The Ric or the Pedal???

[OPBASSMAN1994]

So I've been saving for a Ric for a while, and still want one. Bad. But the more I've listened to Yes, Genesis, the Moody Blues, and, of course Rush as usual, the more I've realized how much a midi controller pedal could add to our sound as a three piece. I love to have the huge, orchestral chords for that atmospheric feel. I already dabble in keys anyway, but this would allow me to play those ethereal backing sounds while playing bass, which would add a huge layer of sound to my band's songs. So my question is, should I keep saving up for the fantastic bass of my dreams, or should I get another GAS-ed for item that could have a bit bigger impact on our musical capabilities, setting me back at least $250? I'm really at an impasse.

[bongomania]

One of them is 90% about looking cool, 10% about the sound; the other is the opposite. Choose based on whether it's more important to you to look cool, or to up the sound options.

[waleross]

Get both. I have the Ric 4003 and I am amazed with or without a pedal how great it sounds. The bass is for you and not the band IMO. Those controllers (Roland,Rocktron) look great . Thanks for passing the gas my way ! Maybe, the other two members of your band would help you get the controller, just a thought.

[Floyd Eye]

I have a Ric and it sure doesn't have anything to do with "Looking cool".

For a guy who allegedly notices subtle differences in compressors I am surprised to learn that you think a Ric sounds like any other bass.


As to the OP, I would say if you can get whatever pedal you're talking about for $250, go ahead. It's going to take about $1500 for the Ric right? So save a little longer.

[OPBASSMAN1994]

This is the pedal unit I'm looking at.

DIGIKICK BASIC13+ MIDI PEDALBOARD taurus BASS PEDAL pk5 | eBay


I've watched demo vids, and it looks simple, and great.

[Brian_L]

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

So I've been saving for a Ric for a while, and still want one. Bad. But the more I've listened to Yes, Genesis, the Moody Blues, and, of course Rush as usual, the more I've realized how much a midi controller pedal could add to our sound as a three piece. I love to have the huge, orchestral chords for that atmospheric feel. I already dabble in keys anyway, but this would allow me to play those ethereal backing sounds while playing bass, which would add a huge layer of sound to my band's songs. So my question is, should I keep saving up for the fantastic bass of my dreams, or should I get another GAS-ed for item that could have a bit bigger impact on our musical capabilities, setting me back at least $250? I'm really at an impasse.

While I do own a Ric, my gigging days are long passed, yet I would say that unless your audience is composed of bass player/gear nerds like us :-) most people won't know what bass you are playing, and will think your bass sounds just fine when playing Rush, Yes, Genesis....

But those fills and background sounds you are talking about make a huge difference in how your band sounds when playing cover songs that require it.

For example, everyone knows that there are various keyboard sounds on "Tom Sawyer". The solo of course, but there are a lot of other fills as well. I was personally stunned recently when I listened to the Garage Band Alex Liefson "Tom Sawyer" lesson with all the guitar mixed out so you can really hear what the keys are doing. Sawyer w/o the keyboards just does not sound like Sawyer.

Not sure you can get what you need for $250, but that is what I would suggest.

Brian

[tk4207]

Originally Posted by bongomania

One of them is 90% about looking cool, 10% about the sound; the other is the opposite.

Troll a little bit harder next time.

[jgroh]

I am looking for some midi pedals at the moment too (specifically the Roland PK-5) because our keyboardist recently quit and Im trying to fill out the sound. I already have a beautiful Ric 4003 (my second). Im a huge Rush fan and wanted a Ric for over 20 years before I actually got one...and if I were you I would get the pedals. I love my Ric, however, after a while its just another bass. It sounds great, but that doesnt mean you are going to automatically sound like Geddy or Squire. I was a little disappointed to be honest with the first Ric I had. Looked great, felt really good, but just didnt give me the tone I thought I was going to get. I sold it and eventually got another, this 4003 is much better for me than the first was, but I could get alot of the tones I get with a Geddy Jazz for a third of the price (used).

[twocargar]

Kinda late to the thread here, but...

You can always roll your own pedals if you like to tinker with electronics. I've built four sets from old organ pedals. Use a prebuilt MIDI interface or use an old MIDI controller keyboard and connect them to the pedals.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

So I've been saving for a Ric for a while, and still want one. Bad. But the more I've listened to Yes, Genesis, the Moody Blues, and, of course Rush as usual, the more I've realized how much a midi controller pedal could add to our sound as a three piece. I love to have the huge, orchestral chords for that atmospheric feel. I already dabble in keys anyway, but this would allow me to play those ethereal backing sounds while playing bass, which would add a huge layer of sound to my band's songs. So my question is, should I keep saving up for the fantastic bass of my dreams, or should I get another GAS-ed for item that could have a bit bigger impact on our musical capabilities, setting me back at least $250? I'm really at an impasse.

I think you answered your own question and admire the ambition.

FWIW, at one time I thought the Rick was the Geddy Lee sound but he's able to pull it off with a Fender Jazz and just about anything else you stick in his hands.

Riis