Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been here. I have a question about Rics and feedback. I know any pickup is vulnerable to feedback if the conditions are right (or wrong). My question, though, is why is it that Rics seem prone to feedback much more than any other bass I have. I can stand right in front of my amp with my Spectors, Fenders, Ibanez, or any others and would have to REALLY push them to get feedback. However, last time I gigged my 4001, it sounded great onstage and out front, but if I got within 2-3 feet of my amp I'd get feedback. Why am I having this issue only with my Rics?

How old is the bass, most pick-ups go slightly microphonic with old age.
Other than that I can say i have never really had an issue with feed back.

Feedback hasn't been my issues, it's been an annoying buzzing / humming.

I'm afraid I won't be much help on this one. In the styles of music I typically play, feedback is a good thing...

It's a 1979 4001. What can be done to reduce microphonic pickups?

The only real choices are rewind or replace. Or, embrace the feedback.

I've never had feedback problems with any of my Ricks. One time I intentionally tried to get some feedback with my '79 4001. What I got was a very loud high pitched squeal. Never tried that again.
I've never really had problems with buzz or hum either except at one particular club that I used to play at...but because the wiring was terrible there. All of the amps and PA buzzed and hummed.

pflash4001 wrote:It's a 1979 4001. What can be done to reduce microphonic pickups?

... there is actually one method called "waxing", but ask your guitar tech, NOT the beauty saloon staff!

rickenbrother wrote:I've never had feedback problems with any of my Ricks. One time I intentionally tried to get some feedback with my '79 4001. What I got was a very loud high pitched squeal. Never tried that again.
I've never really had problems with buzz or hum either except at one particular club that I used to play at...but because the wiring was terrible there. All of the amps and PA buzzed and hummed.

My Ricks are always the first thing that hums or buzz's in a place with less than desirable wiring. Never had that problem with &enders.

the only way I have gotten feedback from my Ric's is by using a fuzz or distortion unit. These guys make some nice units http://www.smallsoundbigsound.com/ ... my Team Awesome! Fuzz Machine is one of the best I have ever heard on a bass! And with certain settings and position I can get feedback with it. Without it, the feedback bird is very elusive.

Never had a feedback issue with my 4000 when I used to play LOUD. There's nothing about the structure of a 4000 series bass or the pickups that should make it much more susceptible to feedback than a P-bass - so I would agree with previous posters that it's down to aged pickups becoming microphonic. I've had this happen on an old Mosrite - not so much feedback, but a lot of extraneous percussive noise being generated by my picking hand.

A rewind is in order, possibly followed by potting/waxing - which essentially encases the guts of the pickup in wax, ensuring that it can't loosen up over time and become microphonic. There's an article on the Stew Mac site that covers the fundamentals - of course, if it was me I'd get an expert to do it as I am mechanically inept, but understanding the concept is always helpful.

I'd only consider replacing the pickups if the bobbins have become so fragile that a rewind is out of the question. Rewinding and potting should be a considerably cheaper option.

Thanks. I'll take a closer look at which pickup is doing it and look at a rewind. Thanks for the input!

I never used to have a problem with my 4005 when I plaved VERY LOUD INDEED!!

I would say have them waxed (they melt wax and pour it in to stop anything being microphonic). Supposed to work very well ... but I did have a lovely '76 TBird that fed like a very bad thing. Even after waxing. Had to sell it in the end. It was fine in the bedroom, but at a gig it was a nightmare.

I still miss it

GoldenGloryOrn wrote:I never used to have a problem with my 4005 when I plaved VERY LOUD INDEED!!

Like this?

Almost, but more hair, no facial hair, no WB, Fireglo not Jetglo, no Eden/SVT - T-Max/Crest when I was VERY LOUD, glasses - yes, and I can't quite make it out from the pic, but are those toasters?

And is that an AWB drum kit?