The Last Bass Outpost

Thanks for more kind welcomes.
Before I unsolder I just want to check my understanding.
I have had a look at the pickup and I cant see how to unsolder leads at the pickup end because of the epoxy- so I assume  Highlander means at the end where the wires attach either to the rotary or the treble pot. There are three wires- red goes to lug 8 on the Varitone, black to lug 5 and the orange to the treble pot- which one should I disconnect to test the pickup? Also I assume you mean I should select position 2 on the Varitone to isolate the pickup when testing? Sorry, for being thick- but I am with this stuff. I guess my aim is to try and find out which component is the problem at this stage. Thanks for the help thus far.

 I have used the numbering in this diagram, which I note that the author acknowledges is wrong but seems to correspond with what I am seeing with respect the neck pickup leads.
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=tA1R_kXL5YNEuM&tbnid=vOpvYBVCO5f8XM:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.vintageguitarandbass.com%2Fshowthread.php%3F3253-Ripper-wiring-diagram&ei=YpI8VJf4ApXm8AWh94Ew&bvm=bv.77161500,d.dGc&psig=AFQjCNF5JvQ5QE5cO1yCqT42plJF_inoEQ&ust=1413341206072592

BTW- just replaced a bridge pickup in a Jazz just now, what a breeze compared to this.

Seems I am the custodian of a beautiful Ripper with past connection to this gentleman.
I came to this place on the recommendation of a few good souls after some interesting discussions about Gibson basses in another place.
I am glad they recommended it.

Thanks for the great welcome.
I thought I would try and some advice from people who appreciate the finer things.

Since you asked- here they are.

78 RD Standard- All original.


79 RD Artist- All original, incl the Moog


09 Bird- Stock


81 Victory Standard- all original


81 Victory Artist- all original


75 approx- Ibanez V- had her since 77.


Just sold this early Maple Grabber.

I am the same veebass as on TB AND Ozbass, so some of you might know me already.
This is my first post here, although I have been lurking for a while, good info here. I love of basses, including Gibson basses.
I live in Queensland, am over 50, married with a son. I have been playing bass in pub rock bands in Australia since the mid 70s, for the last 5 years have been doing the covers thing and my son plays lead in the band- he is also a pretty good bass player. I have a number of basses, including some old Gibsons- RDs, Victorys, a Ripper etc. If people are interested I will post some pics.
It is the Ripper that I need some advice with. I sought advice on TB and some of the good folk there suggested I post the question here.

I have an issue with my 74 Ripper- nothing out of the neck pickup- not even when the poles are tapped with a screwdriver. Also nothing at all on positions 1 and 4 of the varitone. (The wiring is standard, as far as I know). I have checked under the guard visually and the all wires are now attached (one was off the varitone- the one to the vol pot- but I have now resoldered it). The problem remains after resoldering that lead. I am fairly electronics illiterate but can use a multimeter and can solder, so be gentle with me. (I have replaced pickups, pots and inputs in Fenders but there is a fair bit happening under the hood of the Ripper!)
Is there a simple way I can electronically test the pickup in the bass without disconnecting it? I have a multimeter.
How do I test whether the varitone is the problem?

If I need a replacement pickup, what is the opinion on the Seymour Duncan Ripper replacement?

Thanks.