Guitar and Bass Care & Maintenance Manual

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

C 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 the treble controls at their maxi- Reverse Controls way : pickups are on. When it is up, both mum positions. Finally, adjust the 1. Pickup Selector the bass and the middle pickup are fine tone selection knob on the Some replica models have volume 2. Magnetic Volume on. instrument until the tone which will or tone controls which operate in 3. Piezo Volume be used most frequently is reached, reverse fashion or are located a 4. Mix Knob Rickenbacker basses with two and leave it in that position. After different relative position. In keep- 5. Piezo Tone pickups have the same volume and the small knob has been set, the ing with 1950's specifications, the 6. Magnetic Tone tone controls as the six and twelve pickup selector may be moved Model 325C58, for example, fea- string guitars, as well as a three down for maximum treble or up for tures reverse-wired tone knobs so position pickup selector. maximum bass. The variable vol- the tone is brightest when the ume and tone controls on either the knobs are turned completely coun-

Many Rickenbacker guitars and amplifier or the instrument can now terclockwise. Most Rickenbacker six and twelve basses come with a fifth control be moved to the desired volume string guitars come with separate knob providing extra tone adjust- and tone settings. PZ Piezo Option volume and tone controls knobs for ment capabilities. Using this control the bass and treble pickups. In to adjust the volume of the bass To use the fifth knob as an equali- Some Rickenbacker guitars are addition, each guitar has a three pickup in relation to a pre-selected zation control, first place both available with the special "PZ" position pickup selector which treble pickup lead volume setting, volume controls and the treble tone option, which is comprised of six allows instantaneous selection of you can set it at the tone you will control on the instrument at their saddle-mounted pickups and active the bass pickup, the treble pickup, use more often. Or it can function maximum clockwise positions, and circuitry to achieve a rich acoustic or a tonal blend using both pickups. as a bass/treble equalization con- move the pickup selector to the guitar timbre. These instruments When the pickup selector is com- trol. center position. Move the bass tone are also equipped with unique bined with the tone and volume control on the instrument to its output and control systems, which controls, three different sounds can To use the fifth knob as a bass maximum counter-clockwise posi- are designed to optimize the use of be present and chosen simply by pickup volume equalizer, first place tions, and set the volume and tone both the magnetic and piezo pick- String Height Adjustment switching the pickup selector. both volume and both tone controls controls on the amplifier to their ups. on the instrument at their maximum desired positions. Now, with the Most Rickenbacker guitars come When the volume and tone knobs clockwise positions. Then, move instrument's treble up full and the The dual outputs of the "PZ" equipped with a six way bridge. are turned all the way clockwise, the pickup selector to the treble bass at its minimum, the fine tone equipped instruments offer the Individual string saddles allow they are in the wide open "on" position and set the amplifier to the selection knob can be used as a versatility of either a mixed output extremely critical pitch and action position. When the pickup selector desired lead sound. Now, switch tone equalizer, moving the instru- for use with one amp, or a split adjustments. Four bridge height is down, the treble pickup (closest the pickup selector to the bass pick ment through the entire tonal range signal for use with multiple amplifi- adjustment screws are located at to the bridge) is in use. When the up. The fifth tone knob can now be without adjusting the amplifier. ers. When using only one amplifier, each corner of the bridge assem- selector is up, the bass pickup is in adjusted in order to bring the plug into the rear output with a bly. use. The middle selector position is rhythm sound to a volume compati- When using a Rickenbacker guitar standard mono cable. This will give a blend of both pickups. When ble with the already selected lead with the Rick-O-Sound effect, much a mix of both the piezo and mag- using only one pick up, only that sound volume. of the tonal variation produced by netic pickups. When two amplifiers pickup's tone and volume controls playing through R.O.S. can be are available, simply plug into both will have an effect. To use the fifth knob in a set posi- better controlled through two differ- outputs with 2 standard mono tion, first place both volume con- ent amplifiers or through two chan- cables. When used this way, the On Rickenbacker models which trols and both tone controls on the nels of one amplifier. However, rear output carries the signal from have three pickups, the bass instrument at their maximum clock- when using Rick-O-Sound, the fine the magnetic pickups, while the pickup and the middle pickup are wise positions, and move the tone selection knob now becomes front output provides the piezo wired together, and the instrument pickup selector to the center posi- a balance between the two amplifi- signal. is then controlled just as if it had tion. Now, adjust the amplifier, by ers or channels, and can be ad- only two pickups. When the selec- setting the gain controls at the justed to provide