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What Is Rick-O-Sound? And what do you need?
What is the Rickenbacker® Rick-o-Sound (Ricko sound)?
On the Deluxe Rickenbacker® models, they introduced the Rick-O-Sound circuit in their instruments. The Rick-O-Sound separates the two pick-ups (bridge and neck) into separate, independent lines that require a TRS (aka Balanced or Stereo) cable. You can then use these individual lines and send them to specific amps, pedal setups, etc., via our TRS to Dual Mono Splitter. This split signal handling is managed via a separate output jack but is not required to be used.
What is the benefit of using the Rick-O-Sound?
By separating your pick-ups, you can experiment with a variety of tones. For example, you could route the neck pick-up to a bass amp with the lows on bass, and the bridge signal could be routed to a guitar amp. Going with the middle position, you would blend the two amps and split them. Similarly, you could send the bridge pick-up to an effect (distortion, fuzz, etc.), and the result is only "on" when you select the bridge pick-up. Routing options to mixing console or front-of-house board could be interesting as well.
Why do Rickenbackers® have 2 outputs?
This question is asked often, and this feature is underused but is a fantastic option for these instruments. The two output jacks included a "Standard" and "Rick-O-Sound." The Standard output is a typical mono output, and when in use, the pick-up configuration is as you would expect. Both pick-up signals are routed through a single line. The "Rick-O-Sound" output jack requires a TRS/Balanced/Stereo instrument cable to work properly, where the TIP is the neck pick-up, and the RING is the bridge pick-up. You will hear the neck pick-up only if a standard mono/unbalanced cable is used.
Who uses Rick-O-Sound?
Some of the most notable users of the Rick-O-Sound would be Geddy Lee of Rush and Chris Squire of Yes!
What gear do I need to use the Rick-O-Sound?
For the most flexibility, we recommend using a splitter to manage the signals. We offer a TRS to Dual Mono Splitter, which many Rickenbacker® users are using. The benefit of using a splitter vs. a TRS Y-Cable is options. You can adjust your TRS cable lengths and mono cables with a splitter. You’re not locked in as with Y-cables. The TRS to Dual Mono Splitter will separate the Tip and Ring signals into two mono signals that can be routed to a pedalboard with patch cables or amps with long-run instrument cables.
Of course, you will need a quality TRS cable going from the Rickenbacker® to the TRS to Dual Mono Splitter, and that should be it!
My personal experience
So, I wanted to learn about this personally. I reached out to a good friend Chris Knutson who owns a Rickenbacker® 4001 that dates back to March 1992. Chris used this bass in the killer band International Playboys so this bass has some miles on it.
I used our TRS to Dual Mono Splitter and TRS cable and split the neck and bass pick-ups to 2 separate channels on my Matchless HC30 head where the neck goes into Channel 1, and the Bridge goes to Channel 2. To create some variety, I adjusted Channel 1 to have a clean, rich tone, and it sounded great for a standard bass setup. Channel 2, I increased the treble and raised channel volume, so it was getting a great gravely/medium-grit tone for the bridge.
Switching between the two via pick-up selector was great, but the combination (middle position) sounded amazing. This setup clears the lows and adds top-end break-up. I loved it.
The Most Detailed Rick-O-Sound Walkthrough You'll Find
If you’ve ever wanted a clear explanation of how Rick-O-Sound works, this is the video to watch. We break down everything you need to know, from what the stereo output on your Rickenbacker is actually doing, to how to set up your rig with our splitter cable for true dual-amp operation.
This is one of the most in-depth resources available on the topic. Whether you're just exploring the feature or looking to dial in a serious stereo setup, the walkthrough below will guide you through every step.
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Reviews on Google
3/26/2021
Frustrated with low quality cables, I was suggested Rattlesnake by my brother, and wow, this is a great cable. Before I even plugged it in, the quality was apparent. The weaving is awesome, and I'm not at all concerned the plug will start to separate from the cable (probably my main issue with other... Read
10/11/2022
I recently bought a guitar for my wife's birthday and realized it was a perfect excuse to buy a cable from Rattlesnake Cable Company. I've been a big fan of the company for over a year, but already had all the cables I needed. The new cable from RCC is outstanding! I'll be replacing all of my... Read
8/29/2020
I have been using my Rattlers for the better part of 5 years and have not had to replace them! I have 2 20" rattle heads and 2 10" rattle head customs that are my fave. Plus my whole pedal board is wired with their patch cables. These are worth the investment! I was going through 12$ cables monthly!... Read
3/26/2021
Frustrated with low quality cables, I was suggested Rattlesnake by my brother, and wow, this is a great cable. Before I even plugged it in, the quality was apparent. The weaving is awesome, and I'm not at all concerned the plug will start to separate from the cable (probably my main issue with other cables). Plus, with the Snake Head, I have total peace of mind that my guitar's finish is safe from any possible, what I call, "cable rash" abrasion. Top notch customer service from my first visit to the website, through the unboxing of my new cable. I was able to chat on the website to instantly learn more and decide which cable was right for me. The founder, Hank, sent a personal "thank you" video, which was greatly appreciated, and the free swag items in the package were a cool touch.
10/11/2022
I recently bought a guitar for my wife's birthday and realized it was a perfect excuse to buy a cable from Rattlesnake Cable Company. I've been a big fan of the company for over a year, but already had all the cables I needed. The new cable from RCC is outstanding! I'll be replacing all of my existing cables with new RCC cables. Another huge factor for me is that, at RCC, quality doesn't stop with their product line -- their customer service is unequalled with any that I've ever experienced. They don't just process your order and stick it in the mail. Expect follow-up emails to let you know how much you're appreciated, and to make sure you are thoroughly happy with your RCC purchase. They stand behind their products and they truly value their customers. RCC is outstanding on every metric, and they're the only company I will ever buy my cables from.
8/29/2020
I have been using my Rattlers for the better part of 5 years and have not had to replace them! I have 2 20" rattle heads and 2 10" rattle head customs that are my fave. Plus my whole pedal board is wired with their patch cables. These are worth the investment! I was going through 12$ cables monthly! The rattlesnakes have paid for themselves over and over! Hank is the man and if you love.your sound, buy these!
