Active Electronics in a Ric

Geddyfleaharris · #1 09-27-2011, 02:59 PM

This isn't a "no you shouldn't do that... it will wreck it" type of a thread. I am just asking a question. In fact, I know there will most likely be some people who think I am being sacriligious for what I am about to suggest. lol

I am curious if anyone has or has heard of someone putting active electronics in a Ric 4003. I love my Ric (2008 4003) but when played side by side with my EBMM Stingray the Ric just doesn't come through on stage like the Stingray. I am putting this down to the SR's active electronics. I used to think the Ric had a lot of oomph, and it did when compared to a Geddy Lee jazz I used to own, but the Stingray just has a ton more oomph than the Ric. So that got me to wondering if anyone has ever had a Ric with active electronics.

Cheers!

georgestrings · #2 09-27-2011, 03:07 PM

Not exactly the scenario you painted, but here it is: I have a '78 4001 that already had EMG 9v active pups in it when I got it... I'm not entirely convinced that it's an improvement, but I got a killer deal on it, and it plays quite well:

I'm still contemplating putting Ric pups back in it - but it isn't much of a priority atm...

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #3 09-27-2011, 03:10 PM

Oh, and it still isn't as "present" as my EBMM SR5 HH...

- georgestrings

Buster Brown · #4 09-27-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geddyfleaharris

This isn't a "no you shouldn't do that... it will wreck it" type of a thread. I am just asking a question. In fact, I know there will most likely be some people who think I am being sacriligious for what I am about to suggest. lol

I am curious if anyone has or has heard of someone putting active electronics in a Ric 4003. I love my Ric (2008 4003) but when played side by side with my EBMM Stingray the Ric just doesn't come through on stage like the Stingray. I am putting this down to the SR's active electronics. I used to think the Ric had a lot of oomph, and it did when compared to a Geddy Lee jazz I used to own, but the Stingray just has a ton more oomph than the Ric. So that got me to wondering if anyone has ever had a Ric with active electronics.

Cheers!

I have a buddy who put in EMGs in his Ric....No problem for me. If that's what floats your boat - go for it.

In 2005 I bought a Fender American Deluxe Jazz QMT. Beautiful bass and a great player...however, I absolutely HATED the Active system and eventually sold it. Me and active basses just don't get along too well.

Geddyfleaharris · #5 09-27-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buster Brown

Me and active basses just don't get along too well.

And truthfully I didn't think I needed or wanted AE until I started buying EBMM products. I love my Ric but I just love the kick of my SRs.

M.R. Ogle · #6 09-27-2011, 03:50 PM

Fascinating question.

I wonder if just a nice external pre-amp isn't a better idea, though.

darkstorm · #7 09-27-2011, 03:54 PM

Sounds good to me. I havent played a riock with an active eq. But replacing its passive tone pots with active 2band preamp is certainly one of the first things Id do to a Rick if i got one. Cause, with but one exception, I havent heard a bass that didnt sound better with a preamp in it. But I am kinda strange like that. lol.

Duke21 · #8 09-27-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

Oh, and it still isn't as "present" as my EBMM SR5 HH...

- georgestrings

Put inn the newer high gain 4003 pups (with the push/ pull vintage/ modern switch), lots of oomph ther.

georgestrings · #9 09-27-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

Put inn the newer high gain 4003 pups (with the push/ pull vintage/ modern switch), lots of oomph ther.

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll look into it...

- georgestrings

alembicbones · #10 09-27-2011, 04:54 PM

If you have a 2008 4003, it should already have the hi gain pickups. I think going with an outboard preamp might be the call, or just tweaking your amp settings. The Stingray has passive pickups, like the Ric, but it has an active onboard preamp. I would definitely hesitate "activating" the Ric. There are plenty of post bass points to enhance the tone.

Have fun.

Bones

Darkstrike · #11 09-27-2011, 04:58 PM

It's not an actual Ric, but I put a Glockenklang 3 band pre in my Ricken-faker, along with a Dimarzio Model One, and it's stock Seymour Duncan bridge pickup. Utterly love the sound of that bass, freaking huge, and versatile.

incubus2432 · #12 09-27-2011, 06:30 PM

Not a 4001/4003 but I installed a filter based active ACG preamp in my 4004. It still sounds like a Ric but has Wal-like character and a huge array of tones from subtle to drastic are available.

Before......

......after......

georgestrings · #13 09-27-2011, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incubus2432

Not a 4001/4003 but I installed a filter based active ACG preamp in my 4004. It still sounds like a Ric but has Wal-like character and a huge array of tones from subtle to drastic are available.

Before......

......after......

Very nice - I like it!!!

- georgestrings

M.R. Ogle · #14 09-27-2011, 08:22 PM

Not a big Ric fan, but WOW!!! Love that 4004!

bassmachine2112 · #15 09-28-2011, 08:36 AM

Outboard pre-amp all the way-Ricks love the shove of a pre-amp.
Sansamp/behringer clone,mxr,hartke up to you and the added benefit of being a DI box as well.
Get a cheap s/h behringer bdi21 if you don,t like it ,flog it.If you like then keep it or try a sansamp which is almost identical,vt,hartke vxl,mxr di80 whatever floats your boat.
Once you have one you will always use it and if your amp goes down the DI is still in the PA.You have the option of playing without an amp as well-sansamp