Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just got a 2006 330 in AFG (best finish EVER!). I was initially intending on swapping out the Hi-Gains in favor of scatterwound toasters, but I have to say -- the new Hi-Gains with adjustable pole pieces are a great improvement on the old design. I think they're stayin'. Anyone else have any experience with them?

I have them on my 360 DCM and love 'em.

I really like em on my '06 330. I wish my '05 360/12 had them.

Funny you mention that -- I have a 2005 360/12 that I wish had these on it, too.

Yeah. As it is, I think I will go on and replace the Hi-Gains with Toasters in the 360. I do have to say though that the 330, which was my first Ric with the Hi-Gains has replaced my black Casino as my go-to guitar. Those things allow me to hit so many different tones that it's great. Plus I can adjust them too. It's awesome.

You know what I forgot about six-string 300 series guitars? Harmonics freakin' everywhere out the wazoo. On my Gretsches, you really have to work for harmonics and you won't find anything that isn't at 5, 7, and 12. On my new 330, I have to literally be careful in locating harmonics on the exact fret I mean to or I'll get in-betweens and overtones. The thing just absolutely sparkles with tone. And the action! My lord. I should write a letter to John Hall or something -- I can't remember being happier with a guitar before and I have a heck of a lot of really awesome guitars.

I had them on my 330DCM and I swear they sounded better than regular higains, without adjustments!

I just missed these pickups with my March '06 360/12. (Okay, a few months doesn't really qualify as "just missed.") How different do they really sound?

They are a tad brighter than old Hi-Gains to my ear; but not because of more treble tones -- it's like there's less of whatever the muffling tones were or something. I play my 360-12 with the older pickups through BBE Sonic Maximizer; I don't think I will feel the need to with the new 330-6. There's just a lot more clarity. And I have not measured yet, but I would guess the output is a hair less than the old ones. The bridge pickup (or the bridge with just a wee bit of neck) sparkles like no Hi-Gain I've heard before. They have a Toaster type of sound (though there's more bass, of course), but there's enough oomph to drive an amp with 'em. Right now it's feeling like the best of both worlds so far. I've only played at home, though. I won't hear them with a band context until next Wednesday -- then I'll just have to see what I think then. If I had to guess what the difference is in the sound is, I'd say it's like a regular Hi-Gain with some of the mids scooped out, leaving a slightly less powerful but clearer Hi-Gain. Alternately, you could descibe is as a more powerful Toaster. I haven't tried it through all my amps yet, either -- so maybe I'm jumping to conclusions. I am a little excited right now, after all, what with this beautiful new guitar in the house.

Can somone please post a photo of the new Hi-Gains

Here is one off the ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-4001-4003-Bass-Neck-Pickup-new_W0QQitemZ120097998514QQcategoryZ22670QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Too bad that seller has chosen to use a fake 4001 (with legit TRC) as background.

When did the two raised bars on either side of the pole pieces arrive ?

We don't have any dealers stocking new Ricks in the province .

Looks like you could unscrew the pole pieces and run a toaster cover, I could be wrong though.

You are right. You still need polepieces though.