Masterclass: Advanced Pickups Curriculum
Masterclass: Advanced Pickups Curriculum
Embedded Files
Dots
Dots
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of the various Rickenbacker pickups that you acquired during your undergraduate studies. These include the Toaster, Hi-Gain, and Humbucker pickups, among others.
Let’s begin our discussion by examining a unique topic: Toaster pickup "dots." Who would like to volunteer to explain to the class what we’re looking at here? Q1: What caused the dots (see the corners on the toaster's black strips, where the bread would go) - 1 point. Q2: What years had the 'true' dots' - 1 point. Bonus: When did the the repro dots appear? 2 points.
Dots - Answers:
Dots - Answers:
From @haulinkraut:
These are bakelite bobbin mold impressions. 1957-1964. Repro(fake) dots started in 2002. These dots were introduced as part of the C series development.
There is a bit of variation and nuance. To my eyes on all the ones I have seen from the 50s and 60s with mold impressions, the outer circle is raised and the center recesses. It looks to be a mold flashing around the circumference. And then the center of the circle looks like where a mold plug and placed in and the flashing is from the seam. One thing also to note is there were transitional toaster bobbins that came along in 1964 for the Rose Morris that used paxolin phenolic bobbin with a vacuum formed plastic top piece for trim. These bobbins fell in line with the time period that mold impressions disappeared in 1964. And then after that the bakelite bobbins were back, but did not have mold circles. Not sure if the mold was replaced, modded to omit the circles? Or if the bobbins just had a post casting process added to sand the circles away? Or perhaps the vacuum formed RM covers over the bobbins were to take the place while the mold was out of order to get fixed remade? Or maybe just due to the sheer volume of order between Export models and US market.
Combo 400 Pickups
Combo 400 Pickups
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of the various Rickenbacker pickups that you acquired during your undergraduate studies. These include the Toaster, Hi-Gain, and Humbucker pickups, among others.
Let’s begin our discussion by examining a unique topic: the "Combo 400 pickup", which was one of the few pickups Rickenbacker used that wasn't proprietary. Who would like to volunteer to explain to the class what we’re looking at here? 1 point each -> what's the pickup called, and who made it? 10 points -> what other production '50s guitar(s) had this pickup as standard (both the manufacturer and model please)?
Combo 400 Pickups - Answers:
Combo 400 Pickups - Answers:
From @vanelectrode:
A DeArmond pup made by Rowe Industries of Toledo, Ohio, found among the Combo 400. I could not find a formal name for this unit but the '56 catalog refers to it as a "sensitive, recessed pickup," how sensual! This peculiar unit was also found in the Epiphone Harry Volpe signature model. Beatles gear influencer Toots Thielemans strummed a DeArmond equipped Combo oft cited as inspiring a young John L. to procure a certain V81
E3 Pickups
E3 Pickups
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of Rickenbacker acoustic models that you acquired during your undergraduate studies. This includes the history and features of models such as the Comstock, Shasta, Shiloh, and Laramie.
Let’s begin our discussion by examining a unique topic: the E3 pickup. Who would like to volunteer to explain to the class what we’re looking at here? During which years was this pickup available, how is it mounted to the guitar, and approximately how many guitars were made with this pickup? (Bonus points for the OEM of this system.)
E3 Pickups - Answers:
E3 Pickups - Answers:
From @sonicblue:
i only know the answer to the bonus question 😭 of course that’d be @lrbaggsofficial.
i’ll also take a shot at availability dates — i don’t believe the E3 was around for the original mid-90’s run, so i’d go with 1999-2006 (which as far as i know is the last of the true acoustics)
Acoustic Pickup
Acoustic Pickup
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of Rickenbacker acoustic pickups that you acquired during your undergraduate studies, including the E3 pickup system.
Let’s begin our discussion by examining a new and exciting topic: review this photo please. For this assignment, we'll also be using our textbooks: please open your Rittor Music Mook to page 179. Who would like to volunteer to explain to the class what we’re looking at here? What does this do and what is the name of this pickup system?
Acoustic Pickup - Answers:
Acoustic Pickup - Answers:
Active Circuits
Active Circuits
This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of the normal Rickenbacker control circuits that you acquired during your undergraduate studies.
Let’s begin our discussion by examining a unique topic: "Active Circuits." Photoed here is the RM signature active circuit (built-in compressor), where the battery is wedged between the board and the pickguard. Kind of an odd design but creates an advantage where the guitar body doesn't have a separate cavity for power/battery.
So: pop quiz! Name every Rickenbacker model featuring active circuitry, and describe the active feature(s). Bonus: for the 370/12RM, name every color it was made in (if you're thinking of three colors, please reflect. This isn't undergrad...).
Active Circuits - Answers:
Active Circuits - Answers:
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse