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Topic: Paging Dr. Aiello...Rick prognosis required |
Patrick Newbery
From:
San Francisco, California, USA
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Posted 22 Jun 2005 10:32 am |
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Hi-
Just received an Ace. I unscrewed the back and found, to my delight, what appearss to be the original horseshoe pickup (chromed shoes, brass mounting plate). Two questions:
1. how do you adjust the pole heights (the 2 string buzzes)
2. is there a specific tuner model I can use as replacements, or is there a supply of old rick tuners? I am reluctant to drill the bakelite.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 22 Jun 2005 2:47 pm
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1) My website has instructions on Adjusting the Non-Adjustable Ricky Pickup ...
2) Grover Vintage Sta-Tites or Martin Vintage Butterbeans ... available at Elderly ... will fit the post holes with a few passes of a round file.
The mounting screw holes won't line up either ... but by elongating the tuning machines holes ... they will line up nicely. The screws will cover the elongation marks.
If the Ace has "3 on a Strip" ... you will have more trouble ...
If you can't find a match ... you can pick up a #4-40 tap/drill set ... and drill in the tiny holes to match up with the Grovers/Martins.
Its not that hard to do ... they are tiny and the bakelite drills well.
Use plenty of "cutting fluid" ... while drilling and tapping.
Any chips can be mended with epoxy ... hidden by the tuning machines.
Hope that helps ....
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Aiello's House of Gauss
My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield
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Patrick Newbery
From:
San Francisco, California, USA
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Posted 22 Jun 2005 3:14 pm
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Thanks for the help 
unfortunately they are 3 on a strip. and the strips are short (unlike todays elongated, elaborate versions).
looks like I have to get my hands dirty.
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Todd Clinesmith
From:
Lone Rock Free State Oregon
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Posted 22 Jun 2005 6:42 pm
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When I replaced the tuners on my B7...the trebile side was a 4 on a plate assembly. The post spacing was almost Identical to Grover "A "model Mandolin tuners (29/32nds). Pretty tight spacing. I did have to use a reamer to enlarge the bakelite holes a bit to accomodate the larger posts. The mounting holes lined up well except the two outside mounts, but I enlarged them also to fit.....and the screws covered up the enlarged hole (smily face).
If the post spacing is 29/32nds you could use the A style Grovers Probably could just grind or hack saw off the 4th tuner. And polish it up on a buffing wheel with some rouge. I think Herman Weissenborn used to do some thing like that.....minus the buffing part.
Just one idea.
Good luck |
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Patrick Newbery
From:
San Francisco, California, USA
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Posted 23 Jun 2005 8:10 am
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I think that tuners are going to wind up waiting (no pun intended).
I shimmed the pick-up (lower) to reduce an intonation problem occurring from the 1st string riding on the post of the pick-up. Then I polished it up and put a new set of strings on it (with vise-grip tuners) and plugged it in.
I am now a convert. I'm sure a "real" bakelit Rick is going to be just amazing, but even my wife commented on how good this one sounded.
In any case,the sound is so stellar (mind you this is the first bakelite/horseshoe combo I've played, usually use my NS or Gibson Grand D . I will probaly put up with the vise-grip tuners for a while longer just to be able to enjoy playing it.[This message was edited by Patrick Newbery on 23 June 2005 at 09:11 AM.] |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 23 Jun 2005 2:55 pm
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| Quote: |
| I'm sure a "real" bakelit Rick is going to be just amazing |
Integrated nut, integrated bridge, one piece bakelite body and horseshoe magnet pickup ...
I love 'em !!!! ... outstanding design.
I'd like to know the "real" story behind their short existance ... cause I find them very pleasing to play and hear.
That molded handrest may have led to their demise ... ???
It certainly makes them easy prey for "shoe thieves" ...
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Aiello's House of Gauss
My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield
[This message was edited by Rick Aiello on 23 June 2005 at 03:59 PM.] |
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