Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, a question for you Rick experts.
I’m new to these pages so I’ll post gently! I just go a 4001 v63 and I couldn’t be happier. It’s actually more that I had expected it would be. But here’s my small question. In an effort to find a place to anchor my thumb for playing, I discovered that if I removed the rubber washers from beneath the pickguard I got a fraction more pickup height. Also, if I removed the four small nuts and bolts holding the pickup together I got a bit more height still. It appears that the pickup cover remains attached by the two large screws holding it to the pickguard. Have I done right or wrong here and would there be a better way??

Hello George and welcome!

I have a v63 and did the same thing to mine about 3 weeks ago. No problems so far. I have read in this forum where others have used duct tape or thin wire to hold the pickup together but I can't understand why if the two larger screws hold it together. The only thing I did different is I cut the rubber washers in half. Some use thin metal washers to allow maximum height but I think the rubber ones cut in half offer better protection for the pickguard.

Hey thanks Dan! Guess I’m on the right track. I’m going to try your washer trick.

George: Welcome to The Rickenbacker Forum. Remember as long as you are playing a Rickenbacker you will always be on the right track.

What happens if you carefully spot-mill the pickguard?

How'z'bout if John Hall started assembling Toasters with Flat-Head Rivets?

Just two of my ideas.

Garry

Actually, I was thinking of using some sort of countersunk-flat head screw type of thing to make sure the pickup held together ok.