Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've just found myself a 1979 4000 for a decent price but it was missing its original pickup.

I have read in the past, although i could not find anything now, that the 4000 model had an overwound pickup that sounded differently to just turning the neck pickup off in a 4001.

Is this correct, and if so, is there a way that i could have a pickup modified to replicate the original and would I need another original to copy it from?

This is my 4th Rick but my first 4000.

Thanks in advance

Sergio would be your man for that pickup you want.

keep in mind, I believe the 400 would follow the "esquire rule" that is, turning off the neck pickup of a Telecaster won't sound exactly like an Esquire because the neck pickup magnet is still interacting with the string.

The pickups were the same as the 4001 but there was no capacitor to cut the lows in the sound and the set neck (rather than the neck through on the 4001) changes the dynamics a bit too.
The 4000 still sounds like a rickenbacker but perhaps a bit angrier and punky and not nearly as smooth...
I miss mine.....

A replacement pickup for a 4000 bass? You've come to the right place.