Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Forgive me if it's been cover before but I was just browsing through the excellent book "Beatles Gear" that came out a few years ago and noticed in the photo of Paul's Rickenbacker that it had a horseshoe pick up back on it. I've read the story on the Fab Guitars site about how the original horseshoe pickup was replaced with a newer hi gain in the mid 70's. Just wondering when or why this additional mod took place. Maybe it really hasn't been noticed since he's quit using the 4001 live.

I thought he just removed the shoes.

From what I understand, when Rickenbacker refurbised Paul's bass, they installed a "modern" hi-gain. I always thought the shoes were removed because he finally realized the they were THE WORST @#$%&*@ THINGS EVER CREATED IN MUSIC HISTORY. WORSE THAN THE KEY-TAR! I guess paul didn't have a choice, unless they offered him the plastic pick-up cover, and he declined. I've heard that recently the bass had an "original" horseshee pick-up re-installed. Not a big deal, becasue that picture will be the last time anyone will ever see it.

I beleive the shoes were on the bass the last time I heard. I am not sure if he changed the pickup to a high gain. When do you think that happened, Rick?

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=396909&start=30

Check Jeff Thomas post..

Bjorn's page suggests the pickup was changed when Rickenbacker "refurbed" it in the early 70'S.


Check the pic...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=1 ... 1564110853

That's way too small to be a H/S.

It would be cool if John/Ben Hall could comment on this.

congerz83 wrote:From what I understand, when Rickenbacker refurbised Paul's bass, they installed a "modern" hi-gain. I always thought the shoes were removed because he finally realized the they were THE WORST @#$%&*@ THINGS EVER CREATED IN MUSIC HISTORY. WORSE THAN THE KEY-TAR! I guess paul didn't have a choice, unless they offered him the plastic pick-up cover, and he declined. I've heard that recently the bass had an "original" horseshee pick-up re-installed. Not a big deal, becasue that picture will be the last time anyone will ever see it.

Just to ask...... People DO realize I'm joking when I rip these shoes, right? They're great looking and unique, but they just don't fit with my style. I know I'm not alone. I got a upsetting PM from someone I had no intention of offending. That person knows who he is. So I will take this time to put my apology in front of public. I apologize. I meant no disrespect.

congerz83 wrote:viewtopic.php?f=6&t=396909&start=30

Check Jeff Thomas post..

Bjorn's page suggests the pickup was changed when Rickenbacker "refurbed" it in the early 70'S.


Check the pic...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=1 ... 1564110853

That's way too small to be a H/S.

It would be cool if John/Ben Hall could comment on this.

Rich, zooming the image you linked, and looking at others you have there, it looks to be a typical later 70s (post mid-73) higain.

Read through this thread a ways RIch. http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum_view_ ... nal%204001

I liked this photo - http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak- ... 1933_n.jpg
The bass has been sanded, but there is still red showing and the horns are still not shaved.