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What Is Rick-O-Sound? And what do you need?

What Is Rick-O-Sound? And what do you need?

What is the RickenbackerTM Rick-o-Sound (Ricko sound)?

On the Deluxe RickenbackerTM 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 RickenbackersTM 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 RickenbackerTM 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.

TRS to Dual Mono Splitter

Of course, you will need a quality TRS cable going from the RickenbackerTM 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 RickenbackerTM 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.

Rickenbacker<sup>TM</sup> 4001 What is a rick-o-sound


Related Products mentioned in this article...

Standard Rattlesnake Cable
Standard Rattlesnake Cable
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TRS Rattlesnake Cable
TRS Rattlesnake Cable
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TRS to Dual Mono Splitter
TRS to Dual Mono Splitter
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Justin Tucker
Justin Tucker
8/29/2022
I have been so impressed with Hank and the Rattlesnake Cable Company. Not only with the absolutely amazing quality with their products (which are truly really amazing), but with the customer service. You will not find better customer service in the music business, or any other business for that... Read
Stephen Gleason
Stephen Gleason
7/4/2023
So inspiring to see a company that offers superior craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Within hours of my order I received a personalized video message thanking and updating me on my order status - this is true bespoke service. My order was expedited incredibly fast, the product was... Read
abernbaum
abernbaum
3/3/2022
I’m really happy with my rattlesnake cables. I bought 2 to try them and immediately ordered a third. I think they’re going to hold up really well, very strong and well made, and they look great.
abernbaum
Justin Tucker
8/29/2022
I have been so impressed with Hank and the Rattlesnake Cable Company. Not only with the absolutely amazing quality with their products (which are truly really amazing), but with the customer service. You will not find better customer service in the music business, or any other business for that matter. There are cable companies out there that make great cables but I guarantee you won't find a better product than anything RCC makes and you for sure won't find better customer service anywhere. After purchasing a TRS splitter and TRS cable from them I am a customer for life. Any cable I need in the future will FOR SURE be a Rattlesnake. But what truly made me appreciate them was when I enquired about a solution to an odd speaker cable need, instead of giving me an answer that could have easily sold me another Rattlesnake cable Hank gave me the advice to not introduce another cable into the chain and stick with my initial solution. That was what really made me know that not only do they make super solid boutique quality products but they are a company that stands on honesty and hard work and puts the customers needs before their own. Hank, you are a true gentleman and you have earned a customer for life. Thank you sir
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abernbaum
Stephen Gleason
7/4/2023
So inspiring to see a company that offers superior craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Within hours of my order I received a personalized video message thanking and updating me on my order status - this is true bespoke service. My order was expedited incredibly fast, the product was impeccably packaged, and the overall quality was outstanding. Thank you, Hank, and the rest of the Rattlesnake team for making my first experience perfection - I will certainly be back soon.
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abernbaum
abernbaum
3/3/2022
I’m really happy with my rattlesnake cables. I bought 2 to try them and immediately ordered a third. I think they’re going to hold up really well, very strong and well made, and they look great.
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