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Topic: Rickenbacher Horseshoe Pickup Recharge? |
Steven Yungen
From:
Central Point, Oregon, USA
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Posted 1 Sep 2011 9:36 pm |
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I am wondering about 'recharging' the horseshoe pickup on a Rickenbacher lapsteel guitar that I have. It's a 1945 Model NS, sheet metal body with a 1 1/4 inch horseshoe pickup. I purchased this instrument in July, and have been playing it regularly to determine if I really like it or not. My previous guitar was a Gibson BR-9 which I was very pleased with, but the 'mystique' of the Rickenbacher drew me into an E-bay purchase.
I'm happy with the Rick, but it seems to me that it should be so much more as far as sensitivity, depth and tone. I've adjusted the pickup and gone to heavier strings, but I'm beginning to wonder if the pickup is weak, particularly on the lower strings. I don't have another Rick horseshoe lapsteel to compare with, so maybe my expectations are unreasonable, however, I read things on the internet forums about 'recharging' the horseshoe pickups. That's the basis of my question. Would this pickup benefit from a 'recharge', and if so, how is that done? Are there other adjustments or tweaks that are possible? The pickup poles do not appear to be adjustable, but the pickup itself can be adjusted closer or further from the strings.
Is a pickup 'recharge' something that would help?
Is the recharge something I can do myself, or is it a specialty job?
What is involved in a pickup 'recharge'?
What would be the cost?
Any suggestions?
Steve |
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Andrew Roblin
From:
Various places
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Posted 2 Sep 2011 2:33 am
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I'm far from an authority, but my understanding is that most old horseshoes sound better after being "regaussed." Recharged, in other words.
Mine was regaussed by Lindy Fralin, a pickup specialist you can find on line.
The work was done well and on time. I think the cost was under $50.
A word of caution: Reinstalling the reguassed magnets should be done carefully, without letting them touch. Because, I learned from Rick Aiello, they discharge when they touch. Also, it would be good idea to take some photos as you disassemble the pickup, because there a quite a few parts.
Good luck! |
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Bill Creller
From:
Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Sep 2011 6:45 am
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| Jason Lollar does the re-mag also.... |
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Steve Ahola
From:
Concord, California
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Posted 2 Sep 2011 9:30 pm
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| Bill Creller wrote: |
| Jason Lollar does the re-mag also.... |
Is Jason taking in repairs and rewinds again? His website says that he is too busy to do them at this time. Although I think I read here that he is still doing some repair work. If he is, I would send the whole pickup to him to evaluate, and have him recharge it if he thinks it is necessary.
BTW I would try running the pickup directly into an amp- bypassing all of the controls- before sending it out for repairs.
Steve Ahola
_________________
www.blueguitar.org
Recordings on electric guitar:
http://www.box.net/blue-diamonds
http://www.box.net/the-culprits |
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