Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone, for the love of god, know if there are pick-ups on the market that replace the stock pick-ups in this model WITHOUT modification? These things are tiny, (1" X 3"), and I don't want to route this body out. The originals are active (I think), but I'm willing to do pots as well, because the stock ones are sounding REALLY bad as of late (unbearable humming, popping). Since all of controls are mounted on a circut board, it's kinda hard to pin-point the problem. HELP..anyone?

As I am NOT familiar with these pickups.And Rick only has ever made a small selection of pickups ...I will theorize that they are button top /high gains-these are single coils.

They make two other pickups currently that drop right in ;

1-the classic toaster top (this is the crisp 1960's Byrds/Beatles/Tom Petty sound)

2-the humbucking pickup (I know of no specific band that used these pickups,but they are similar to the small pickups in a Gibson Les Paul.In the mid 1970's Pete Townshend used these to great success.I can't imagine there being much difference between the two types.)

The circuit board is easy to fix.The board is most likely fine,the CTS pots have collected a far amount of lint and the wipers (inside ) have oxidized ...go to a 'Radio Shack' or an electronic supply house and acquire a can of -TUNER Cleaner with LUBE

Spray a little of it into the opening near the soldering points ,then turn the pot.Wipe up any materials that run out ...that's it!

You could also email Rickenbacker and ask the sales staff on recommendation as to a type of pickup that they offer.


Let me know how it goes for you .

Thanks Mark, the problem has been reduced dramatically. I bought some sheilding tape as well, and lined the cavity, and then did the spray job with the pots. Huge reduction in noise and crackling. This is a big load off, because it seems sinful to modify this bass. I can't figure out why they weren't more popular, as this is one of the best playing basses I've seen.
Thanks again Mark!!