Humbucker in a toaster?

Frank_S · Post by **Frank_S** » Mon Apr 16, 2001 4:24 am

Can a Rickenbacker humbucker be fitted into a toaster body?
I would like to modify one of my 325v's with a humbucker and a coil tap(in the pot) without changing the cosmetics. I'm not really into the look of the black rectangle look of the Rick humbuckers.
I know this sounds like blasphemy, but I'm after a sound that I can't get with just the toasters.
I don't want to switch guitars in the middle of a set. Any ideas?
I do not want to do the "Fogerty mod", so any suggestions would be appreciated.

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Mon Apr 16, 2001 5:47 am

Frank,
I'd have to say[sadly] that what you'd like to do with the PU covers Will Not work.I have installed the Rick HB PUs on 325s before, and they really don't detract from the look that much. I did it for a friend, though he swapped out his whole toaster set for the HBs and it looked really cool.Not vintage/stock, but still very "Rick".Those HBs are very good, and Dead Quiet PUs.

Frank_S · Post by **Frank_S** » Mon Apr 16, 2001 6:22 am

Thanks Dr.
I'll have to think about it.
Is the coil tap a big deal?
Will I be able to retain some jangle or will it just kill the pick-up?

rick12dr · Post by **rick12dr** » Mon Apr 16, 2001 8:14 am

I forget if there's the info somewhere here on the Forum regarding the explanation of the wiring
possibilities for the HBs.I Do know years ago I tried the John Kay model 381, which used the HBs and had some kind of rotary selector, and at least 1 of the settings was a nice, bright, sparkly tone I liked alot.

markthemd · Post by **markthemd** » Wed Apr 18, 2001 3:40 am

The coil tap does drop the volume .you might want to wire a series /parallel switch instead.This leaves both coils on and (in effect goes from humbucking to a single coil) the volume stays fairly close to the same .The TONE is definitely different.You could remove the 5th knob and install a rotary switch that has a double pole -double throw capability and then reinstall the knob to appear STOCK.

I love Stealth mods!

Frank_S · Post by **Frank_S** » Thu Apr 19, 2001 4:58 am

Cool!
I'll have to think about it.
If you see my other post from today, I've got other problems now!