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Hiding Rickenbacker 4003s5 Dorito Pickups

Jaysaintny

Jaysaintny

Dec 14, 2015
41
20
Brooklyn, NYC
#1
I’ve wanted a Rickenbacker since I started playing at 16. I think they just look and sound great for punk rock. Now I’m finally in my thirties with a little extra money and have been eyeing their latest five string model since 2018, but man, I just cannot get past those black Dorito-shaped pups. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten past the other cosmetic hang ups that I had, but this one just irks me to no end.

I still prefer the older models, but they are very hard to find, especially the 4-5 conversions. Alas, I will have to settle for the new 5er. Any ideas to hide the pups aside from a black pickguard? Due to the odd shape, the only thing I could think of fitting is maybe a Mudbucker cover? I know I’m obsessing but just want to grab some creative ideas wherever I can find them.
 
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#3
A common complaint, though most get over it for the tone, which is outstanding. I have seen a couple with chrome trim rings, custom made I believe, which improved the look. It was an odd aesthetic choice, supposedly the shape reflects the internal architecture of the pickup, though its the only triangular pickup I know of so....maybe they just thought it looked cool? I think they should have oriented them to match the "sharkfin" inlays and provided chrome covers. Per usual, Rickenbacker Inc. did not consult me prior to this design decision! Short of some mod work, it is what it is. You could do some kind of extended pickguard housing different pickups, but I dont think that would necessarily improve the look.
 
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#6
I'm similarly interested in this topic. I got a matte black and used a black pickguard so now mine looks awesome, but I would like to be able to consider the fireglo or mapleglo finishes too. I've recently been toying with the idea of seeing if the pickup can be removed from the cover and see if you can put a more standard cover over the top but I haven't committed to the idea. I don't know any luthiers in the area either, so that's another hurdle I'd have to clear.

Edit: a few years ago I missed out on a Pearlstar 5-er that had a mirror pickguard. Ever since then I've thought about getting one of the standard s5 models and getting a mirror guard, then maybe putting some kind of foil tape over the pickup so it blends with the guard.

2nd Edit: There's a Jetglo s5 on Ebay right now for way under MSRP. As long as no one snipes it that's a killer price. Please go buy it and save me from myself.
 
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#7
Barring some truly snazzy custom work, I think the most practical route is a modern stealth/shadow look. Get a Jetglo 5er, add the black PG, and call it a day. Not sure how many places are offering aftermarket PGs for the new 5-string Ricks, but at the very least you can send someone like Pickguardian a tracing of the stock one and they'll cut it for you.

Oh, and get the "vintage" knobs if you're really looking to go all-black.

It won't cover up those weird dorito pickups, but it will just about blend them into the background
 
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#8
Gilmourisgod said:
On another note, TB'er @Ric5 did some outstanding 4 to 5 Ric conversions, and might still have a couple kicking around, couldn't hurt to ask if he still builds them, or has one for sale........
Click to expand...

The new 4003s5 is very well made and well designed. there is a reason for the shape of the pickups, it improves the response across all 5 strings.

get a jetglo with a black pickguard and the pickups will blend in also a black bridge would be nice.

s-l300.jpg
 
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#9
Aaaaaaaaannnnnnddddd..... ^^^^what he said, that looks pretty damn good to my eyes. @Ric5, I could swear I saw somebody with a set of custom-made chrome pickup rings for the Doritos, was I dreaming that? Full chrome covers would look badass, but I doubt Ric will do them.
 
#10
Gilmourisgod said:
Aaaaaaaaannnnnnddddd..... ^^^^what he said, that looks pretty damn good to my eyes. @Ric5, I could swear I saw somebody with a set of custom-made chrome pickup rings for the Doritos, was I dreaming that? Full chrome covers would look badass, but I doubt Ric will do them.
Click to expand...

I've seen the chrome rings, too! Though I cannot recall where specifically I saw it. Maybe it was the official Rick thread? We can't both have been hallucinating ;)

A little surprisingly, those doritos don't blend into the black PG quite as well as I'd have figured. They have a bit more of a charcoal/grey look to them, at least in comparison to the none-more-black PG
 
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#13
I think it was ironic that they introduced triangular pickups and removed the triangle fret markers.
I have to say I had a 4003s5 and didn't gel with it; the neck was a bit wide for my liking.
 
#14
I like it stock, but yes a black pickguard looks way better.
But I can't see why you couldn't go to a hobby or plastics supply for some black styrene or vinyl, and make your own rectangle shaped surrounds that incorporate the original mounting screws and put a triangle opening for the pickup. Thick enough material so its flush with the tops of the pickups.
 
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#15
I liked everything about that bass except to me, the B string sounded quieter than the rest.

I really wanted to buy one but couldn’t get over the volume difference, even after adjusting pickup height. I’d love for someone to tell me I’m crazy because those basses sound, feel, and look great.
 

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