Rickenbacker 4003 Neck Pickup Height

[acostaa]

I report that the pickup is ruined, and will be needing to replace it. I finished ruining the pickup after I broke out with my screw extractor set. Not pretty, and ultimately ineffective.

I am so frustrated by these experiences with the neck pickup that I may just go with a third-party pickup like the SD SRB -1n just so I can avoid the height/pole piece issue altogether. IMO the neck pickup tone is not as central as the bridge so replacing the former doesn't bother me so long as it solves the pickup height problem.

I must also clarify that I raise the pickups for the growl, not for volume consistency. I struggle to overlook the fact that the neck pickups suffers from serious design flaws. How can the neck pickup not be as adjustable as the bridge? Why must the neck pickup sit so low and simultaneously afford it such little room for adjustment? Why those stupid little screws that hold to it together? Why are those pole pieces screwed in so tight? Why is the alloy they are made out so soft that they cannot withstand the pressure necessary to loosen them? at 2k a piece for a bass, these issues are not charming. Cheers,

 

[Jeff Scott]

I report that the pickup is ruined, and will be needing to replace it. I finished ruining the pickup after I broke out with my screw extractor set. Not pretty, and ultimately ineffective.

I am so frustrated by these experiences with the neck pickup that I may just go with a third-party pickup like the SD SRB -1n just so I can avoid the height/pole piece issue altogether. IMO the neck pickup tone is not as central as the bridge so replacing the former doesn't bother me so long as it solves the pickup height problem.

I must also clarify that I raise the pickups for the growl, not for volume consistency. I struggle to overlook the fact that the neck pickups suffers from serious design flaws. How can the neck pickup not be as adjustable as the bridge? Why must the neck pickup sit so low and simultaneously afford it such little room for adjustment? Why those stupid little screws that hold to it together? Why are those pole pieces screwed in so tight? Why is the alloy they are made out so soft that they cannot withstand the pressure necessary to loosen them? at 2k a piece for a bass, these issues are not charming. Cheers,

Sorry to read this. Please post a photo of the pickup and what the top of the pole pieces look like, thanks.

 

[Son of Redhead]

Reverb.com lists a few 70's-era Hi-Gains (abt $275) you might wish to look at.
If you damaged the pickguard:
Pickguards

 

[acostaa]

Mine is late model, and the pickguard did not take any damage. Thank goodness! Hope to get a pic of the damage up soon.

 

[acostaa]

For posterity, a fully bored-out pole piece that never budged. Replacement installed. Costly incident and a huge bummer.

 

[mikeswals]

Someone on facebook Ric Basses page is selling a 2018 neck pickup for $80 bucks. I'd jump on that.

 

[Jeff Scott]

For posterity, a fully bored-out pole piece that never budged. Replacement installed. Costly incident and a huge bummer.

I wonder if others have had the same issue. Perhaps, post your experience on the main Rick thread and see what they have on this?

 

[Wood and Wire]

For posterity, a fully bored-out pole piece that never budged. Replacement installed. Costly incident and a huge bummer.

Has that actually killed the pickup though?

The way Rickenbacker pickups are made, I wouldn't think that would effect it's functionality - just cosmetic.