the desired blend The controls for the "PZ" models tor is down, the treble pickup is on. desired volume and the bass and of treble and bass. are configured in the following To raise the height of the strings tailpiece assembly, in which the Rickenbacker string sizes, you can Simply use the hex key to raise or retightened after positioning the from the surface of the neck, raise individual bridges are adjusted readjust the pitch by turning the lower the saddle and use a small the bridge by turning each of the separately for each string. Each saddle adjustment screws on the screwdriver to move the entire four adjusting screws clockwise bridge piece is adjusted by two hex back side of the bridge. saddle forward or back to correct using the adjusting key supplied screws, located on either side of for pitch as described above. with the instrument. Lower the the string it supports. When making any pitch adjust- playing action by turning the adjust- ments, first loosen the string, then ing screws counterclockwise. To adjust one of these bridges, first make an adjustment, and finally loosen the locking screw, if present, bring the string back up to pitch. If Some replica instruments with so that an adjustment can be another adjustment is necessary, vibrato assemblies feature bridges made. Then, using the metric repeat the process until the intona- that have individual rollers support- wrench supplied with the instru- tion is correct. This method protects handle to the desired location. ing each string. Just like the original ment, turn each of the two adjust- the strings from damage. instruments, it is possible for these ment screws clockwise to raise the KauffmanTM Vibrato to become loose, vibrate, and string, or counterclockwise to lower provide undesired string noise. the string. The height of the handle is a direct In keeping with 1950's specifica- Pliers may be used to squeeze the function of string tension and can tions, this is a sideways vibrato, saddle from either side to stop Some models may be equipped be adjusted by removing the cover unlike most vibrato units which roller rattle. It is not generally with saddles which have threaded on the back of the guitar to access operate in an up-and-down motion. necessary for the roller to spin rollers to allow for string centering. the vibrato springs. Tightening the It can be neutralized by either freely as the string will easily slide Lift the string and turn the roller to retaining screw will cause the removing the bar or gently turning across the brass surface during move it to either side as appropri- handle to rise away from the body the tip of the bar towards the pick- tuning or vibrato use. ate. while loosening it will bring it closer guard and out of the playing field.

to the instrument. It may be neces- Rickenbacker basses come First, check the pitch of each string. sary to add or remove a spring equipped with bridge assemblies If the string pitch sounds flat when when changing to a string type of that have just two height adjust- played at the 12th fret as compared significantly different tension. ment screws, located at either side to the open harmonic at the fret, of the bridge assembly. To raise turn the length adjustment screw Note that all adjustments on this the strings, turn each of the height counterclockwise to shorten the type of bridge are interactive, i.e. adjustment screws clockwise. To string. If the string sounds sharp to one adjustment may affect another. lower the action, turn the screws the harmonic, turn the screw clock- Make sure to fully retune the instru- counterclockwise. wise to lengthen the string. ment each time an adjustment is

made before making another one to This authentic replica shares the It is vital that the neck is dead minimize this effect. shortcomings of the original design. String Length and Pitch Adjust- straight before making intonation Specifically it may not always ment adjustments as the location of the AccentTM Vibrato perfectly return to pitch and may bridge components was chosen on produce some noise of its own Each string saddle on Ricken- the basis of a well adjusted instru- This vintage replica vibrato assem- during use. backer guitar and bass bridges may ment. bly does not have the adjustability be adjusted for perfect pitch or and precision of modern vibrato Neck Adjustment intonation. Each saddle is set at the Hi TekTM Vibrato assemblies but does eliminate factory for the gauge of Ricken- entirely the friction of springs and Most Rickenbacker guitars and backer strings that come with the Intonation and individual string bearings. The only adjustment is basses are reinforced with twin instrument. If the pitch should height adjustment is accomplished Certain models, such as those in that for handle position which may truss rods. This exclusive design become slightly sharp or flat, or you in the same fashion as the 650 the 650 and 4004 Series are be loosened with a screwdriver and gives greater strength and stability equipped with a special bridge/ desire a change from standard Series fixed bridge assembly. to the neck of the guitar. The truss rods are separately adjustable, the neck. Using 1/4 inch nut driver are height adjustable. Both sides of Do not attempt to adjust the pole duce many other special effects allowing either side of the neck to wrench, such as the NW1 neck the pickup may be raised or low- pieces (screw-like studs in the with the use of external effects be readjusted independently of the adjustment tool, turn only a half a ered to change overall volume. center of the pickup) on