C ongratulations on your purchase! You are now the owner of a distinctive instrument renowned for quality craftsmanship, tradition, and the legendary Rickenbacker name. Exclusive Head Design Unique and easy tuning head shape on all 12 string models. In this comprehensive manual, you will find all of the information needed to Dual Truss Rod Neck Design Most fully enjoy and take care of your instrument. Rickenbacker necks are built with two truss rods for added strength and adjustability.
Pickups All guitars equipped with pickups
manufactured by Rickenbacker.
Bridge Assembly Rickenbacker guitars
come with a six-way adjustable bridge, with individual string saddles for in- creased adjustability. Basses are equipped with the professional adjust- Nameplate Truss rod adjustment able bridge/tailpiece assembly. nuts located under the nameplate.
Pickguard Many Rickenbacker guitars
offer sturdy plastic pick guards. Many Easy Stringing "R" Tailpiece The models also have a two-level adjustable famous Rickenbacker "R" tailpiece, pickguard. is built with a no-hole slot design for easy restringing.
Balanced and Contoured Body
. Superb design provides total playing comfort, detailed with exclusive high Exclusive Fifth Tone Control Some gloss finishes. models come with a fifth tone control for increased tone adjustment capabilities. Output Jacks Deluxe models come with the exclusive Rick-O-Sound jack for effects and multi-channel capabilities.
Tone and Volume Controls Most guitars
and basses are equipped with separate tone and volume controls for each pickup and have three position pickup selectors. Volume and Tone Controls When it is in the middle, all three mum positions. Finally, adjust the Reverse Controls With a simple upwards pull of the pickups are on. When it is up, both fine tone selection knob on the treble tone control, the Vintage the bass and the middle pickup are instrument until the tone which will Some replica models have volume Tone Selector will allow a player to on. be used most frequently is reached, or tone controls which operate in move between both sounds at the and leave it in that position. After reverse fashion or are located a drop of a hat. Pressed in, one Rickenbacker basses with two the small knob has been set, the different relative position. In keep- hears the familiar balanced tone of pickups have the same volume and pickup selector may be moved ing with 1950's specifications, the the 4003, while pulled out to en- tone controls as the six and twelve down for maximum treble or up for Model 325C58, for example, fea- gage the circuit, the classic 4001 string guitars, as well as a three maximum bass. The variable vol- tures reverse-wired tone knobs so tone is heard. position pickup selector. ume and tone controls on either the the tone is brightest when the amplifier or the instrument can now knobs are turned completely coun- String Height Adjustment Many Rickenbacker guitars come be moved to the desired volume terclockwise. Most Rickenbacker six and twelve with a fifth control knob providing and tone settings. Most Rickenbacker guitars come string guitars come with separate extra tone adjustment capabilities. Vintage Tone Selector on Model equipped with a six-way bridge. volume and tone control knobs for Using this control to adjust the To use the fifth knob as an equali- 4003 Basses Individual string saddles allow the bass and treble pickups. In volume of the bass pickup in rela- zation control, first place both extremely critical pitch and action addition, each guitar has a three tion to a pre-selected treble pickup volume controls and the treble tone Prior to 1984, Rickenbacker basses adjustments. Four bridge height position pickup selector which lead volume setting, you can set it control on the instrument at their utilized a capacitor in the treble adjustment screws are located at allows instantaneous selection of at the tone you will use more often. maximum clockwise positions, and pickup circuit to emphasize treble each corner of the bridge assem- the bass pickup, the treble pickup, Or it can function as a bass/treble move the pickup selector to the tones coming from that pickup. bly. or a tonal blend using both pickups. equalization control. center position. Move the bass tone However, changes in tone prefer- When the pickup selector is com- control on the instrument to its ence and a call for higher output bined with the tone and volume To use the fifth knob as a bass maximum counter-clockwise posi- led RIC to discontinue the use of controls, three different sounds can pickup volume equalizer, first place tions, and set the volume and tone this capacitor in favor of a more be present and chosen simply by both volume and both tone controls controls on the amplifier to their balanced sound. Nevertheless, switching the pickup selector. on the instrument at their maximum desired positions. Now, with the many users added this capacitor clockwise positions. Then, move instrument's treble up full and the back into the circuit, experimenting When the volume and tone knobs the pickup selector to the treble bass at its minimum, the fine tone with and sometimes preferring the are turned all the way clockwise, position and set the amplifier to the selection knob can be used as a sound of the older configuration, they are in the wide open "on" desired lead sound. Now, switch tone equalizer, moving the instru- despite the resulting drop in vol- position. When the pickup selector the pickup selector to the bass pick ment through the entire tonal range ume. is down, the treble pickup (closest up. The fifth tone knob can now be without adjusting the amplifier. to the bridge) is in use. When the adjusted in order to bring the selector is up, the bass pickup is in To raise the height of the strings rhythm sound to a volume compati- When using a Rickenbacker guitar use. The middle selector position is from the surface of the neck, raise ble with the already selected lead with the Rick-O-Sound effect, much a blend of both pickups. When the bridge by turning each of the sound volume. of the tonal variation produced by using only one pick up, only that four adjusting screws clockwise playing through R.O.S. can be pickup's tone and volume controls using the adjusting key supplied To use the fifth knob in a set posi- better controlled through two differ- will have an effect. with the instrument. Lower the tion, first place both volume con- ent amplifiers or through two chan- playing action by turning the adjust- trols and both tone controls on the nels of one amplifier. However, On Rickenbacker models which ing screws counterclockwise. instrument at their maximum clock- when using Rick-O-Sound, the fine have three pickups, the bass wise positions, and move the tone selection knob now becomes pickup and the middle pickup are Some replica instruments with pickup selector to the center posi- a balance between the two amplifi- wired together, and the instrument vibrato assemblies feature bridges tion. Now adjust the amplifier, by ers or channels, and can be ad- is then controlled just as if it had that have individual rollers support- setting the gain controls at the justed to provide the desired blend Modern 4003 Series basses now only two pickups. When the selec- ing each string. Just like the original desired volume and the bass and of treble and bass. allow this capacitor to be easily tor is down, the treble pickup is on. instruments, it is possible for these the treble controls at their maxi- added or removed from the circuit. to become loose, vibrate, and ment screws clockwise to raise the closer to the tail of the instrument AccentTM Vibrato provide undesired string noise. string, or counterclockwise to lower while round wound strings favor a the string. position toward the neck. Carefully This vintage replica vibrato assem- Pliers may be used to squeeze the re-tighten the baseplate before bly does not have the adjustability saddle from either side to stop Some models may be equipped restringing. and precision of modern vibrato roller rattle. It is not generally with saddles which have threaded assemblies but does eliminate necessary for the roller to spin rollers to allow for string centering. Hi TekTM Vibrato entirely the friction of springs and freely as the string will easily slide Lift the string and turn the roller to bearings. The only adjustment is across the brass surface during move it to either side as appropri- Intonation and individual string that for handle position which may tuning or vibrato use. ate. height adjustment is accomplished be loosened with a screwdriver and in the same fashion as the 650 retightened after positioning the First, check the pitch of each string. Rickenbacker basses come Series fixed bridge assembly. If the string pitch sounds flat when equipped with bridge assemblies Simply use the hex key to raise or played at the 12th fret as compared that have just two hex height ad- lower the saddle and use a small to the open harmonic at the fret, justment screws, located at either screwdriver to move the entire turn the length adjustment screw side of the bridge assembly. To saddle forward or back to correct counterclockwise to shorten the raise the strings, turn each of the for pitch as described above. string. If the string sounds sharp to height adjustment screws clock- the harmonic, turn the screw clock- wise. To lower the action, turn the wise to lengthen the string. screws counterclockwise. It is vital that the neck is dead handle to the desired location. String Length and Pitch Adjust- straight before making intonation ment adjustments as the location of the KauffmanTM Vibrato bridge components was chosen on Each string saddle on Ricken- the basis of a well adjusted instru- In keeping with 1950's specifica- backer guitar and bass bridges may ment. tions, this is a sideways vibrato, be adjusted for perfect pitch or unlike most vibrato units which intonation. Each saddle is set at the Additionally, the bridge baseplate The height of the handle is a direct operate in an up-and-down motion. factory for the gauge of Ricken- on most 300 and 600 series guitars function of string tension and can It can be neutralized by either backer strings that come with the is adjustable for coarse intonation be adjusted by removing the cover removing the bar or gently turning instrument. If the pitch should to allow use of a wider range of on the back of the guitar to access the tip of the bar towards the pick- Certain models, such as those in become slightly sharp or flat, or you strings. Loosen the baseplate and the vibrato springs. Tightening the guard and out of the playing field. the 650 and 4004 Series, are equipped with a special bridge/ desire a change from standard move it to the position required. retaining screw will cause the Rickenbacker string sizes, you can Generally speaking, flat wound handle to rise away from the body tailpiece assembly in which the individual bridges are adjusted readjust the pitch by turning the strings require the bridge to be while loosening it will bring it closer saddle adjustment screws on the to the instrument. It may be neces- separately for each string. Each back side of the bridge. sary to add or remove a spring bridge piece is adjusted by two hex when changing to a string type of screws, located on either side of When making any pitch adjust- significantly different tension. the string it supports. ments, first loosen the string, then make an adjustment, and finally Note that all adjustments on this To adjust one of these bridges, first bring the string back up to pitch. If type of bridge are interactive, i.e. This authentic replica shares the loosen the locking screw, if present, another adjustment is necessary, one adjustment may affect another. shortcomings of the original design. so that an adjustment can be repeat the process until the intona- Make sure to fully retune the instru- Specifically it may not always made. Then, using the metric tion is correct. This method protects ment each time an adjustment is perfectly return to pitch and may wrench supplied with the instru- the strings from damage. made before making another one to produce some noise of its own ment, turn each of the two adjust- minimize this effect. during use. grooves to allow room to remove position. Do not rely on the rod not equipped with hex socket the nameplate from the head of the itself to provide the bowing force. Additionally, all Rickenbacker polepieces. These are set at the Neck Adjustment instrument. After replacing strings This advice actually applies to all standard “Hi-Gain” pickups cur- factory, and any attempt to adjust to the grooves of the nut, retune guitar truss rod systems. Adjust- rently have individually adjustable them can cause permanent dam- Most Rickenbacker guitars and the instrument to assure normal ments other than these can seri- polepieces. Using the 3/32” hex age to the pickup. basses are reinforced with twin tension on the neck. ously damage your instrument. wrench included with your instru- truss rods. This exclusive design ment, gently turn the individual Rick-O-Sound gives greater strength and stability Repeat the sighting step to confirm Do not use a socket drive or T- polepiece to raise or lower it. This to the neck of the guitar. The truss the amount of bow or under bow in handle wrench as damage may allows the player to fine-tune the Many Rickenbacker instruments rods are separately adjustable, the neck. Using 1/4 inch nut driver occur. Nut driver tools generally balance between strings, should come equipped with two output allowing either side of the neck to wrench, such as the NW1 neck will slip in your hand prior to truss there be any inconsistency. jacks. The jack labeled “Standard” be readjusted independently of the adjustment tool, turn only a half a rod damage, while these tools can uses a typical ¼ instrument cable other, should it become necessary. turn at a time. Turn the nut clock- easily permit excessive force to be for normal mono use. The other wise to correct an under bow, applied. jack is a Rick-O-Sound effects Three indications that the neck counterclockwise to straighten an output. This feature allows for may require adjustment are: 1) the over bow. Continue this until the Pickup Adjustment separate output of the bass and strings begin to buzz against the desired angle of the neck is ob- treble position pickups, in conjunc- frets; 2) the action of the strings tained. In order to achieve more volume by tion with a quality stereo Y-cable. It seems too high; or 3) the truss placing the pickup closer to the is also designed for use with a rods rattle. A slight under bow (relief) is com- strings, guitar and bass pickups stereo equipped amplifier. mon on non-Rickenbacker instru- are height adjustable. Both sides of With the instrument in tune, sight ments due to their limited range of the pickup may be raised or low- Rick-O-Sound can be used to the neck for a bow or under-bow by adjustment. Due to their extreme ered to change overall volume. produce special effects and mul- resting the body on a level table at adjustability you may prefer to Just one of the instrument pickups Better balance adjustment is usu- tichannel output when used with a an approximate 45 degree angle adjust a RIC neck almost dead may be adjusted in order to change ally achieved by lowering poles on stereo amplifier, a dual channel holding the top horn near the strap straight depending on the playing the relative output of the pickups, strings that are too loud rather than amplifier, or two separate amplifi- bolt. action preferred. or just one side of any pickup may raising those that are too soft. The ers. Additionally, Rick-O-Sound be adjusted for changing the vol- entire pickup assembly may be can produce many other ume of certain strings with respect raised closer to the strings to to the others. To do this set the increase overall volume after such pickup at an angle. adjustment.
