Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi Guys,
Yes,another newbie question or two! As a fingerstyle player I will most likely remove the pickup cover.What happens when I do this.As a newbie of course I can see the pickup itself dropping into the bass.Also how do you adjust the pickup height?
And one more question.AS far as roundwound strings go.If i stick to as close a gauge as possible to the original strings 45-105.Any recommendations?Im a big fan of Rotosounds.Basically I want to hear of any neck bending nightmare stories because of different string tension,etc.
Thanks,
Brent

Answer: The Bass looks different.

Garry

Gee...thanks.
Brent

Brent: Don't worry about removing the pickup cover on the 4003. Many players do this as they find it gets in the way. Be mindful that if you use the edge of the pickup as a thumb rest it is possible, albeit remote, to cause a break in the windings as your hand moves against them. I saw the result of this problem when I got my used 4003.

You can go ahead with the rotosounds on your 4003. The neck can accommodate these strings. A slight adjustment to the truss rods may be necessary but you will not hurt the neck providing the strings are properly installed.

Thanks a bunch Peter.I was wondering if the pickup is height adjustable? If so,will I have to raise it after removing the pickup cover?
Thanks,
Brent

Of course it is - the two large screws are there for adjusting the pickup height. Since removing the cover will require you to remove these first, afterwards you will have to re-raise the pickup via said screws. Don't forget to reinstall the two springs, these are there not only to keep the cover in position but also to keep the baseplate/magnet/coil assembly from moving.
Peter has a point when he says there is a danger of damaging the coil windings with your thumb. May be you should protect that part of the pickup with some sort of adhesive tape.

Ok,
Pretend Im a 5 year old.After the questons I have been asking that probably isn't too difficult.I will use the chrome "gaurd" around the pickup as my thumb anchor,so I shouldn't touch the windings.Especially if i raise the pickup slightly below the gaurd.

So step by step describe how to remove the pickup cover and raise the pickup,if you guys don't mind.

Brent, see topic "Handrest Removal On 4003" hereunder.

what happens when you remove the handrest/ash tray/pickup cover??

It is sort of like when you take the speed bumps out of you street ....

an obstruction has been removed ...

Or a handrest has been removed, making playing more difficult.

Brent,
Removing the cover yields more playing positions and tonal possibilities, IMHO.
You can play(pick or fingers) around or in the area above the bridge pickup.
I use a pick most of the time and I like to mute strings that are not to be played with my palm near the bridge.
My picking points are closer to the bridge pickup than the neck pickup. Just can't have the cover on, but the bass looks real nice and authetic with the cover on it...

Absolutely, Nigel!