Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

OK, so I am having trouble installing the pickup cover on my 70's 4001. I know of the instructions on rickenbacker.com but they seem to be for a taller pickup cover. Could anyone enlighten me as to how the shorter pickup cover installs properly?

The first picture shows what happens if I follow the instructions, using my shorter pickup cover. The spring is tightly compressed and there is barely enough room for the pickup cover to clear the strings. Adjusting the pickup just isn't possible.
The next picture shows the only way I felt it could be set up. With the pickup cover mounted directly against the bezel, which means that the cover is set in place and does not move when the pickup height is adjusted. Not using the washers (red/green in picture A).
I assume that the picture below is how the rickenbackers instructions would work, given a taller pickup cover.

When you think about it, everything BELOW the springs is going to move up and down with the adjustment screws. There is really NO REASON to have the cover move up and down. These days, the cover has two functions: 1) To serve as a hand rest for players who like having it; 2) To LOOK LIKE the old true horseshoe magnet pickup from the '50s and '60s. There may be a little bit of shielding, but most will not be able to notice or measure any difference. I really don't understand why RIC's diagram shows the cover flanges BELOW the springs.

Jon, B is the correct way for the short cover.

Welcome to the RRF!

My guess as to why the cover design was changed is that the taller one is stronger as it has side walls to help from excess force possibly cracking; the short ones are basically flat without a lot of reinforcement (just some ribbing on the underside IIRC), although I have never seen a cracked/broken on, myself.

jps wrote:Jon, B is the correct way for the short cover.

Welcome to the RRF!

My guess as to why the cover design was changed is that the taller one is stronger as it has side walls to help from excess force possibly cracking; the short ones are basically flat without a lot of reinforcement (just some ribbing on the underside IIRC), although I have never seen a cracked/broken on, myself.

The short covers can also subside into the cavity under pressure from ones's hand, whereas the taller items are anchored to the base plate, just like the shoes they are cosmetically emulating.

Just don't forget the ground wire.

Thanks for the welcome and for the answers. Everything is set up, ground wire and all.