Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I was told yesterday on the FB Rickenbacker Guitar/Bass page by a collector that the magnetic horseshoe pickup were NOT leftover from the 1960's....does anyone know whats up with the history of these pickups??? I LOVE this bass..

Baz Cooper wrote:I was told yesterday on the FB Rickenbacker Guitar/Bass page by a collector that the magnetic horseshoe pickup were NOT leftover from the 1960's....does anyone know whats up with the history of these pickups??? I LOVE this bass..

I was never able to get confirmation of this either way, however I have seen later ‘85’s and 86’s without the magnetic HS. If I’m not mistaken these were the first basses with HS’s produced since the glory days. Knowing how things turn up in the RIC factory, you determine...

Do the bobbins look identical to 60's horseshoes?

No, the Bobbins look like Hi-Gain or the Horsey reissue horseshoe pickups. Now a guy on FB told me that the only thing vintage about the pickup is the horseshoe magnets...and thats the pickup was built in the 80's using leftover magnets...Can somebody ask John Hall ???

Could you post some pictures of the horseshoe? It might help with additional responses.

I found these pics in an old post but these are exactly what mine are. This is from the same year bass...now after More info, I'm finding that these are the 1st Gen reissues that have magnetic shoes...whereas from 1986 on the are the current one. I did hear somewhere that the horses could very well be leftover from the 60's....

Baz Cooper wrote:I found these pics in an old post but these are exactly what mine are. This is from the same year bass...now after More info, I'm finding that these are the 1st Gen reissues that have magnetic shoes...whereas from 1986 on the are the current one. I did hear somewhere that the horses could very well be leftover from the 60's....

That’s my pic. That’s the HS in my 85 V

Yes, Hope you don't mind that I borrowed it, Its exactly like the one in my 84/85 v63

I'm not sure about the "shoes" but the bobbin in my former '84 v63 was fiber with pan head screws. Unlike any '60s or '50s HS I've ever owned.
The whole "leftover" part thing is extremely questionable, and by that I mean a bunch of hooey.

Yeah so NOW I think only the shoes were left over...Wish I could ask John Hall

Well, exactly how much different is the sound in a magnetized horseshoe pickup and a non-magnetized horseshoe pickup ?? Like, would this be noticeable to the average bass guitarist, or only someone who reeaaallly listens to the subtle differences ? I ordered a horseshoe pickup from the factory in the early 90's, but it sure looks like the one in the picture.

Upon closer inspection of the picture, I realize that my pole pieces are flat, and much bigger. I can also say that this pickup has a killer sound. Even better than my stock 1980 4001S

Baz Cooper wrote:Yeah so NOW I think only the shoes were left over...Wish I could ask John Hall

Have you PM'd him here?

I'm New here. Not sure how to get in touch with Him

Select Members (upper right of the blue banner beside FAQ). click on johnhall down near the bottom of his profile screen select PM - Send Private Message.....
HTH