All Rickenbacker pickups are The bass pickup on the 4000
adjusted by two screws, one on series models is mounted on to the each side of the pickup. For the top pick plate of the instrument. standard high gain and super high These pickups have just one screw gain Rickenbacker pickups which on each side, and are adjusted in sounds with the use of external are mounted on a piece of flexible the opposite manner. To lower the effects devices. These effects may foam rubber, as on series 300 and pickup, loosen the two side screws be run through each amplifier or Finally, replace the nameplate and 600 guitars, only the middle screw counterclockwise. To raise the channel, producing many unique tune the instrument. of the three screws on each side of pickup, tighten the screws clock- tonal variations. Do not hold by the neck or head, the pickup is used for readjust- wise. as doing so will change the actual On instruments produced before ment. To lower the pickup, simply It is important to understand that position of the neck. September 1, 1984, first loosen the tighten down each of the two Do not attempt to adjust the pole only one of the two jacks on the truss rod nuts, then move the neck screws clockwise. To raise the pieces (screw-like studs in the guitar can be used at a time as Should adjustment be necessary, manually to the desired position pickup, loosen both screws coun- center of the pickup) on older some rather complex switching is take the strings out of the nut and snug the rod up to hold that terclockwise. Rickenbacker high gain pickups done by the jack contacts. If you wish to use a mono or standard Y-cord, sometimes termed an the intended pitch. SKU Standard Factory Stringing String Type String Gauge cable, plug it into the standard jack “insert cable”, is recommended for only. use with ROS, but cables of poorer Proper string winding helps the 95406 All Short Scale Guitars Short Scale NikL 12-16-20W-32-42-54 quality may result in a significant instrument stay in tune and pro- To use with a quality stereo Y-cord, increase in noise or loss in treble duce proper intonation. On the first 95403 Full Scale Six String Guitars Round Wound NikL 10-13-17-26-36-46 insert the cable’s stereo plug into tone. Low capacitance and a high turn, wrap the string over the the Rick-O-Sound output jack on degree of shielding comprise the exposed string tip. This method 95404 All Twelve String Guitars Round Wound NikL 10-13-20-26-36-46 the instrument. Then, plug each of most important characteristics of a helps hold the string in place when 12 String Harmony 10-13-10-13-20-26 the cable’s standard mono cables quality cord. it is brought up to pitch. For un- into either 1) two separate amplifi- wound strings, wrap them at least 95511 All Four String Bass Guitars Round Wound NikL 45-55-75-105 ers, or 2) each channel of a dual Strings and tuning five times around the machine channel amplifier. head. For wound strings, three All Rickenbacker instruments come times around should prevent string stringers now feature “slot-through” Rick-O-Sound provides a choice equipped with Rickenbacker slippage. peg heads, wherein the channels Before changing strings, consult between three different types of strings. These strings are specially for the “sideways” keywinds extend the table to see what gauge string effects at one time. With the pickup designed to bring out the best tonal Some Rickenbacker guitars come through the back of the headstock. each instrument was designed to selector on the bass pickup, Rick- properties, playability and overall with no-hole slot tailpieces for easy This design makes it easier to use and compare the gauges. O-Sound puts out a lush and full fidelity in all Rickenbacker instru- stringing. Simply slip the string string and tune up 12 string mod- Heavier strings than the original bass sound. With the pickup selec- ments. The strings come on new bead into its proper slot and pull els, as well as improving tone due factory sets may require adjust- tor in the middle position, a beauti- Rickenbacker instruments with a the string up to the key wind, to decreased head weight. ment of the neck and re-grooving ful blend of highs and lows can be factory specified gauge and ten- keeping tension on the instrument. of the saddles and nut. Less ad- achieved, much like a clean chorus sion, designed to provide optimum Then wind the string as discussed Note that on some models the justment may be needed if choos- effect. The tonal separation is performance. Moreover, each