Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So I have this 4004 in and I've noticed a problem with the pickup size in relation to the string spacing. The pickups don't quite get completely under the E or G strings leading to a weak E or G string. There's a fair amount of space inside of the pickup housing to move the coils to the right or left but man, you'd have to get these positioned just right to be able to use the E and G strings with ank kind of output. Any suggestions on how to get better string coverage? The E and G string are adjusted over as far as they will go.

Welcome back, Gregg.
Good luck on solving the problem.

Why are the pickup rails so short and not extending beyond the E and G strings?
Do the rails have an arch top following the string radius or are the top edges flush with the bobbin tops?

Hey Paul! That's a good question about why the rails are so short. The rails are flush with the tops of the bobbins. This bass needs either tighter string spacing or some wider pickups for sure.

What the heck happened to your pickups ... mine look like this ...



I was able to get it to work for five strings just fine ...

What is your string spacing? Mine is 2 1/4" from the G to the E at the bridge.

On my Blackstar it is 2 1/16" from the G to the E at the bridge.

My 4004Cii has a 2 1/4" string spacing at the bridge. When I had the HB-1s on it the strings were balanced.

I'm with Jeff, I'd question the pickups.

I don't think DiMarzio X2Ns were intended for use on bass guitars. Try going back to the original Ric pickups.

So you think these aren't the original pickups? I've never seen HB's opened up before.

On RIC pickups, which as Jeff correctly points out these aren't, the magnetic aperature extends at least 12mm each side of the pickup. That's because we use a much thinner blade along with a much stronger, samarium cobalt magnet. The magnetic field of the pickup pictured would be much more upward than out.

As long as the pickup is set at a reasonably close height, there's no problem.

Interesting info. Is it possible to order just the Toaster coils to put in the HB housings? Is is possible to order just the HB coils? Do you treat these the same as the Truss Rod Covers, where you have to exchange an old one for a new one?

Thanks.

Gregg

You can order Ric HB-1 or toaster pickups for your guitar or bass ... they both have the same footprint and sell for under $100 ...

What Jeff Rath said. The only part of a Ric that needs to be returned for a replacement is the name plate. Pickups, with the exception of the horseshoe which isn't currently available, can be bought through your dealer.

I agree with Jeff Ulmer, those look like DiMarzio X2N-Bs or a similar competitor, just stuck inside the larger RIC housing.

Gregg, just order the whole pickups, if RIC were to offer the coils without the cover it would only run a few bucks less anyway.