Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello,

I'm planning on removing the horseshoe pickup covers on my 4001 C64S. I just can't get used to them after about a year. I've read that this is possible as my bass has the replica horseshoes, not the originals. I also know that I'll have to put something under the pickup to compensate for the horseshoes being gone. That said, I think that I saw something about an aftermarket plastic cover to cosmetically fill in the gaps around the pickup once the horseshoes are removed. I've done some searching, but I haven't been able to find a link. Does anyone know where I could get this sort of cover?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Matt

The covers are around. As someone who removes the horseshoes from day one, your can keep the chrome surround. You won't need the plastic cover unless you'd prefer the look. As far as removing the horseshoes, I cut chpsticks into (4) 1-1/2" pieces. Unscrew the two two screws on the underside of the pickup, remove the "shoes", insert the chopsticks and re-tighten.

You thinking of these? They're made by Pickguardian.

There's also the guy who makes these and sells 'em on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-4003-B ... 1706wt_879

The quality of these Ampology parts is, hands-down, exquisite. A nice way to fill up that open hole when you yank the shoes or pickup cover. When I first saw one of these fitted, I thought it was a nicely-molded plastic part. When I removed it to work on the bass, I found it was CNC-machined brass with a coating of Soft Touch paint.

Very nice!

Are the RI horseshoe and hi-gain bobbins the same shape and dimensions? Just wondering if the Pickguardian and Ampology parts will fit a RI HS pickup.

Thanks everyone. I knew that this was the place to ask this question. I ultimately decided to go with the Tube Ampology part. There was a specific one for 4001 basses as well as the 4003 basses. Thanks again.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0568003242

The two that I've seen in person were not made of brass. They were made of a lightweight, slightly flexible ABS with a soft coating on it. They're very nicely made, but I prefer the gaping hole as my playing style has evolved around that hole for the past 30 years or so. The bobbin on a RI HS is larger and more oval than a 4003 hi gain, so be prepared to adjust the hole if necessary.

High five on your horseshoe removal!

rickaddict wrote:High five on your horseshoe removal!

You guys are SICK!!!!