Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I got this new bass a couple of weeks ago, it's a 1977 4001. The front pick-up doesn't work and I have to get a new one. So I was thinking should I buy a vintage toaster pick-up and a horse shoe one or should I just buy a hi-gain one?

Would it better to keep it the same for year? I'm not sure.


Thanks
Matt

You could always see about get the HG fixed. Are you sure it is dead? Are you using the correct mono jack on the bass? Toasters do sound good on the neck pickup location. If not getting it fixed I think I'd go for the Toaster.

Check the output jack, the pickup selector switch for dirt, tarnish and proper shape. Also check the wiring before you declare the pickup truly dead. Like Tom said, if the pickup is dead, you can have it rewound. New hi-gain pickups have hotter output than the ones from the 70's, so if you decide on a new pickup, a new toaster would go well with your exiting treble hi-gain pickup.

Matt,

You should scrap that bass and send it to me.................

Seriously though. I doubt your pickup died. Like Joey said it's more likely that it is just a wiring connection issue.

I've got a pick-up reading meter thats how I know its dead. The guy who had it before me must not have looked after it very well. He also sanded it down to a plain finish. It used to be fireglo. Will that effect it's value?

It sure could.....especially if the guy who sanded off his Fireglo finish has the last name, McCartney!

What kind of music are you playing with it?

MaplegloMatt wrote:It sure could.....especially if the guy who sanded off his Fireglo finish has the last name, McCartney!

Jesse or Stella?