Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey all, I haven't started a thread here in a long while. I am about to embark upon some experiments with pick-ups. Here is my current inventory :

Ric 330 MG w/ hi-gains
Ric 360 JG w/ hi-gains & flatwounds
Ric 360-12 FG w/ toasters

Both 6-strings have the non-adjustable hi-gains. I just ordered a set of the new adjustable hi-gains, and a set of toaster covers, to convert one of the current pair of hi-gains. My original plan was to put the new hi-gains on the 360 JG, and try the converted hi-gains on the 360-12FG. I have been curious about what the 12-string would sound like with hi-gains, but I didn't want to lose the toaster look. However, the toasters do sound nice on there now, even though the B strings ring a little too much for my taste. I also notice the 330MG may be the most imbalanced, so the adjustables could go on that one, instead of the 360JG. I could even try the toasters on one of the 6-strings. What would you do ?

Also, do I need to remove the pick-guard to swap the pick-ups ? It seems that I may have to do that ? Any other tips about the swap would be very informative. Thanks !

Yes you will need to remove the pickguard so that you can un-solder the old pickup leads and solder the new ones in place..

Yeah, what Ken said. It's a very easy procedure. I find that it's always worthwhile to note where the wire is coming from (or going to) and which color wire gets soldered where. Even though I find that soldering on Ricks is easier than soldering on other guitars, it's better to take the time to make notes before you change anything - rather than wishing you had taken notes later!

Can I just remove the top pick-guard, or does the whole pick-guard have to come off? Also, does it matter which way the pick-up goes in, i.e., does the low E need to line up to with a certain end, or is either way OK ? Also, I am assuming the converted hi-gains will give me a fuller 12-string sound, compared to the toasters. Thanks.

Steve, the whole pickguard needs to come off. The window to the cavity is smaller than you might expect. And be prepared for the possibility that you'll be disappointed with the hi-gains after being used to the toasters.

Thanks Jason, first I am swapping out the old hi-gains, on my 330, for the new adjustable hi-gains, for better balance. We'll see what I do after that. I'd love to hear some A/B comparisons of hi-gains vs. toasters on a 12-string. Has anyone ever done any experiments like that ?

By the time you get the top guard off, you're 3/4 of the way to getting the lower guard off too. (If only the same could be said of my high school years...)

There are a number of pickup comparisons floating around the forum - try the search function and see what you find.

Any luck, Steve?

I'm still awaiting delivery of the new hi-gains, but I will surely give an update, upon arrival. I am going to pay someone to do the swap for me - a guy I know recently got forced into early retirement from Motorola, and is relying on guitar repair work for a living.

Oh come now. These are the easiest guitars to change pickups on. Get a 40watt iron and just get-err done.

I'm just being charitable.

Admirable, Steve.Isn't that what this forum is all about...helping out.