According to the Rickenbacker Instagram account, they are dropping the pickup cover. Instead they have redesigned the pickup ring/surround to incorporate a design usually seen in aftermarket bezels, complete with thumb recess. No more gaping hole around the pickup, either.
(https://www.rickresource.com/forum/download/file.php?id=58676&mode=view)
Makes sense.
Sherlocked!
It's probably about time they design the pickup surrounds to accomodate the "new" higain pickups....
That's great, and long overdue.
Now if they would only get rid of the string mute tailpiece. ;) Honestly, none of it matters to me as it's incredibly unlikely I'll ever buy another new Ric (or any other brand really).
The more modernisation and deviation RIC carry out, the greater case they have for building reissues. Bring back lacquered fretboards, covered bridge pickups, chequerboard binding, 1/2" neck pickup spacing, acrylic tug bars etc. Call it a '68 4001 reissue.
Is this just a special edition or how they're going forward with the standard releases?
Quote from: Ken on February 24, 2025, 03:34:50 PMIs this just a special edition or how they're going forward with the standard releases?
My guess is that it will be standard. John Hall is letting his son Ben run the company now.
It's not a Ric without that huge gaping hole.
That's why I prefer a black bezel, it keeps that iconic what-the-hell-were-they-thinking look.
Shadow.jpg
Nice one , ilan.
Wasn't there some controversy a few years ago with a Rickenbacker bezel that was competing with someone else who had developed it first? That kind of turned me off to Rickenbacker, despite being a long-time fan and proponent...
Quote from: hieronymous on February 26, 2025, 04:38:49 PMWasn't there some controversy a few years ago with a Rickenbacker bezel that was competing with someone else who had developed it first? That kind of turned me off to Rickenbacker, despite being a long-time fan and proponent...
Tube Ampology'a Treble Bezel. RIC put out a cheaper copy of it, the owner of Tube Ampology cried foul. But like it or not, RIC's actions were perfectly legal.
The furor seemed to die down after a while. Did Ric continue to put out their own bezel? Do you see any connection to this new design? Especially the thumb rest, now built into the surround...
Excuse my ignorance, but why is it that Fender can make a route for a Jazz bass bridge pickup that fits right around the size of the bobbin while the same task seems impossible for Rickenbacker to accomplish?
I love my Treble Bezels. I have a chrome "thumb indent" one on my 4003S, and a smooth one on my 4003S/8.
Quote from: 4stringer77 on February 27, 2025, 08:46:29 AMExcuse my ignorance, but why is it that Fender can make a route for a Jazz bass bridge pickup that fits right around the size of the bobbin while the same task seems impossible for Rickenbacker to accomplish?
The huge bridge pickup surround and handrest mimics the look of the original horseshoe pickup. A much smaller surround will look ridiculous and would necessitate a redesign, which is in fact something they tried to do in the 90s with the 4004 without much success.
(https://rvb-img.reverb.com/image/upload/s--fJ8-f6Lq--/a_0/f_auto,t_large/v1715202858/xosbn0mwwz3axaggm5ve.jpg)
Quote from: hieronymous on February 26, 2025, 07:58:07 PMThe furor seemed to die down after a while. Did Ric continue to put out their own bezel? Do you see any connection to this new design? Especially the thumb rest, now built into the surround...
RIC's version doesn't appear in the current price list, but it might still be available.
This new setup is definitely connected to the version of a few years ago. Call it a positive evolution.
I don't think they have gained anything from (poorly) copying TubeAmpology's Treble Bezel other than some bad publicity. Well, I'm glad it's over, and I still prefer the look of a black bezel inside a chrome surround over the new Ric coverless surround (or a gaping huge hole). But it's always good to have a choice.
I put a cover on my 4000 and find it doesn't get in the way. I was used to them on a 51 reissue Pbass. Now I'd love to find one for my 4001.
Quote from: ilan on February 27, 2025, 01:55:26 PMThe huge bridge pickup surround and handrest mimics the look of the original horseshoe pickup. A much smaller surround will look ridiculous and would necessitate a redesign, which is in fact something they tried to do in the 90s with the 4004 without much success.
(https://rvb-img.reverb.com/image/upload/s--fJ8-f6Lq--/a_0/f_auto,t_large/v1715202858/xosbn0mwwz3axaggm5ve.jpg)
...and the pickup had to be that big because the horseshoe itself was an integral part of the function of the pickup. Wasn't it a borrowed lap steel pickup?
I don't know, I have a soft spot for the gaping hole, as well as the classic Ric routing - especially when it's all been copper foiled on Autumnglo!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49500014001_66aec7f00e.jpg)