Author Topic: Custom w/ Ric pickups (Read 505 times)

trekster · « **on:** July 11, 2004, 09:04:22 PM »

Is it possible (or has someone already done so) to do a Alembic custom with Alembic Rickenbacker replacement pickups? I know most would say why? since standard Rics have a strange p/u configuration, but hey I like 'em, I'm used to them, and I want to know! The only thing I figured that would keep this from happening is that the repalcement p/u's are meant to be mounted under a pickguard.

--T

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2004, 09:52:36 PM »

I don't recall seeing one; and I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be possible.

effclef · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2004, 09:15:38 AM »

Rickenbacker pickups are normally mounted to a
pickguard, but if the cavity is routed from the
rear, you could mount them against wood.

Alembic has said no in the past to any custom
things they feel won't be up to Alembic quality
and durability. Not sure if asking for passive
Ric pickups would be the case.

But try an Alembic - any model - before you really
consider this. Alembics have that Ric trebly sound
and low end to boot! You may find a stock Essence
may sound just like you want.

Alembic also makes Rickenbacker style Activator
pickups. They're meant to replace passive Ric
pickups in a Rickenbacker bass, but I wonder if
they would be happy to mount these in an
Alembic custom order bass.

EffClef

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2004, 09:27:32 AM »

We make a replacement pickup set for Rics. $750 gets you the pickups and either a three control (vol-pan-filter) or 4 control (vol, pan, bass, treble) electronics layout with the extended wire lengths need to install. To replace the electronics in a similar configuration as original, you'll need to do something based on the Anniversary circuit. That'll be quite a bit more expensive.

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2004, 09:42:06 AM »

I am not sure of my facts here, but I think there's a misconception. I would be surprised if the Alembic pickups for the Ric were made to sound like the originals. I would more likely believe that they are a way to bring the Alembic sound to the Ric body. Maybe I am wrong, Trekster, but I think what you're asking for is a fashion statement more than to get the Ric sound out of an Alembic. Just a guess, but probably a question worth answering.

-Bob

mica · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2004, 10:40:02 AM »

Bob, you're right - we sell a regular Alembic system. It's gonna sound like Alembic electronics/pickups. Of course, if someone is satisfied with the present sound of the Ric, they probably wouldn't be looking for a replacement system.

effclef · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2004, 11:25:38 AM »

Mica, I think Trekster's point was that he wanted
to put Rickenbacker pickups in an Alembic custom
order bass. Would you folks put third-party
pickups in a special order?

EffClef

mica · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2004, 11:45:29 AM »

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2004, 11:47:40 AM »

But trekster's original question is about putting Alembic Ric pickups on a special order Alembic, which of course we can do. There will not be a big difference in sound, since we use our normal pickup internally and the Ric shape is for retrofitting.

We've even done pickguards before - clear looks best with super nice woods of course!

effclef · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2004, 12:15:34 PM »

You know, I read that twice and each time I missed where he said Alembic custom with ALEMBIC Rickenbacker replacement pickups....argh!

Maybe if I change my screen settings I won't miss
the obvious so much?

Effclef

David Houck · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2004, 04:11:28 PM »

Yes, the monitor is out of tune and the keyboard action needs adjusting too!

effclef · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2004, 05:34:27 AM »

Dave, that's the story of my life. Someone forced
me to use a long-scale keyboard and I'm used to
medium or short scale ones...

EffClef

PS will lemon oil keep my keycaps bright and shiny?

David Houck · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2004, 06:00:12 AM »

The lemon oil just tends to puddle up on top of the plastic; but finger nail polish seems to work well!

trekster · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2004, 02:21:45 PM »

Mica got the jist. My idea is two-fold -- 1) I like the pickup configuration of Rickenbackers (neck pickup within 1/2 inch of the fingerboard edge, bridge pickup about 1/2 way between bridge and fingerboard edge), and 2) I like the small footprint that Ric-sized pickups have (about the same size as 1/2 a P-bass pickup). I love my Ric and would never give it up, but I'm not looking for a duplicate from Alembic. In fact, there are things wrong (but that I live with) with the Ric that I would want to improve upon with a custom Alembic -- better bridge system, no top binding that rips up your forearm, controls that are more flexible. There are things that are right -- All maple construction for the body parts, maple as the primary neck wood (I would love to use a thick piece of Ebony for the middle skunk stripe). And of course Alembic touches that just make it that much sweeter--adjustable nut, impecible finish, active pickups. I'll have a tough time dciding if I want Alembic to do this one first, or the 8-string I'm building myself now and have them get it right (see my post in 10-string dream bass).

BTW...Can Alembic make a Alembic version of a Hipshot D-tuner and add that, or is that up to me to put on later?

--T

bob · « **Reply #14 on:** July 22, 2004, 11:25:06 PM »

trekster - as far as I know, Alembic is not in the business of making tuners. The 'Alembic-Gotohs' are simply Gotohs with an 'A' engraved on the back; they also offer Schallers, and will install a Hipshot for you if requested.

I also saw a gorgeous set of handmade guitar tuners (with ebony, brass, exposed gears, etc.) built by someone else, that they were putting on a custom, so they are pretty flexible here.