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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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3/3/2022
Rattlesnake cables was an experience I have not had since my discovery of Sweetwater, the music gear company. Rattlesnake not only makes quality cables, whether it be stock or custom for your needs, but their approach to customer satisfaction is unmatched. Not only do you receive you're order... Read
1/18/2021
Great Cables and even greater customer service.
2/11/2026
An all around great experience. Communication, kindness and professional gear!
3/3/2022
Rattlesnake cables was an experience I have not had since my discovery of Sweetwater, the music gear company. Rattlesnake not only makes quality cables, whether it be stock or custom for your needs, but their approach to customer satisfaction is unmatched. Not only do you receive you're order promptly, it is preceded with emails to confirm your purchase and shipping; along with a personalized thank you video from Hank from Rattlesnake. It may not sound like much but it makes the experience more personal and makes you feel special. Shipping in quick, usually 2 days; and when you receive your cable(s), they are individually packaged in cool burlap sacks bearing the Rattlesnake logo. There are also some decals and offers in the box and a notepad with a personalized Thank You from the Rattlesnake team. Oh and if I didn't mention it, the cables are AWESOME. You can feel the quality and they sound great too. This is a small (and hopefully up and coming) company that deserves to be given the opportunity to grow as long as they can stay true to their customers. So try one and you won't be disappointed!