Ricken- devices. Different external effects other, should it become necessary. turn at a time. Turn the nut clock- Just one of the instrument pickups backer high gain pickups. These may be run through each amplifier wise to correct an under bow, may be adjusted in order to change are set at the factory, and any or channel, producing many unique Three indications that the neck counterclockwise to straighten an the relative output of the pickups, attempt to adjust them can cause tonal variations. may require adjustment are: 1) the over bow. Continue this until the or just one side of any pickup may permanent damage to the pickup. strings begin to buzz against the desired angle of the neck is ob- be adjusted for changing the vol- frets; 2) the action of the strings tained. ume of certain strings with respect Rick-O-Sound Kit seems too high; or 3) the truss to the others. To do this set the rods rattle. A slight under bow (relief) is com- pickup at an angle. Many Rickenbacker instruments mon on non-Rickenbacker instru- come equipped with two output With the instrument in tune, sight ments due to their limited range of All Rickenbacker pickups are jacks. One jack uses a standard the neck for a bow or under-bow by adjustment. Due to their extreme adjusted by two screws, one on cord for normal mono use. The resting the body on a level table at adjustability you may prefer to each side of the pickup. For the other jack is a Rick-O-Sound an approximate 45 degree angle adjust a RIC neck almost dead standard high gain and super high effects output, designed for use holding the top horn near the strap straight depending on the playing gain Rickenbacker pickups which with a stereo equipped amplifier, or To use, plug the Rick-O-Sound kit bolt. action preferred. are mounted on a piece of flexible with a specially designed Rick-O- cable into the Rick-O-Sound output foam rubber, as on series 300 and jack on the instrument. Then, plug 600 guitars, only the middle screw one standard mono cable into each of the three screws on each side of of the two sides of the Rick-O- the pickup is used for readjust- Sound kit box. Run each of the two ment. To lower the pickup, simply lines into either 1) two separate tighten down each of the two amplifiers, or 2) each channel of a screws clockwise. To raise the dual channel amplifier. pickup, loosen both screws coun- terclockwise. Rick-O-Sound provides a choice between three different types of effects at one time. With the pickup

selector on the bass pickup, Rick- Finally, replace the nameplate and O-Sound puts out a lush and full

tune the instrument. bass sound. With the pickup selec- Do not hold by the neck or head, Sound kit. These two output jacks tor in the middle position, a beauti- as doing so will change the actual should never be used at the same Note: On instruments produced ful blend of highs and lows can be position of the neck. time. before September 1, 1984, move achieved, much like a clean chorus Note that a mono cable will not the neck manually to the desired effect. The tonal separation is Should adjustment be necessary, work in the ROS jack. If you wish position and snug the rod up to The bass pickup on the 4000 improves when using two amplifi- take the strings out of the nut to use a mono or standard cable, hold that position. Do not rely on series models is mounted on to the ers. With the pickup selector in the grooves to allow room to remove plug it into the standard jack only. the rod itself to provide the bowing top pick plate of the instrument. treble position, Rick-O-Sound the nameplate from the head of the force. These pickups have just one screw produces a bright and full ringing instrument. After replacing strings Rick-O-Sound can be used to on each side, and are adjusted in lead tone to the grooves of the nut, retune produce special effects and multi- Pickup Adjustment the opposite manner. To lower the the instrument to assure normal channel output when used with a pickup, loosen the two side screws An example set-up might have a tension on the neck. stereo amplifier, a dual channel In order to achieve more volume by counterclockwise. To raise the soft, full jazz sound with plenty of amplifier, or two separate amplifi- placing the pickup closer to the pickup, tighten the screws clock- reverb at the bass setting in the Repeat the sighting step to confirm ers. In addition to this special strings, guitar and bass pickups wise. amplifier or channel one. Or a loud, the amount of bow or under bow in feature, Rick-O-Sound can pro- distorted heavy rock sound at the treble position in the amplifier or string should be loosened and strings that play at the octave are a SKU Standard Factory Stringing String Type String Gauge channel two. A big pop rock stereo removed, and the new one in- lighter gauge than the other string chorus type sound could come stalled and brought to pitch before of their pair. Sometimes it is neces- 95106 All Short Scale Guitars Short Scale NikL 12-16-24W-32-42-54 from a combination of the two in proceeding to the next string. sary to go back and repeat this the middle position using both Replacing strings in this manner process again for a perfect tune. 95403 Full Scale Six String Guitars Compressed Round Wound 10-13-17-26-34-42 amplifiers or channels. keeps the adjustments in place. Avoid stretching the string beyond Changing the Strings On Acous- 95404 All Twelve String Guitars Compressed Round Wound 10-13-20-26-34-42 The Rick-O-Sound may also be the intended pitch. tic Guitars used with a standard stereo cable 12 String Harmony 