Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I Was wondering if the horseshoe pickup on the C64 is the same as a V63 ? Are they both magnetized?

I believe they're wound differently

V63


C64


The C64 is 'suppossed' to be more era accurate.

Or so it was disclosed by the Big Cheese.

A difference of approx. 1.5 K is virtually non-significant, which means the V63 HS version in the picture above is the "2nd" version, identical to the C64 pickup. I may be wrong, but I think the horseshoes on the first version were magnetized, unlike the second version. Anyone?

I heard that too, Sergio

Sergio - yes - you've seen these before

This is the HS that came with my '85 V63. Been with me every since!

I could tell a big difference in output in my V63 HS from my C64 HS before I had the cap bypassed in the C64. Now, there is only a minor diference in output. I believe the V63 already had the cap mod done when I bought it. It was and is very full sounding.

Noted from picture of headstock above: that's got to be one of the best looking headstocks I've ever seen on any rick, the walnut is gorgeous, the C.V. looks like it's a mile deep. I got a feeling that's a keeper for Mr. O'Conner, they certainly don't make them like that anymore.

If RIC ever decides to reissue a V68 that's my vote for what the headstock should look like.

Thanks, Mark!

Yes, it's a keeper!

After all, I've had it for over 21 years now!

That's a stunning bass, Andy. V63 MG is my fav Ric bass. Unfortunately I do not own one.... ;(

I tend to think the earliest V's were pretty close to the original 60's body specs, including neck dimensions. These early few do have the "proper" magnetized horseshoes, which surely were NOS from the 60's.

If I was in the market for one, I'd be looking for the earliest possible model.

Andy, I just LOVE your V63...
Does it sound different compared to the later non magnetized model?

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the horse shoe on Andy's 85 the same as a reissue? Non magnetized?

No Ben, the first V63's around 84/5 and possibly a little later have original type horseshoe magnets like those on the 60's basses.

Cool!... I stand corrected. Thanks

In a discussion I had with John Hall a while ago, IIRC, I asked him about those early V63 horseshoe pickups and he told they were newly made for those basses.