above. strings touch the nameplate which ing a lighter than standard set. improved when using two amplifi- Rickenbacker instrument is specifi- has no adverse effect. ers. With the pickup selector in the cally adjusted for the type of string 12 String Tuning Any quality string set may be treble position, Rick-O-Sound provided. If a different gauge, utilized on a Rickenbacker guitar or produces a bright and full ringing tension or brand of string is de- The most effective way to tune a bass within a reasonable gauge lead tone. sired, it may be necessary to twelve string guitar is to begin by range as suggested by the chart readjust the instrument. To avoid tuning the regular six strings as above. Perhaps the most important An example set-up might have a readjustment of the instrument, would be done on a six string characteristic of a quality string is soft, full jazz sound with plenty of continue to use the RIC strings guitar. After these are brought to uniformity of diameter throughout reverb at the bass setting in the designed for use on your model. pitch, proceed to tune the strings its length. The varying diameter of amplifier or channel one. Or a loud, Check the string guide in this that play in unison (the high E and cheap or non-uniform strings distorted heavy rock sound at the manual for specific information. B set, or numbers 1 and 2.) makes it impossible to adjust for treble position in the amplifier or Rickenbacker strings are made acceptable intonation. So-called channel two. A big pop rock stereo specifically for your instrument. Now proceed to tune the remaining hand-made strings often have chorus type sound could come strings, which play at an octave highly imperfect diameter. from a combination of the two in String Replacement from their regular string partner. the middle position using both The strings which play in unison General Guitar Care amplifiers or channels. When installing strings, the first are of the same gauge, while the string should be loosened and strings that play at the octave are a Rickenbacker instruments are The Rick-O-Sound may also be removed, and the new one in- lighter gauge than the other string String Guide exquisitely detailed with exclusive used with a standard stereo cable stalled and brought to pitch before of their pair. Sometimes it is neces- high gloss finishes. With proper to connect directly with amplifiers proceeding to the next string. sary to go back and repeat this The table above shows the gauges care, these finishes can last the life equipped with a stereo input. Replacing strings in this manner process again for perfect tuning. of strings which come on all Rick- of the guitar. Following these keeps the adjustments in place. enbacker guitars and basses when directions will ensure proper care A standard, quality shielded stereo Avoid stretching the string beyond Many newer Rickenbacker 12- purchased from the factory. and protection. finish damage that is not covered avoid damaging the surface of the perceive it, when returning it to the Clean all perspiration, fingerprints, by warranty.) wood. It is also important to avoid factory. Otherwise, contact our Customer dust and grime stains, etc. with a black sandpaper, as the residue is Service Department for a Return RIC polishing cloth after each use. Do not loosen string tension when likely to stain the instrument as the Currently, Rickenbacker does not Authorization Number and further RIC cloths are specially treated, storing or transporting your instru- oil sets in. accept instruments outside of instruction on returning your Rick- and other cloths may damage the ment. The neck and body are warranty for repair work. enbacker to the factory for war- finish. designed to remain under tension Use of steel wool is not recom- ranty work. at all times at full concert pitch. mended as the ferrous residue Parts Polish using any non-abrasive pure can cling to pickups. Particles of Manual Updates carnauba based auto wax if the Do not let damp clothing with non- this residue can also become Rickenbacker maintains an exten- finish becomes stained or dull. colorfast dyes touch lighter guitars. suspended in the finish and rust sive inventory of genuine replace- This manual may be revised at any Inexpensive Turtle Wax ® T-123 over time. ment parts. Our Customer Service time and is also available online at mixed 50/50 with water works Do not place anti-moisture packets Department is pleased to help you www.rickenbacker.com/pdf/ better than