10-13-10-13-20-26 to connect directly with amplifiers Proper string winding helps the First of all, make sure that the ball 95511 All Four String Bass Guitars Round Wound NikL 45-55-75-105 equipped with a stereo input. It instrument stay in tune and pro- end of the string is wedged be- may also be used with any stan- duce proper intonation. On the first tween the bridge pin and the bridge 95515 All Five String Bass Guitars Round Wound NikL 45-55-75-105-115 dard shielded stereo Y-cord but turn, wrap the string over the plate (the area underneath the 95518 All Eight String Bass Guitars Round Wound NikL 45-55-70-90 cables of poorer quality may result exposed string tip. This method bridge). in a significant increase in noise or helps hold the string in place when 8 String Harmony 20-25-35-45 loss in treble tone. it is brought up to pitch. For un- The bridge pin holds the ball so wound strings, wrap them at least that the string pulls on the key-hole ment of the neck and re-grooving form but fast enough to remove the Strings and tuning five times around the machine shaped slot in the plate instead of of the saddles and nut. Less ad- polish completely before drying. head. For wound strings, three the bridge pin. If the bridge pins justment may be needed if choos- All Rickenbacker instruments come times around should prevent string are lifting, the ball end of the string ing a lighter than standard set. Protect your purchase from various equipped with Rickenbacker slippage. is not positioned properly in the chemicals such as household strings. These strings are specially slot. Keeping the string inside of General Guitar Care cleaners, chlorine, etc. (Chlorine, designed to bring out the best tonal Some Rickenbacker guitars come the bridge pin hole, hold it down which may be found in items such properties, playability and overall with no-hole slot tailpieces for easy with slight pressure. Pull up on the Rickenbacker instruments are as foam rubber padding or packag- fidelity in all Rickenbacker instru- stringing. Simply slip the string string until you can no longer pull it exquisitely detailed with exclusive ing materials, polyvinyl plastic ments. The strings come on new bead into its proper slot and pull easily. high gloss finishes. With proper bags, imported guitar stands, etc., Rickenbacker instruments with a the string up to the key wind, care, these finishes can last the life causes the finish to melt, dissolve, factory specified gauge and ten- keeping tension on the instrument. If the string pulls the pin from its of the guitar. Following these or appear tacky.) sion, designed to provide optimum Then wind the string as discussed location, reposition the string and directions will ensure proper care performance. Moreover, each above. press the bridge pin in again. and protection. Do not expose your instrument Rickenbacker instrument is specifi- Continue the re-stringing process during use or storage to environ- cally adjusted for the type of string 12 String Tuning as with any other guitar. Clean all perspiration, fingerprints, mental extremes such as heat, provided. If a different gauge, dust and grime stains, etc. with a cold, moisture, dryness, harsh tension or brand of string is de- The most effective way to tune a String Guide RIC polishing cloth after each use. direct sunlight, rain, etc. (These sired, it may be necessary to twelve string guitar is to begin by (RIC cloths are specially treated, harmful conditions may cause readjust the instrument. To avoid tuning the regular six strings as The following table shows the and other cloths may damage the finish damage that is not covered readjustment of the instrument, would be done on a six string gauges of strings which come on finish) by warranty.) continue to use the RIC strings guitar. After these are brought to all Rickenbacker guitars and designed for use on your model. pitch, proceed to tune the strings basses when purchased from the Polish using any non-abrasive pure Do not loosen string tension when Check the string guide in this that play in unison (the high E and factory. carnauba based auto wax if the storing or transporting your instru- manual for specific information. B set, or numbers 1 and 2). finish becomes stained or dull. ment. The neck and body are Rickenbacker strings are made Before changing strings, consult Inexpensive Turtle Wax ® T-123 designed to remain under tension specifically for your instrument. Now proceed to tune the remaining the table to see what gauge string mixed 50/50 with water works at all times at full concert pitch. strings, which play at an octave each instrument was designed to better than most available specialty String Replacement from their regular string partner. use and compare the gauges. guitar polishes. Wipe in a circular Do not let damp clothing with non- The strings which play in unison Heavier strings than the original motion at the speed which is slow colorfast dyes touch lighter guitars. When installing strings, the first are of the same gauge, while the factory sets may require adjust- enough to see small water bubbles Do not place anti-moisture packets Acoustic Guitar Care and generally inexpensive equip- returned to sender unopened. any parts, including strings, failing or formulas with the instrument. ment. to meet original specifications may These items contain harmful This will expedite the repair of your void the warranty. chemicals and could dry out the Ideal humidity level is about 35- guitar and allow us to work on your guitar to a damaging degree. 