Is the fifth knob a "crossfader"?

Setup, repair and restoration of Rickenbacker Instruments

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Hotzenplotz
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Is the fifth knob a "crossfader"?

Post by Hotzenplotz »

I want to change the wiring of a 370/12. I don't like the middle pickup and the neck pickup working together all the time.

I got a simple idea: I want to place the wiring of the fifth knob between middle and neck pickup before it comes to treble and volume. The wiring of the select switch I have to change, too. As a result we have three positions: bridge pickup / bridge and the mix of middle and neck pickup / the mix of middle and neckpickup.
So you can choose every single pickup and if you want you can add one or two pickups. Using the new combinations of the changed fifth knob with the changed select switch I count seven different settings (pickups=A,B and C) A, AB, ABC, BC, C, AC and B.
If the select switch is in middle position you can tare both incoming signals (also when you use Rick-o-sound!) with the two volume knobs. So far what I want to try.

Now to my question: Is the fifth knob a crossfader? When it is in the middle position do I have full signal of the two pickups?

Any ideas, knowledge or suggestions?
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winston
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Re: Is the fifth knob a "crossfader"?

Post by winston »

It is a blend control. However, you may want to do a search of existing threads on this topic. In the meantime here is one that may be of some assistance. viewtopic.php?f=13&t=393975&p=607312&hi ... rk#p607312
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grazioso
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Re: Is the fifth knob a "crossfader"?

Post by grazioso »

i had this exact setup you are describing on 3 pickup rics - i did not like it - it is not as convenient in life situations, than i tried push pull for the same and again it is weird place for it so i ended up putting extra micro switch next to the toggle to take the middle pickup in and out of the circuit instead...and i used the fifth knob for volume control of the middle pickup instead...and at the end i found myself using the bridge middle combination on 12 string and neck and middle (factory setup) on 6 string so i could have basicly move the hot wire from the middle pickup to the other slug on 12 string switch and be done with it...:)
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Clint
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Re: Is the fifth knob a "crossfader"?

Post by Clint »

The 5th knob is really just a redundant volume control for the neck pickup.

I have a 350. I left the 5th knob as is and rewired the neck pickup's tone control (The tone contols on a guitar are pretty much useless and I never use them) as the volume control for the middle pickup. For me, that's the most logical choice. It is the closest knob to your right hand and easiest to wrap your pinkie around, much like a Strat's volume knob.
The toggle still works like any other Rickenbacker, so whatever position the switch is in, if I want to bring in a little middle pickup, I just wrap my pinkie around the knob and dial it in.
Jangle, Chime & Twang.
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