Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

What would you say is the more common pickup preference, with or without the bridge cover? Outside of the looks preference is there a advantage/disadvantage either way? As I stated I had to downsize my herd. I got the 4003 Mapleglo sold internationally, pending payment, and I just picked up a nice 2006 4003 Jetglo. It comes without the cover installed, but the seller has it and is shipping that and a silver pickguardian. I've been to the pickguardian website and feel like that might be a nice option. Opinions? Advice? I know there is a document that is going around with instructions concerning the cover and pickguardian. Anyone have a copy of that link? Thanks.
Jack

I've some with it on, and some with it off.It makes a good palm rest, but obstructs some of the territory.
The one I use the most (JG) came used without one and I find I don't want it on as I can pick anywhere from neck to bridge as suits the ongoing tune.Also easier to palm mute for me.I think that removing/reinstalling them is a PITA as I have to remove the strings and the pickup to dismantle/remantle it.It also makes it a bit harder to adjust the pole piece heights.

MHO.

I like the looks of the cover, but I removed mine so I could play over the bridge pickup. I like having that territory available because I like the sound and attack for some songs. One reason I did find the cover useful is when I used a pick over the neck pup I could rest my palm on it. But since I play fingerstyle 80% of the time I removed it. You can remove it and see how you like it. Its easy to put back on if you choose to. The look of the cover definitely sets the Ric apart from other basses, not to mention the sound and quality of the instrument overall!

Mine have to be off. I've even taken the 'shoes off of my V63. I absolutely love the way they look, but the tonal "sweetspot" for me is right under the cover/shoes. To me, sound and playability outweighs the look factor.

Glad you got the colleges all paid for.

Toga! Toga!

Thanks guys, isn't there some document around that someone in here did, giving instructions on how to put the cover back on? I'm getting the bass with it off. I have to decide whether to put the cover back on or whether to put the pickguaradian on. I kind of like the way that thing looks too, and it covers up the hole on the sides.
Jack

jdogric12 wrote:Glad you got the colleges all paid for.

Toga! Toga!

thanks Jason. I wish we did have it paid for, but at least we got a little starter fund going, and I at least get to have one Ric in my stable!

fatcat wrote:http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdfs/bpickups.pdf

Perfect! Thank you kind sir!

jack1953 wrote:Outside of the looks preference is there a advantage/disadvantage either way?

Simple answer: No, no, and again NO!

I know it must seem like there's got to be some functional difference but to my ears there is zero change in sound or "noise" with or without, and as for playability, I feel that is such a subjective issue that it would be no more correct for me to say Rics play better without pickup covers than for someone who uses them to say they are only playable that way. That really depends on how you like to play which varies greatly from player to player.

I can't play with the covers on, I pluck or pick right over the bridge pickup, I, like Scott took the shoes off my V-63's. I also like the looks much better with the covers off, in fact I very rarely saw Rickenbackers with covers until joining this forum 7 or 8 years ago and I definitely don't like the pickguardian things. Those are my opinions and preferences now you'll discover yours.

My 1975 4001 never had a cover on when I bought it so I have no experience of playing with one on. However, I do find that I like to be able to pluck/pick in various places according to the feel and tone I'm looking for, and the place where I play most is just over, or towards the front of the bridge pickup. That's the sweet spot in terms of tone, tension and feel for me so I'd be missing out if I had a cover over the pickup.

Another option, which I think looks better, is the Treble Bezel
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=393625&hilit=bezel
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=397239
Comes in different versions. You’ll find it on ebay
http://shop.ebay.com/stingray680_0/m.ht ... ksid=p4340