Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

There has been much discussion, in many forums, about the usefulness of the fifth knob on Rickenbacker guitars. From the RIC Official Site the description of the Fifth Knob is as follows.Quote:Many Rickenbacker guitars and basses come with a fifth control knob which provides extra tone adjustment capabilities. It can be used to adjust the volume of the bass pickup in relation to a preselected treble pickup lead volume setting, it can be initially set at the tone which will be most often used, or it can function as an equalization control between bass and treble. To use the fifth knob as a bass pickup volume equalizer, first place both volume and both tone controls on the instrument at their maximum clockwise positions. Then, move the pickup selector to the treble position and set the amplifier to the desired lead sound. Now, switch the pickup selector to the bass pick up. The fifth tone knob can now be adjusted in order to bring the rhythm sound to a volume compatible with the already selected lead sound volume.

To use the fifth knob in a set position, first place both volume controls and both tone controls on the instrument at their maximum clockwise positions, and move the pickup selector to the center position. Now, adjust the amplifier, by setting the gain controls at the desired volume and the bass and the treble controls at their maximum positions. Finally, adjust the fine tone selection knob on the instrument until the tone which will be used most frequently is reached, and leave it in that position. After the small knob has been set, the pickup selector may be moved down for maximum treble or up for maximum bass. The variable volume and tone controls on either the amplifier or the instrument can now be moved to the desired volume and tone settings.

To use the fifth knob as an equalization control, first place both volume controls and the treble tone control on the instrument at their maximum clockwise positions, and move the pickup selector to the center position. Move the bass tone control on the instrument to its maximum counterclockwise positions, and set the volume and tone controls on the amplifier to their desired positions. Now, with the instrument's treble up full and the bass at its minimum, the fine tone selection knob can be used as a tone equalizer, moving the instrument through the entire tonal range without adjusting the amplifier.Some owners have not found the equalization control to be particularly helpful. I would be interested in knowing what other function that the fifth knob might perform for two pickup models.

I have read these directions umpteen times and have never been able to remember them without carrying around my trusty instructions, which you can rest assured I do at all times. Yeah right. But I will say that the fifth knob has never actually gotten in the way. I often wondered, however, if it could be wired as an overall volume control without sacrificing any sonic integrity.

David; you mean wire the 5th knob as a "master volume"? Sure, you Could do that, but on a stereo wired guitar,there'd be a problem, I think. If the guitar is, say, a 330 or a dual/mono wired 360-12V64, then you could do it.Though I think that the physical placement of the 5th knob is not ideal for use as a master volume.

I really like the 5th knob, and use it often. I rarely use the neck pickup, and for what I play I rarely use the bridge pickup (335). With the vintage pickups its sometimes too bright. With the switch in the middle position I can blend just a bit heavier or a bit brighter. For some early REM I go a bit brighter in the middle position, but sometimes a bit heavier for constant rhythm. When I played in a band and was the only guitar I usually went heavier to add some oomph, but the neck pickup alone was too dullish.

I have a 330/6 model and I wired the 5th knob as a master volume. To be honest with you, I use it only when I put the guitar on my stand in between sets; and that's to turn it off while my other knobs are set ready for the next song!!

hook it up as a garage door opener!

That'd work really great if you play in a garage band!!!

Good one!

How about a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower engine pull cord!

Just tug to get your playing up to par!

Perhaps we should start a support group for the 5th knob? It certainly seems oppressed!

5th Knob Support Group. Does this sound like a band name??I'm taking it for my band[wait, I don't have a band!?]

Actually I'm thinking about hooking it up on my boss so I can switch him to the "off" my back mode!!!