most available specialty or formulas with the instrument. Warranty Repair select the proper part for your manual.pdf in the most current guitar polishes. Wipe in a circular These items contain harmful model as well as provide current revision. motion at the speed which is slow chemicals and could dry out the Should any warranty repairs be pricing information. enough to see small water bubbles guitar to a damaging degree. necessary, we must have your form but fast enough to remove the warranty card on file and you must You will need to know the correct polish completely before drying. Oil Finish Maintenance supply the original sales slip show- model and serial number when ing the date of purchase, model, ordering parts directly from the Protect your purchase from various Beyond routine cleaning, the best and serial number. factory. On most models, the serial chemicals such as household way to maintain a hand rubbed oil number is located on the output cleaners, especially chlorine. Many finish (as seen with the Ricken- All warranty repairs must be per- jack plate and includes the digits at compounds found in rubber pad- backer W Series and older mod- formed by the factory. We do not each end of the plate. ding or packaging materials, plastic els), is with Tung oil and a 3M authorize warranty repairs else- bags, imported guitar stands, hand Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Hand where. You may also buy parts from any soaps, lotions, sanitizers, etc., Pad (#7448.) authorized Rickenbacker dealer. cause the finish to melt, dissolve, Before returning your purchase for appear tacky, or color bleed. Using small amounts of oil at a warranty service within the United In some limited cases, warranty time, wipe down the instrument States, please phone our Cus- exchanges for defective small parts The ideal humidity level for Ricken- until there is a relatively uniform tomer Service Department at 714- can be made after consulting with Rickenbacker® , the "R" Design, Triangular backer guitar storage is about 35- coating on the surface of the guitar. 545-5574 or communicate by e- Customer Service. Name Crescent Design, RIC, Hamburg, 40% while ideal temperature is Going with the wood grain, use the mail to service@rickenbacker.com Atlantis, Colorado, Dakota, Frisco, Sierra, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Scotch-Brite™ pad to lightly sand to obtain a Return Authorization. Note: Whenever you need re- Liverpool, Shasta, Comstock, Shiloh, However, humidity is always more the surface until it begins to take Items shipped without an RA placement parts, make sure that Cheyenne, Laramie, Jazz-bo, Laredo, important than temperature, so if a on its original silky smooth feel. number will be refused and re- Rickenbacker parts, or their exact Miami, Jetglo, Fireglo, Mapleglo, Autumnglo, compromise must be made during turned to sender unopened. equivalents are used. The use of Toaster, Toaster-Top, Horseshoe, Astron, storage, look for the most stable Before setting the instrument aside any parts, including strings, failing Kauffman and logotypes are among the environment within the optimum to dry, use a clean, lint free cloth to This will expedite the repair of your to meet original specifications may trademarks and service marks in the United humidity level. wipe down any excess oil or grit. guitar and allow us to work on your void the warranty. States and other countries of Rickenbacker International Corporation. This is not a Allow 8 – 12 hours for proper guitar as soon as it arrives. Also be comprehensive list of all trademarks and Do not expose your instrument drying. sure to enclose a complete de- Shipping service marks of RIC. during use or storage to environ- scription of the damage if addi- mental extremes such as heat, This procedure can also be per- tional information beyond that First, consult the dealer where you RIC reserves the right to discontinue cold, moisture, dryness, harsh formed using ultra fine, light or gray contained in the RA number is purchased your Rickenbacker. models, parts and accessories, and other direct sunlight, rain, etc. (These colored sandpaper. A minimum available. Be sure to insure the Often the dealer will take responsi- items or change specifications at any time harmful conditions may cause grade of 1200 should be used to instrument for the full value, as you bility for shipping your instrument. without prior notice. Rickenbacker International Corp. 3895 S. Main Street Santa Ana, CA. 92707