Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi,
This may be a dim question - but I've just taken delivery of a 4003(TUR) -
and suprised to find the bridge PU cover is apparently chromed plastic:-(
I actually like the cover and it assists in my playing styles but I would
like to know if it can be replaced with a 'proper' metal job. Ric parts
03315 (cover) & 02038 (mounting ring) seem to be what I need - can anybody
confirm this? Many thanks in anticipation.

Robin B (UK Rickster)

4003TUR
620/12FG

You need to replace the bridge pickup with a Vintage Horseshoe Pickup, like that of the 4001v63 and the new 4001c64. You can order one direct from Rickenbacker for about $150.00. That is the only Bridge pickup with a metal cover because originaly they were the part of the pickup magnets, they look like a horseshoe from the side. As you probably already know, the new understring style on the 4003 has a plastic cover that looks like the old horseshoe magnets, and it can be removed for easier playing.

?

Don't exchange the mounting ring, it should still be of metal (or is the Rick co becoming a japanese managed co???). The cover was metal still in the '70, so try to get an old replacement. That should be possible as nearly everybody takes it off for better playability.

My '92 4003 came from the factory with a metal pickup cover, so they had to have changed to plastic in '93 or later.

-mort

My 97 4003S/5 has a plastique cover, so does my 76 4001 (of course someone could've swapped that one).