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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
2/17/2026
Great company, great cables, great customer service!
10/10/2024
I’ve been playing guitar for over twenty years, and in that time, I’ve always bought and used cables from places like Guitar Center. I never gave cables much of a thought, until a former teacher of mine enlightened me on just how important they are. Your cable is what connects your guitar to the... Read
4/3/2022
I have been playing music a good part of my life, I am always in search of improving every aspect of what I do. Having never been totally satisfied with guitar cables out of local and major music stores, I decided to take a chance on the Rattlesnake Cable Company that kept popping up in my newsfeed.... Read
10/10/2024
I’ve been playing guitar for over twenty years, and in that time, I’ve always bought and used cables from places like Guitar Center. I never gave cables much of a thought, until a former teacher of mine enlightened me on just how important they are. Your cable is what connects your guitar to the amplifier after all, so if it’s not a good quality cable, you won’t get a good connection, you won’t get a good sound. I was on Reddit not too long ago, and saw Rattlesnake Cables being mentioned in the guitar related subreddits I follow. I did a bit of research, liked what I found, and bought my first Rattlesnake cable. Honestly, it is the best cable I’ve ever used! Barely any hum, the cable itself is heavy and solid, and above all, my guitar sounds amazing! It sounds clear and articulate, while the tone is so defined. It’s awesome to hear, how much of a difference a cable can make. So if you’re looking for a good quality guitar cable; American made, and American built, look no further than Rattlesnake Cable Co. Awesome customer service, lightning quick shipping, great packaging. I will never buy any of the mainstream cable brands again.
4/3/2022
I have been playing music a good part of my life, I am always in search of improving every aspect of what I do. Having never been totally satisfied with guitar cables out of local and major music stores, I decided to take a chance on the Rattlesnake Cable Company that kept popping up in my newsfeed. I rarely do such things. I ordered two 10 ft cable for me with a very cool looking rattlesnake weave pattern, and a 15 ft red weave cable for my wife’s Spector bass. The next morning, to my utter surprise, I had received an email with a personal video from Hank, thanking me for the business and telling me his crew would be starting on my order first thing that morning and it should ship out by end of day. I received cables three days later, each individually wrapped in their own little gig bag. I was totally impressed with the quality of these cables, so very cool looking and they look indestructible. The customer service was exceptional from start to finish. I’m glad I took that chance, Hank and the crew will get my business wherever that need arises. Thanks for everything Hank, my best to you and the crew for a job well done! Stan Hall
