Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The bridge PU in my 4001 has cut out (and I miss it), so I need to do some investigating. But I'm kinda interested in the horseshoe, so I was wondering if anyone has dropped one into a 1974 or similar and did you need to drill new holes? My guess is that I can use my current surround with the new PU and that won't be an issue, but maybe the pocket isn't routed for it? I know this is an issue with trying to put an push/pull pot into this vintage. I don't want to take out any wood.

Thanks in advance!

I put one in my '74. used the original surround.
Fit is not a problem, tone is!
You'll never want to put your original pup back!

Ha! Thanks for the quick reply and review. Much appreciated.

Lefty4001 wrote:The bridge PU in my 4001 has cut out (and I miss it), so I need to do some investigating. But I'm kinda interested in the horseshoe, so I was wondering if anyone has dropped one into a 1974 or similar and did you need to drill new holes? My guess is that I can use my current surround with the new PU and that won't be an issue, but maybe the pocket isn't routed for it? I know this is an issue with trying to put an push/pull pot into this vintage. I don't want to take out any wood.

Thanks in advance!

I'd say it depends of your playing style. An Horse shoe will get in the way of using a palm muting technique (big time). So the question for you is does the Horseshoe sound that much better to offset with getting in in the way? My view is definitively not but you won't know for sure until you try it. BTW, you do not have to drill new holes. Just swap the bridge pick ups in the mounting units.

Colonel Sanders wrote:

Lefty4001 wrote:The bridge PU in my 4001 has cut out (and I miss it), so I need to do some investigating. But I'm kinda interested in the horseshoe, so I was wondering if anyone has dropped one into a 1974 or similar and did you need to drill new holes? My guess is that I can use my current surround with the new PU and that won't be an issue, but maybe the pocket isn't routed for it? I know this is an issue with trying to put an push/pull pot into this vintage. I don't want to take out any wood.

Thanks in advance!

I'd say it depends of your playing style. An Horse shoe will get in the way of using a palm muting technique (big time). So the question for you is does the Horseshoe sound that much better to offset with getting in in the way? My view is definitively not but you won't know for sure until you try it. BTW, you do not have to drill new holes. Just swap the bridge pick ups in the mounting units.

Thanks for the head's up, Colonel! I should have mentioned that I am fine with the space it would take up. I play mostly with a pick and towards the neck PU/upper frets. For some other tones and effects, I'll play between the bridge and bridge PU.

Funny thing is, I DON'T want to swap the neck PU for a toaster. I love this one.

The horseshoe pickups fits just fine, here is my former July '73 4001 with one in it.

Lefty4001 wrote: ...
Funny thing is, I DON'T want to swap the neck PU for a toaster. I love this one.

...no wonders, the early mushroom head pole pieces Higain neck-PUs were very strong with nearly 10 kOhms!

heinpete wrote:

Lefty4001 wrote: ...
Funny thing is, I DON'T want to swap the neck PU for a toaster. I love this one.

...no wonders, the early mushroom head pole pieces Higain neck-PUs were very strong with nearly 10 kOhms!

I have a RIHS in my '72 4001, I took it out of the vintage-style surround that came with it and mounted it my bass's original surround. No problem.

The RIHS is pretty hot compared to the old toaster. I bet it pairs really nicely with your neck pickup. Consider adding the push-pull switch on the tone control with the .0047 cap. I have a switch in mine, and there are some really interesting tone variations available.

I have done it to a couple of my 74's. Fits right in

heinpete wrote:

Lefty4001 wrote: ...
Funny thing is, I DON'T want to swap the neck PU for a toaster. I love this one.

...no wonders, the early mushroom head pole pieces Higain neck-PUs were very strong with nearly 10 kOhms!

All my measurements of 70s through mid-80s button top higains is they were all around 8.4k ohms.

The new pot/switch RIC Boutique is selling is different and has a lot less depth requirement. But it is only 330k, not 500k.

http://boutique.rickenbacker.com/POTENT ... p_666.html

johnallg wrote:

heinpete wrote:

Lefty4001 wrote: ...
Funny thing is, I DON'T want to swap the neck PU for a toaster. I love this one.

...no wonders, the early mushroom head pole pieces Higain neck-PUs were very strong with nearly 10 kOhms!

All my measurements of 70s through mid-80s button top higains is they were all around 8.4k ohms.
...

...mine is exactly 9.6 kOhms, and has the unpainted (black iron) mushrooms.