Guitar parts
The Rick Filter Bypass Mod
The Rick Filter Bypass lets you get the famous Byrds jangle tone, the sound Roger McGuinn used in his 60s Ricks. It is a push/pull mod that installs on the tone knob for the bridge pickup (treble tone). Push the knob down for the standard Rick sound. Pull it up for bypass mode, which takes the filter capacitor on the bridge pickup out of circuit. You get that tone without upsetting the stock appearance of the guitar.
$40.00 + S&H. Wiring instructions included.
Independent dealer notice. Stevie's Guitars is not affiliated with, authorised by, endorsed by or connected to Rickenbacker International Corporation in any way. Rickenbacker is a registered trademark of Rickenbacker International Corporation. Brand and model names appear on this site only to identify the instruments and parts offered for sale. Full terms are on our disclaimers page.
What the Filter Does and Why Players Remove It
Rickenbacker guitars have a capacitor on the bridge pickup that cuts out the lows. With it in the circuit you get the standard Rick sound. Taking it out of circuit is part of how players get the jangle tone heard on classic Byrds records.
The bypass puts that choice on a push/pull tone knob for the bridge pickup:
- Down: standard Rick sound, exactly as the factory intended.
- Up: bypass mode, which eliminates the capacitor on the bridge pickup.
Because it uses the existing tone knob position, the guitar keeps its stock appearance.
Price and What Is Included
$40.00 + S&H. The mod comes ready to install with wiring instructions included.
Reversible by Design
This matters more than the tone does. A permanent modification to a collectible instrument reduces what it is worth, sometimes badly. This bypass is built to come back out, so the guitar can be returned to original specification by the next owner or by you if you change your mind.
A Note on Where This Came From
The bypass was developed by a friend of Steve's, and it has been part of what this shop offers for a long time. It is an independent modification with no connection to the original manufacturer, and nothing about it is endorsed by them.
Is It Right for Your Guitar
It suits you if you want the Byrds jangle tone from your bridge pickup, if you play the guitar rather than store it, and if you want the change to be undoable.
Consider leaving it alone if the instrument is a high value collector piece you intend to keep untouched, if you like the stock voicing, or if you are not comfortable with any work being done to the control cavity.
Order the Rick Filter Bypass
$40.00 + S&H, wiring instructions included. Tell Steve your model and he will get back to you.