Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I recently moved overseas, and in the process my 4001CS bass sustained some damage. The horseshoe pickup appeared loose, and on closer inspection it was found that the rear plate had been cracked. The crack went right through one of the screw positions which attaches the pickup to the bass. Fortunately the bass was covered by insurance. I am in the process of obtaining a report for an insurance claim, but what I would like to know is whether this damage, if repaired, could affect the performance of the pickup in any way. I'm not actually sure how this would best be repaired (glue?), or if indeed it is repairable. But I don't want to take any half measures and end up with a pickup which is in any way impaired. I guess deep down I'm pretty annoyed that there was any damage at all, and I don't like the idea of ending up with a less than perfect pickup, or even one that's repaired in any way. I will be asking for a replacement pickup if there is any doubt about the performance/sound quality. I'd appreciate any information or comments.

Thanks,

Dave

The plastic base plate is only the mount for the pickup. It doesn't affect the pickup performance in any way. It could probably be glued back together quite easily.
Alternately you could contact RIC and most likley get a replacement plate.

Welcome Dave,

One can only wonder at how that damage was sustained. It's unusual, and even though frustrating, it sounds like you could well have had more issues.

I'm not too sure if these are available from RIC at present, and if not, they probably won't be for some time. Gerry's glue repair is probably going to be your best short term option, unless you can find one for sale on eBay etc.

The horseshoes themselves are basically an aesthetic. You could take them off, like I, and some others have done here, and there is no difference to the sound or performance of the pick up at all.

Thanks foe the replies - nice to know that this should be easily repaired, especially as I doubt the insurers would be overly keen on funding a new horseshoe pickup!