Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

OK, if you can't find a way to rout them, don't discount using Forstners as a second option. But for this, a drill press is required, with a depth stop.

If you want it to look "factory", then you'll have to go factory and use a router.

Harbor Freight has a very inexpensive laminate trimmer (light-duty router with a 1/4" chuck), made in China, for $30.00.

It's their part number 44914-1RKH. This is easy to handle and perfectly-suited for occasional light-duty work around the house as well as routing those pickup areas.

hmm...on sale...$17.99...

Ok, stupid question time...

I'm ready to put the harness together..on the concentric pots, which pot is the volume? which the tone? I assume the bottom pot is the volume.

Still not sure how I'm going to rout out the body, but one thing at a time.

I'd wire the knobs (toppermost) as volume, and the rings (bottoms) as tone, but it can be done either way.

And the topmost knob connects to the center shaft and controls the bottom pot (furthest from the knobs)...

Which brings u another issue as I can't seem to get the knobs to stay on the pot shaft. My goal is by the end of the weekend to have the harness together, then worry about the routing and final assembly

Are these knobs that have a set screw to hold them on? Also, there are both metric and English sized shafts, and so, metric and English knobs. Make sure you have the proper ones for the pots you have...

Then there are both coarse and fine knurled shafts, too. These are split and won't hold well with a setscrew knob unless you fill the center slot. Old heavy picks cut into strips work fine for this.

A little update with some pics. My guitarist has good experience with soldering, and he wanted to help so, he came over today and put the harness together. We tested it with a tuning fork, and everything seems to work. I haven't routed the body yet for two reasons. 1 - I didn't get a router yet, and 2 - I'm still holding out that I can find and inexpensive body, maybe one that's already had work done to it. Anyone got Lee Ranaldo or Thurston Moore's phone numbers? I'm sure they have a few lying around.

Paul was right, I will have to do a little routing but the control cavity to get the pots in. Not for depth, but for width.

Marc, a word of advice - shorten the leads on the green caps - they will have a tendency to bend and short out against the pot bodies, grounding the leads and knocking out your signal. Put plastic insulation over them or shorten.

Thanks John. I will shield them before installing into the body.