NBD- Rick- May need some help

[FloridaTim]

I had posted about this pawn shop find a little bit back, but never pulled the trigger. 1975 Rickenbacker 4001. Originally priced $1200 marked down to $949. Badass II bridge and EMG pickups.

http://s191.photobucket.com/user/timjdodson/library/rickenbacker 4001

Went back today to actually plug it in. There lies the problem. Could get sound out of the E and A strings, but pickups not picking up the D and G. My worst case scenario was I pull up the pick guard and replace everything underneath. Best case is probably new pickups. The guitar is beat up, but straight and solid.

Then the guy said those magic words... "$400 out the door".

I know nothing about guitar electronics. Is it possible to get a "kit" type thing and replace everything from the plug to the pick ups? Should I go back to Rick pups? What should I look for when I open her up?

I think I got a pretty good deal even if it is a project. Like I said, with the electronics working I could have left the rest as is.

Thoughts?

 

[Ric5]

You got a great deal ... worst case scenario is you spend $400 to get it back in shape and then you have an $800 that can be sold for over $1000

If you live in Colorado then bring it by my workshop and I can fix it for you.

If not all of the Rick parts you need are available.

http://www.pickofthericks.com/categories/Rickenbacker-Parts/Rickenbacker-Electrical/

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www.rickenbacker.com

 

[daveman50]

If you live in Colorado then bring it by my workshop and I can fix it for you.

I suppose it's possible that FloridaTim lives in Colorado, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Tim, that's a pretty butchered up baby. If the neck is good and straight and the truss rods are OK (careful now with that), it's a good deal if you're willing to put the work into restoring it.

 

[Demon_Hunter]

I kinda like the looks of that.

A little bit of cleaning up and replacing them rusty screws and that will look nice. Hope you get the electronics figured out.

Awesome price!!

 

[Personatech]

Like Daveman said, pretty butchered up but I think you still got a good deal and the 70s Rick necks are the most comfortable necks I've ever played, bar none. Looks like you should be able to pull those EMGs and drop in Rick pups no problem - the bridge pickup route is probably intact under that kludge pickguard extension and the screw placement in said pickguard makes me think that the screw holes would be hidden once you restore the RIC chrome surround. Here's the official RIC wiring diagram: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] but there's an easier one to understand at Joey's Bass Notes (he also has a wealth of Rick bass info that's been invaluable to me over the years, and I bought my Rick back in '80): Invalid Link Removed

D and G strings not working is perplexing, though - does this mean that BOTH pickups are snafu?

Good luck with the project. If you decide to bail, let me know

 

[IPA]

Start with a new battery and work your way out... holy cow, $400? I don't think any of us here could say no to that.

 

[Demon_Hunter]

If you end up restoring with an original Ric bridge, I'd like that BA bridge!!

 

[Floyd Eye]

Keep the aftermarket bridge, get a new guard from Tony at Pickguardian and a couple of new Hi-gains from Rickenbacker and rock that #*@%+!!!!!!!

 

[Jaco Taco]

For pickups, I would recommend these Ric-style pickups at Classic Amplification.
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I just put one into my 8-string Ric and it sounds great.

 

[Personatech]

Oh, and to actually answer your questions: (1) Yes, there are ready-made Rick wiring harnesses out there (check eBay) and (2) Yes, install Rick pickups - it won't quite sound like a Rick otherwise.

 

[FloridaTim]

Start with a new battery and work your way out... holy cow, $400? I don't think any of us here could say no to that.

Ha Ha!!!!! I just got myself a working Ric for $400 and a 9 volt battery.

Happy days!!!!

 

[FloridaTim]

Now that I have it working...

I have a set of Flat wound XL Chromes, Regular Lights sitting here at the house. Would that string be a good fit for this Ric?

 

[Personatech]

In a word, yes. For two reasons: (1) Macca used flats on his (albeit not Chromes) and (2) I had been warned by someone at RIC that the 60's and early 70's Ricks used relatively soft fret wire - the wrong rounds will eat them in no time.

 

[Ric5]

I put rounds on all of my old Ricks and there was no problem.

 

[SasquatchDude]

Batteries on a vintage Ric? That's just wrong on so many levels

Nice find, and good luck getting her back into shape!