No more plastic bridge pickup cover!

4stringer77 · February 27, 2025, 08:46:29 AM

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?

gearHed289 · February 27, 2025, 10:19:12 AM

I love my Treble Bezels. I have a chrome "thumb indent" one on my 4003S, and a smooth one on my 4003S/8.

ilan · February 27, 2025, 01:55:26 PM

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.

Dave W · February 27, 2025, 08:38:52 PM

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.

ilan · February 28, 2025, 12:42:48 AM

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.

morrow · February 28, 2025, 05:25:14 AM

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.

Alanko · February 28, 2025, 02:52:30 PM

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.

...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?

hieronymous · February 28, 2025, 07:22:46 PM

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!