Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just learned that Bartolini makes a pickup that fits in the space filled with the string mute in the Rickenbacker bass tailpiece assembly. Has anyone tried one of these? If so, can it be combined with the stock rick pickups or must one have the Bartolini replacements in the standard pickup positions?

I have never, ever used the string mute on my Rick basses in nearly 20 yrs. of playing them. A nifty feature, I suppose, but it seems this may offer a better use of that space. Anyone with first-hand (or second-hand, for that matter) experience with one of these?

Thanks.

Just add it on ,this was fairly common when I worked at Don Wehr's Music city in San Francisco in the late 1970's with Klaus Heyne.This store laster for 14 years then closed .It was HUGE!

It's not the best idea in the wordl but it does add a different dimension.

You will need to rewire the controls.

How will you add it to the curcuit that exists?

My thought is ...make one of the tone controls a master tone .This will also cancel the Rick-O-sound /stereo jack.
Then take the remaining tone control and make that your 'mute' volume.

Thanks for the tip Mark. I might just try that and now I know what to ask the local tech to do with it (I leave such things to the pros).

Does the "different dimension" you mention happen to be a bit more high end definition? I am the guy who started the thread on the 'ask a Rick luthier' portion of the board regarding the lack of clank on my 4003. A good discussion, but I apologize at it seems to be now in the wrong category.

Best regards,

Steven

This will definately turn up the treble/clank.

I installed this pick-up in a 74 4001 back in 1979. I really didn't notice a big difference in the sound of the bass. Yes there was a bit more treble, but not anything that was significant to my ears. Personally, I was disappointed with it and won't install one in any of my other four thousand and ones. Just my personal experience and opinion.
Cheers
Jon