Unconventional mod for a rickenbacker

[tleeitsme]

I have been getting a wild hair up my butt about sticking a peavey t40 humbucker in the neck position of a rickenbacker a la Cliff Burton. I love the sound of my t40’s neck pickup, and aesthetically it matches the black and chrome look of Rickenbacker pickups.

I mean aside from modifying an expensive instrument, would there be any downsides to this sonically? Perhaps just a lateral move in terms of tone?? I feel the t40s pickups are voiced with more bottom end than the rickenbacker, but i am no expert.

thanks for any input.

 

[JRA]

I have been getting a wild hair up my butt...

good for you!

it's easy for me to suggest that you go ahead and test your thinking/hoping. if i had a wild hair = i'd do it! maybe someone else has done this, however, and you'd get some useful feedback from someone else besides another cowboy!

good luck with your pickup quest!

 

[EagleMoon]

I’ve always wondered what that would sound like. I’d say go for it!

 

[lug]

The route under the pickguard may be big enough (looks close in restoration pics). If it is, you can get an aftermarket pickguard and be able to return it to original so no risk.

 

[RogerTheAlien]

I have been getting a wild hair up my butt about sticking a peavey t40 humbucker in the neck position of a rickenbacker a la Cliff Burton. I love the sound of my t40’s neck pickup, and aesthetically it matches the black and chrome look of Rickenbacker pickups.

I mean aside from modifying an expensive instrument, would there be any downsides to this sonically? Perhaps just a lateral move in terms of tone?? I feel the t40s pickups are voiced with more bottom end than the rickenbacker, but i am no expert.

thanks for any input.

I will use this expression ... I also like T40 pickups, they really honk

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Do a little research first, if a T-40 pup will fit in the existing pup route in the body, go for it, but if you have to hog out any wood, don't do it. Rics are already a bit weak at that point, don't make it worse. Buy a new pickguard for it and save the old one so you can revert back to original condition if you ever do want to re-sell. Ric owners are nearly as fanatical as Fender guys when it comes to original parts.