RC-1M review?

[Bathqueen1]

hey, anyone who has experience with the RC-1M (or RC-1) - I would love to hear some reviews, how does it sound?

thanks

[wazkelly]

Hi Bathqueen, Welcome to the forum.

Not sure if you have found these yet but here is a link to some finished RC-1's...... http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=3007

Quick look in the Video and Audio Demos of Finished Guitars section didn't find any but maybe you could PM some of the guys on the above gallery thread for more information.

Cheers, Waz

[wazkelly]

Here is a link to Tonerider Rebel 90 sound clips.....closer to Ric than mini humbuckers but still not quite capturing that REM or Tom Petty tones. http://www.tonerider.com/rebel-90

The real deal hi gains can be found on this ebay link but not cheap at around $160 each..... http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_n...&ul_noapp=true

[Simon Barden]

The Creamery (based in Manchester, UK), who make excellent pickups, used to do Ric-style pickups (announced 2015) but they don't seem to be available any more. Rickenbacker are very protective of their products, and it's very difficult to mention the words Ric or Rickenbacker in a description before their lawyers slap an injunction on you.

So it's very hard to get good look and sound alike pickups for a Rickenbacker. As they intended, if you want a real Ric sound, you really need to buy one.

[wazkelly]

Or buy the genuine pickups which is also not so easy.

Had to buy a new bridge PUP mounting ring for the 4003 a few months back and eventually found their Aussie supplier and luckily scored the last one left in the country as they were happy to offload what they felt was obsolescent stock. Other than that the chances of getting any assistance from US headquarters did not look promising due their protective stance on things as you have noted above.

The PBG RC-4 is a close replica in shape only as the PUP configuration is totally different as is the bridge setup and the RC-1 looks closest to a 330 but not quite and the PUPs are also different.

Have to agree that the only way to get that unique sound is through buying an original. With all the other kits it is very easy to replicate most if not reproduce something superior but not so easy on these ones. Suppose it all comes down to whether someone just wants the look or the sound. For me it is all about the sound of this unique brand.

[Simon Barden]

They'll normally only sell you a pickup or major part as a replacement - and they'll want the old one back first before they send out the new one. One reason old Ric parts are at such a premium on the used market.