No more plastic bridge pickup cover!

Alanko · February 22, 2025, 02:55:47 PM

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.

ilan · February 22, 2025, 02:59:15 PM

Makes sense.

Ken · February 22, 2025, 03:45:52 PM

Sherlocked!

doombass · February 22, 2025, 04:55:42 PM

It's probably about time they design the pickup surrounds to accomodate the "new" higain pickups....

Dave W · February 22, 2025, 08:31:37 PM

That's great, and long overdue.

gearHed289 · February 24, 2025, 08:09:43 AM

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).

Alanko · February 24, 2025, 01:57:21 PM

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.

Ken · February 24, 2025, 03:34:50 PM

Is this just a special edition or how they're going forward with the standard releases?

Dave W · February 24, 2025, 09:31:26 PM

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.

morrow · February 25, 2025, 06:06:25 AM

It's not a Ric without that huge gaping hole.

ilan · February 25, 2025, 01:36:51 PM

That's why I prefer a black bezel, it keeps that iconic what-the-hell-were-they-thinking look.

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morrow · February 26, 2025, 05:59:58 AM

Nice one , ilan.

hieronymous · February 26, 2025, 04:38:49 PM

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...

Dave W · February 26, 2025, 05:22:35 PM

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.

hieronymous · February 26, 2025, 07:58:07 PM

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...