Ric Hi-Gain Neck PU

[Donavan12]

I have a hi gain pickup with the adjustable pole pieces....I have not touched them from factory spec...I read(may be false info) that you're not supposed to turn them at all and it can ruin the pickup...should I leave as is? Or would it benefit to tweak to taste? Sorry for noob question any insight is helpful

 

[Garret Graves]

The screws are hex? I seem to recall very gently raising one or two to get a better string to string balance. It was maybe a turn or two, not more than that. My understanding was that it was okay to do that, within reason

 

[Donavan12]

Yes the Allen/hex style poles/screws...as sits right now all are bottomed out/flush with casing, dont want to mess with if it won't improve anything or make things worse lol thank you for reply!

 

[Guzzi Toad]

From the RIC owners manual (page 5) available here:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdfs/manual.pdf

"Additionally, all Rickenbacker standard “Hi-Gain” pickups currently have individually adjustable polepieces. Using the 3/32” hex wrench included with your instrument, gently turn the individual polepiece to raise or lower it. This allows the player to fine-tune the balance between strings, should there be any inconsistency."

I think I do remember someone saying they were very stiff and difficult to turn.
*edit for additional comment.

 

[rickdog]

I have a hi gain pickup with the adjustable pole pieces....I read(may be false info) that you're not supposed to turn them at all and it can ruin the pickup

The old "transitional hi-gain" (about 1968-1973) had slot-head screws for pole pieces. Those were not meant to be adjusted. I learned the hard way. So what you read is right, but only for 4001s from that era.

 

[Donavan12]

From the RIC owners manual (page 5) available here:

http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdfs/manual.pdf

"Additionally, all Rickenbacker standard “Hi-Gain” pickups currently have individually adjustable polepieces. Using the 3/32” hex wrench included with your instrument, gently turn the individual polepiece to raise or lower it. This allows the player to fine-tune the balance between strings, should there be any inconsistency."

I think I do remember someone saying they were very stiff and difficult to turn.
*edit for additional comment.

I just turned every one carefully but the D string pole is very tight lol so yes that statement is true

 

[Jeff Scott]

The modern hex head pole screws are meant for adjusting. Keep in mind, they are fairly hard to turn so you may think they aren't supposed to turn. Don't worry, they will.