Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just trying to find out out if it's normal for my 4004 to have considerable less output level than my 4003. Both are currently strung with flats..I know I can raise or lower the pick ups to help just wondering tho if this is normal that there is such a variable between to two basses. also does anyone know the correct height the pick ups should be on a 4004 for optimal output. Thanks and sorry if this has been discuss before on this forum

You need a higher octane string.

The 4004 should be quite a bit higher in output; what is the distance from the strings to the pickups? There is no "correct" height that is all personal preference as the sound will change with the spacing between the strings and the pickups. IF the pickups get too close you may get the typical doubling when playing up high, especially so on the E and A strings (yeah, I know, who plays up that high, right? ) Regardless of that it is still an indicator of the pickups being too close and worsening the tone. I don't have my 4004s handy at the moment but my guess is that i have the spacing at around 1/8" when holding the strings down at the highest fret.

Every 4004 I've played has had a much bigger, louder and fuller sound when A/B'd against a 4003.

spongebob wrote:Every 4004 I've played has had a much bigger, louder and fuller sound when A/B'd against a 4003.

This...and also:
4004's hb pickups are pretty high output,close to,maybe even exceeding modern hi gains,but factory wired they are not as bright sounding,so if you are comparing the volumes by using the same amp settings,the 4004's usually sound a bit subdued next to higains. ( while also sounding bassier/fuller). I found i really had to boost treble setting on the amp when i had the standard wiring on my 4004's. Since i have had all of the pots and capacitors redone,the sound has brightened considerably while retaining the powerful bass output. That brightness comes across as perceived higher volume,and more Ricklike.

rickenbottom wrote:Just trying to find out out if it's normal for my 4004 to have considerable less output level than my 4003. Both are currently strung with flats..I know I can raise or lower the pick ups to help just wondering tho if this is normal that there is such a variable between to two basses. also does anyone know the correct height the pick ups should be on a 4004 for optimal output. Thanks and sorry if this has been discuss before on this forum

Don't know what the distance from the pickups to the strings should be, but I can tell you that my 4004 Cii pickups were originally set so that the covers for both pickups were flush with the body - I mean the part of the cover that accommodates the screws.

Also, my 4004 is a little bit louder that my 4001 basses.

Don't know what the distance from the pickups to the strings should be, but I can tell you that my 4004 Cii pickups were originally set so that the covers for both pickups were flush with the body - I mean the part of the cover that accommodates the screws.

Also, my 4004 is a little bit louder that my 4001 basses.[/quote]

Thanks for the info. Started by raising both pick ups to the point where the are now flush with the body and there is a significant difference, duh but still not equal to the 4003. I,m gonna try changing some settings on the amp as Woody suggested. Again thanks for input on my output