felt it was worth for its condition.