Rickenbacker 4003 alternative pickguard design

[garrett77]

Hello, all. Just playing around with alternative pickguard designs for my 4003. Always tinkering. My design on the left, original on the right.

Anyone do something similar?

[Tarrbot]

Interesting that you enclosed the bridge pickup like that.

Is this just a concept? If not, how would you deal with the pickup screws and how it's mounted to the current housing as opposed to the plexi pickguard cover?

Just curious how this would be done.

Looks different, almost like a 4002.

[garrett77]

I plan to make the pickguard once I am fairly happy with the design. The two pickup screws remain in their original position. The two original pickup cover screws at the bridge are used for the new pickguard. The two remaining screws at the neck side are covered by the new bridge.

One minor issue is the original pickup cover has left marks in the finish - seen in dashed red line below.

[Tarrbot]

One of the things I was trying to ask about is the large screws holding that pickup in place.

Also, the pickup itself sits deep and you may have clearance issues by lowering the plane the pickup sits at. That or have to replace the screws with shorter ones.

[garrett77]

Originally Posted by Tarrbot

Also, the pickup itself sits deep and you may have clearance issues by lowering the plane the pickup sits at. That or have to replace the screws with shorter ones.

The screws will need to be shorter. I plan to replace them.

The original surround is 3/8" above the surface of the body. The new pickguard is 1/8", so the drop will be 1/4". I have more than 1/4" space at the springs. I plan to replace the springs with rubber or silicone spacers to allow the pickup to be adjusted into position. Worst case, the plastic of the pickup bracket can be filed away while leaving plenty of thread.

The setup is similar to the pickguardian plate.

[Tarrbot]

I've never seen the pickguardian up close but I'm familiar with them.

Looking at that plate, it maintains the 3/8" height above the plane of the bass.

I'm not sure how much depth is needed for this to work correctly with the current pickup. I haven't had mine off lately and I forget how deep it is down there.

I may be just losing my mind, that's all.

[grisezd]

Originally Posted by garrett77

I plan to make the pickguard once I am fairly happy with the design. The two pickup screws remain in their original position. The two original pickup cover screws at the bridge are used for the new pickguard. The two remaining screws at the neck side are covered by the new bridge.

One minor issue is the original pickup cover has left marks in the finish - seen in dashed red line below.

I think the curve above the bridge pickup is sort of uncharacteristically large (more of a Fender curve) and looks maybe a little out of place. Myself, I'd make that radius closer to the upper left radius of the original, just extended back. That would cover the area covered by the original bridge pickup mount. And would look better to my untrained eye.

[garrett77]

Originally Posted by grisezd

I think the curve above the bridge pickup is sort of uncharacteristically large (more of a Fender curve) and looks maybe a little out of place. Myself, I'd make that radius closer to the upper left radius of the original, just extended back. That would cover the area covered by the original bridge pickup mount. And would look better to my untrained eye.

Thanks. Good eye. I agree. I hadn't noticed it was getting too Fender-like. And now my eyes are drawn to it. Almost too generic of a design for a Rick.

I'll take another pass at it.

[4001]

Originally Posted by garrett77

Thanks. Good eye. I agree. I hadn't noticed it was getting too Fender-like. And now my eyes are drawn to it. Almost too generic of a design for a Rick.

I'll take another pass at it.

EXACTLY the same thing I was thinking as I looked at it.
I'd make that curve by the bridge pickup more like the one by the neck pickup.

All in all, I like the original the most, but the design is pretty cool. Almost like a 4002. But then again not.
Interesting.

[garrett77]

Sharper corner. Maybe a little too much up swing in the top arc?

[grisezd]

There you go. I like that. If you don't like the upswing you could raise the bit over the neck pickup. But I think it's good as it is.

[cassius987]

I have a bass with a similar pickguard.




By the way, the original design may have some Fender elements, but also goes well with the cresting wave. The newer design reminds me of a Gibson Ripper; I like it less.

[FretlessMainly]

I too prefer your original design. Joshua mentions that he thinks it goes better with the cresting wave; I actually think it more closely mimics the curve in the bout that goes under your right forearm.

[garrett77]

Originally Posted by FretlessMainly

I too prefer your original design. Joshua mentions that he thinks it goes better with the cresting wave; I actually think it more closely mimics the curve in the bout that goes under your right forearm.

It's been a year since I first posted this design. Still haven't decided which. But after having much time away, I am starting to lean back towards the first one. The second is a bit too pointy. There may be a happy medium in there.

I'll take another look, and post again. My 4003 is JetGlo. What color should I make the guard? I am 93% sold on keeping it white, but also a little interested in alternatives. Leather was something I considered too - like the classic Wal guards.

[Ric5]

How about no pickguard ...

[cassius987]

Hi garrett77. I have a bass with a similar pickguard design, but I like yours better and have been wanting a slightly different guard anyways. Could I trouble you for a life-sized template of your original design?

[garrett77]

Originally Posted by cassius987

Hi garrett77. I have a bass with a similar pickguard design, but I like yours better and have been wanting a slightly different guard anyways. Could I trouble you for a life-sized template of your original design?

Sure no problem. I uploaded the file here on my site.

If you need to print smaller, the PDF can be cropped to ledger (11x17 in the states) or A3. I can crop and upload if there is any interest.

Be sure to compare screw holes with your current holes. Seems they vary from year to year.

[cassius987]

Thanks garrett!! I see currently the second design is uploaded. Could you upload the original as well when you have the time?

If I use the design I'll be sure to follow up with a photo.

[garrett77]

cassius, sorry for the delay. Was away for the holidays. Now both versions are here:

http://www.garrettbelmont.com/files-.../ric-files.php

I haven't printed either to confirm measurements. Version 1 prints on ledger (11x17).