In magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which bird-cage coils are used in combination with other coils, a capacitance is bridged by means of an inductive element. Substantial detuning and hence adequate uncoupling of the bird-cage coil from the other (receiving) coil is achieved. Use can be made of the already present coaxial transmission line via which the RF energy is applied to the bird-cage coil. Connecting the core and the jacket of the coaxial transmission line there is arranged a diode switch so that the bird-cage coil circuit can be electronically detuned, thus enabling fast switching on and off of the bird-cage coil.