40% while ideal temperature is guitar as soon as it arrives. Also be Shipping around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. sure to enclose a complete de- Oil Finish Maintenance Humidity is always more important scription of the damage if addi- First consult the dealer where you than temperature, so if a compro- tional information beyond that purchased your Rickenbacker. Beyond routine cleaning, the best mise must be made during storage, contained in the RMA is available. Often the dealer will take responsi- way to maintain a hand rubbed oil look for the most stable environ- Be sure to insure the instrument for bility for shipping your instrument. finish is with tung oil and a 3M ment within the optimum humidity the full value, as you perceive it, Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Hand Acoustic guitars, made of thinner level. when returning it to the factory. Otherwise, contact our Customer Pad (#7448). Using small amounts woods, are even more sensitive to Service Department for a Return of oil at a time, wipe down the temperature and humidity. For It may help to keep an extra saddle Currently, Rickenbacker does not Authorization Number and further instrument until there is a relatively example, inappropriate exposure to on hand during strong climate accept instruments outside of instruction on returning your Rick- uniform coating on the surface of humidity can cause bowed necks, changes. Doing this will help you warranty for repair work. enbacker to the factory for war- the guitar. Going with the wood cracks, open seams, and other adjust your action to accommodate ranty work. grain, use the Scotch-Brite™ pad forms of damage. Since improper your normal playing style. Parts to lightly sand the surface until it humidity, especially dry conditions, Manual Updates begins to take on its original silky causes the majority of acoustic RIC suggests keeping your acous- Rickenbacker maintains an exten- smooth feel. guitar damage, proper care relies tic guitar in the case when not in sive inventory of genuine replace- This manual may be revised at any on protection from this effect. use for the best protection from ment parts. Our Customer Service time and is also available online at Before setting the instrument aside damage. Department is pleased to help you www.rickenbacker.com/pdf/ to dry, use a clean, lint free cloth to Various seasonal changes may select the proper part for your manual.pdf in the most current wipe down any excess oil or grit. become a threat due to this in- Warranty Repair model as well as provide current revision. Allow 8 – 12 hours for proper creased sensitivity. pricing information. drying. Should any warranty repairs be During the warmer months of necessary, we must have your You will need to know the correct This procedure can also be per- summer, a higher level of humidity warranty card on file or you must model and serial number when formed using ultra fine, light or gray can cause a higher action and a supply the original sales slip show- ordering parts directly from the colored sandpaper. A minimum flat, dull sound. ing the date of purchase, model, factory. On most models, the serial Rickenbacker ® , the "R" Design, Triangular grade of 1200 should be used to and serial number. number is located on the output Name Crescent Design, RIC, Hamburg, avoid damaging the surface of the During cooler winter months, be jack plate and includes the digits at Atlantis, Colorado, Dakota, Frisco, Sierra, wood. It is also important to avoid especially aware of the conditions All warranty repairs must be per- each end of the plate. Liverpool, Shasta, Comstock, Shiloh, black sandpaper, as the residue is exposed to your guitar. A major formed by the factory. We do not Cheyenne, Laramie, Jazz-bo, Laredo, likely to stain the instrument as the lack of humidity in the air can dry authorize warranty repairs else- You may also buy parts from any Laguna, Miami, Jetglo, Fireglo, Mapleglo, oil sets in. out the wood cells and cause where. authorized Rickenbacker dealer. Autumnglo, Toaster, Toaster-Top, Horse- shoe, Astron, Kauffman and logotypes are shrinking wood to pull apart from among the trademarks and service marks in Use of steel wool is not recom- itself and connected locations. Before returning your purchase for In some limited cases, warranty mended as the ferrous residue warranty service within the United exchanges for defective small parts the United States and other countries of Rickenbacker International Corporation. This can cling to pickups. Particles of States, please phone our Cus- can be made after consulting with For this reason, never expose your is not a comprehensive list of all trademarks this residue can also become acoustic guitar to heaters! Also, tomer Service Department at 714- Customer Service. and service marks of RIC. suspended in the finish and rust consider using a household hu- 545-5574 or communicate by e- over time. midifier during cooler months if you mail to [email protected] Note: Whenever you need re- RIC reserves the right to discontinue live in a highly dry area. Monitor to obtain a Return Authorization placement parts, make sure that models, parts and accessories, and other and control humidity levels if nec- Number. Items shipped without an Rickenbacker parts, or their exact items or change specifications at any time essary with commonly available RMA number will be refused and equivalents are used. The use of without prior notice . Rickenbacker International Corp. 3895 S. Main Street Santa Ana, CA. 92707

Tel: 714-545-5574 Fax: 714-754-0135 www.rickenbacker.com SKU 19001 Rev D