Rickenbacker 620 wiring mod - help please.

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi,

I would like to modify my Rickenbacker 620/12, making the "fifth" knob a master volume control, rather than the factory spec "mixer" (tone balance) control.  The guitar has had no modifications to the wiring since new, so is, as it comes from the factory. The 620/12 has two (1 x Mono + 1 x "Ric-O-Sound" stereo) outputs; I only ever use the Mono.

As I am quite competent with small guitar adjustments and quite adept with a soldering iron, I am sure it is a job I could (and would like to) tackle myself, but I am unsure of the connections to make in order to modify, and the schematic wiring diagrams available from Ric are a bit of a mystery to me; (I am a player, not a technician)!

Would anyone be kind enough to help me with this simple (I am told) modification, possibly with a foolproof description and a simple to follow diagram (or photo).

Many Thanks..................Brian

[Paul Verticchio]

Brian,

I deleted the circuit pic in my last post as it left out some info & had a couple of problems. [THANKS, Josh!!]

Watch for an updated version in the near future.

Thx,

P

[Brian T. Williams]

Thanks to all for your help so far.......greatly appreciated.

I have read on various Rickenbacker threads that this (mixer control modification) has not only been a popular one, (the mixer control being merely a gimmick as endorsed by Pauls comments with which I agree)  but also a simple one (merely a case of re-directing cables), however nowhere have I been able to find details or diagrams; hence my post here.

However, as I said in my OP, I am not a guitar technician and all this information of possibly having to swap out pots and possibly do drastic re-wiring etc. is making me hesitant and question wether or not this is within my capabilities and whilst I did feel confident and am perfectly capable with a soldering iron, I am beginning to wonder about this project.

If it is reasonably simple, I will have a go, if it is beyond an enthusiastic, amateur technicians aptitude I shall take it to a professional..............what say you??

[Joshua Levin-Epstein]

Brian,

This is not particularly difficult, but, if I were you, I would get all new parts and build a lower pick guard with the controls the way you want. Because:

1) If for some reason, you wish to return the guitar to original, all you'd need to do is reconnect the pick-ups and output jacks.

2) if everything goes wrong, the original wiring is (mostly) intact.

3) It's easier to start from scratch with all new parts than to undo previous work, though I'm not sure how much changing you'd need to do.

I'm sure Rickebacher would be glad to charge you an arm and a leg for that piece of plastic. The other parts are not all that expensive (new toggle switch too).

This is a good two hour wiring job (if you know what you're doing) so you know what to expect to pay  someone to do the work. 

[Paul Verticchio]

Add "I agree" to what Josh posted.

Thank you for adding the info I neglected to include, Josh :)

He's absolutely correct that new components will be easier in the long run AND will likely be of higher quality if you use CTS pots and a Switchcraft switch & jack. Your tone caps are your choice and the type used makes no difference (as proven by forum guru, David Collins).

My 'final suggestion & diagram' will be forthcoming :)

[Brian T. Williams]

What a good idea Joshua !!

You mention Ric. charging an arm and a leg for the pick guard, but making one should be well within my capabilities and your option would also allow me plenty of time for careful construction of the wiring harness and components. I just wonder if anyone markets this wiring modification ready to install.

Meanwhile, I shall gratefully await Pauls updated circuit diagram and then probably go the way you suggest.

MUCH appreciated............Brian.

PS. Just checked online, pick guard (2 part complete) available here in UK for around $58

[Brian T. Williams]

Hi Guys,

Just checking in to see if anyone is close to submitting an updated simple to understand circuit or block diagram to help me complete the "onboard" mod myself.

On the other hand, I can obtain a new, complete wiring loom, modified to my spec., (including top quality pots & jack sockets) for around $239 which would just "drop in"...........any advice?

Cheers.......Brian.

[Paul Verticchio]

Sorry for the delay. Brian. My plans for the week were hijacked by 'life'.

I'll try to have one posted tomorrow (Wednesday in the USA).

Your patience is MUCH appreciated :)

Paul

[Brian T. Williams]

Paul, PLEASE don't apologise, I didn't want to appear impatient, I was just checking if you kind folks were still "on the case".

We all have busy lives to live, as well as spending time online helping others...... it's just that this is something I need help with and would not attempt without a bit of knowledgable guidance.

Thanks again for your time.

[Paul Verticchio]

Here ya go, Brian.

I hope it passes muster with you and the other forum members AND is helpful with meeting your objective.

BTW: The pots are shown from the back.

Cheers,

Paul

[Brian T. Williams]

Whow.....Paul.......thank you.........thank you.......thank you!!

The soldering iron is just warming up :)

I'll let you know how it goes when completed.         

[Len Biglin]

This is going to take a lot of work guys , however if you take the outputs of the volume pots ( the end that is not grounded on each) and connect them together , to the hot side of the master vol ( as from the switch above ) then the centre tab of the master vol to the mono jack , its done , I wish I knew how to draw it on here , Paul has provided a very good diagram , and I love his work as always , but it relates more to a Les Paul than the Ricky . I am just trying to save you a lot of extra work which is not needed or desired for a beginner .

[Len Biglin]

Like this , sorry for dumb quality !