Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

n approximately 1 month I will be the proud owner of a Ric 330 (I've paid more than half so far). I have some questions regarding the Ric that I couldn't get answered via the company/their website.

1-Would it damage the guitar if I get it set up to use a slightly heavier gage string than is already on it? The guitar comes w/a set that is 10-13-17-26-34-42, and I normally use a set that is 10-13-17-27-39-47.

2-Is there a specific set of Schaller Locking Tuners for Rics?

3-Has anyone tried the GFS NYIII Retrotron Humbucker for the Bridge position (from guitarfetish.com)? I found a place to get a Ric Humbucker for $95, but the reviews on the GFS are great, and it costs half the price as the Ric pickup.

4-Is there a specific set of straplocks I should buy for the Ric? Or would any set do?

Sorry all these questions seem so basic. This guitar is going to be the most expensive guitar I own, and I don't wanna risk messing it up.

Thanks.

Curtiss, welcome and congrats on your acquisition. To answer your questions (and keep in mind this is just my own opinion...)

1-You can use that 10-47 set but make sure someone sets it up who has experience working on RIC necks, which have dual truss rods. This is especially important since you will be increasing tension on the bass side more than the treble side.

2-Locking tuners? Shouldn't be necessary. The stock tuners work great.

3-Different pickup? I would advise against that. The stock pickups sound great.

4-The standard straplocks (Schaller I think) seem to work just fine on my new Ricks.

Don't apologize - it's good to ask questions! There are no stupid questions, just stupid people, and it sounds like you're not one of them, so enjoy the 330 and be sure to let us know what you decide on mods!

The Schaller straplock buttons (guitar end of the system) are available in the boutique on the RIC website. They already have the threaded portion which fits into the holes on your guitar. Just unscrew the existing strap buttons, and screw in the Schallers.

And I'll second the vote for the RIC HB pickups - They're great!

Curtiss, you own one of the finest guitars made...I'd hold out for the gennie RIC hummer...GFS makes some fine pups, and I've got a set on one of my non-Rick guitars, but why not go for the $$ and keep your Rick all-Rick? After hearing Slick (Starship) do his version of "While My guitar Gently Weeps" at the HOB event, I'm convinced that Rick humbuckers can hold their own...

The tuning machines are excellent as they are. The cost of a set of lockers would go a long way toward that Rick hummer!

I second Jason's advice about the neck setup, but first I'd play the standard strings for awhile and see how they suit you.

Is this a new Rick? If it is, you risk voiding the warranty by putting those heavy muthas on it.

I'll second Paul's thoughts on the RIC humbucker. Slick really impressed me. As did Skunk Baxter.....

...and his moustache...

Skunk played a Rick that night? Haven't seen any pics of him yet.

Curtiss, I've got the Ric HBs in both positions of my 360 and really like them.

John, eMail sent.

Don't mess with success ! If it ain't broke, don't break it !

I wouldn't worry about the strings, I use 12's on mine with no issues at all. It's all in the setup.

I jumped to .11-.52 here without a setup, and the action is fine. No problems.

"Skunk played a Rick that night? Haven't seen any pics of him yet."

Now you have!

Thanks Richard and Jeff. Love that bound headstock!