Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello to all!

I am a new member and this is my first post. I've tried my best to research older postings so as not to waste anybody's time. I was able to find some information, but I felt I should confirm before moving forward. I am restoring a 4001 that I bought new in 1981. I've got all my parts lined up and I'm ready to get started with the exception of strings and a wiring schematic. Essentially, I've got two question and I've listed them below.

1. Strings: I'll be using Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats, but I'm not sure which scale length I should buy. Should I get the 34"-35" long scale set, or the 30" - 32" short/medium scale set? I'm hopeful that somebody that actually uses these on their 4001 or 4003 can lead me in the right direction.

2. Push/Pull schematic: I bought a complete harness assembly (4 control with switch - includes push/pull pot) from the Rickenbacker boutique. It is their part # 00220. However, it shipped without a schematic, and after talking to a gentleman at RIC he and I both agreed that the schematic that RIC is presently hosting on their web site does not fully illustrate the wiring for their current harness. Here is the schematic that RIC is hosting:
http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdfs/19507.pdf
After searching the forum I found this posting but I'm not sure if it directly applies to my situation or not:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=407098
Would somebody be able to tell me if there is a particular original source or original posting for the schematic diagram I am looking for that doesn't include a lot of history that may throw me off of my specific application?

Thanks so much!

Welcome, Pavel!

I don't know the electronic items, but use the long-scale TI Jazz Flats. I've had them on several of my Rick basses and love them!

Thanks very much Paul. I've got the long scale TIs on order. I love them on my Jazz bass and I'm looking forward to them on my 4001. Regarding the push/pull 4003 harness schematic, I know it's been asked to death but I'm hopeful someone will be able to steer me in the right direction.
Best

you will get some answers. Dan Wilder is one of the folks that will likely chime in, and possibly JPS?

I suspect that RIC hasn't updated the schematic yet because the change is so simple that it hardly requires a change. Of course, that statement assumes that whoever is looking at it has a decent understanding of schematics and guitar electronics, which is, in general the case with most people who work on guitars regularly. RIC, being the tiny company that they are, probably doesn't have someone sitting around drawing schematics since everyone is busy trying to get orders out the door.

The simple answer is that the schematic does indicate what the push-pull switch does. Capacitor C3 has a '*' by it that says "C3 is replaced by a shunt on newer models." The switch is used for the "shunt," to bypass the cap.

The picture in the post you pointed out also shows the correct diagram in a pictorial format. It shows both the old style and new switches in the upper right corner. Your new harness will have the new style switch, which is "hand drawn" on that diagram...

The schematic is here.

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful! Thanks to all that responded (exceptional thanks to you Mr. John Hall), you've all really been quite helpful. I am enjoying taking my time and browsing through the forum and reveling in the wonder that is a Rickenbacker bass

...your bass (4001) might not have the 330kOhm pots. The 4001 had 250 and 500 kOhm (volume/tone) pots. Dane Wilder please chime in here...

My bass is finished - plays and sounds wonderful! Thanks again to all for your comments and help.