My Ric 4003 doesn't sound I like a Ric

[Octavio]

If you want to sound like Geddy put on Rotosound Swing Bass 66ers. I prefer the RN to the RS.

[rushmaniac15]

Originally Posted by Octavio

If you want to sound like Geddy put on Rotosound Swing Bass 66ers. I prefer the RN to the RS.

I have a pack of those ready to go

[Jazzstick]

Put them on NOW

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by geeza

Change the strings and get a good set-up.

Yes Yes Yes ... the nut on a new Rick will be too high and the pickups may be too low. Also flatten out the neck. Turn up the mids on your amp and add a little distortion. Also turn all the knobs to 10 and then roll the neck volume off to 8 or so to get the best tone out of the pickups. Ricks sound best with low action and a flat neck.

[LB75]

Geddy also plays aggressively with his right hand which gives him some of his unique tone.

[PazzoBasso]

Originally Posted by rushmaniac15

I bought a Rickenbacker 4003 from guitar center used for 1400 (possibly the reason it was so cheap was because bassist there was something wrong?) a couple months back and my Ric just does not have the tone of a Ric. Its way too muddy and mellow and doesn't have the punchiness that a 4003 is suppose to have. The action is high and I didn't change the strings when I got it but I can't imagine that making too much of a difference. At first I was scared it was fake but I checked the serial code with Rickenbacker and it is real. Any suggestions?
Rushmaniac15

You're not doing it right...

[rockinrayduke]

Post #2 and post #7. Do these things. When you do you'll hear that 4003 come alive.

[Alex1984]

The capacitor mod is probably not necessary, it reduces the amount of bass like the older 4001. What you will need is new strings and a good set-up. Low action will help you get that kind of bright aggressive sound, and strings clacking against frets can help too. Heck, you might even welcome a small bit of fret buzz (of course, not excessive), I know some players do. Also, be sure to adjust the pickup height.

[IronLung1986]

Rotosound 66 strings (45-105) will make such a big difference. that is the quintessential string for a rick. getting the real aggressive tone also requires some fairly heavy EQ'ing. after that, it's really a right hand thing - you have to play hard. that tone doesn't just leap out of the instrument.

[lowendblues]

Originally Posted by rushmaniac15

I bought a Rickenbacker 4003 from guitar center used for 1400 (possibly the reason it was so cheap was because bassist there was something wrong?) a couple months back and my Ric just does not have the tone of a Ric. Its way too muddy and mellow and doesn't have the punchiness that a 4003 is suppose to have. The action is high and I didn't change the strings when I got it but I can't imagine that making too much of a difference. At first I was scared it was fake but I checked the serial code with Rickenbacker and it is real. Any suggestions?
Rushmaniac15

Dude..... If you can afford $1400 for a Rick, you can afford new strings and a set up. Go here and learn about Rick setup. http://joeysbassnotes.com/

Do you buy a used car with flat tires and drive it without fixing them?

[spiritbass]

I had the same problem. Mine was a 2010. The newer hi-gain pickups are over-wound compared to those of the 60's and 70's. While doing a search for alternatives, I found these excellent reproductions: http://classicamplification.net/Pickups/Rick_pickup.htm
This guy could teach Ric how to make their own pickups better. After experimenting with many different string sets, these made the bass sound finally sound like a Ric. I sold the originals through the classifieds here, so the upgrade (and it definitely was!) wasn't that expensive. If you decide that after a proper setup with new strings, it still doesn't sound like a Ric, you might consider this upgrade. I'm not affiliated with Classic Amplification, just trying to help...

[Fishheadjoe]

Change your strings, raise your p/u's and also look at the p/u poles and adjust to taste.
The sound is in there, you just have to go get it.
Fishheadjoe

[RickenBoogie]

Not only do you need to put on a fresh set of strings, and do a complete set-up on that bass, but the amp and spkrs you're using also play a big part. If you're using a tiny practice amp, that could also be part of the problem. But start with set up and strings.

[iiipopes]

You don't need new pickups. I'm with Ric5 and the others: you need a good setup from a tech who knows RIC instruments (this means straight neck as opposed to Fender relief, and some other quirks -- see Joey's bass notes), new strings (the classic tone you're talking about are Rotosound Swingbass), possibly the .0047 capacitor if you like really vintage tones (see the RIC website for schematics) and some serious woodshedding with your amp and technique.

For more information:
rickresource.com
rickenbacker.com/forum

[Graze1960]

Given that you're after that Geddy Lee tone, I don't think you can do anything until you change the strings. Maybe it has got flatwounds on it? That would account for a less lively sound. BTW, if they are flats, don't bin them, find out what they are.
I think , like most others here...Rotosound rounds (I don't like their flats). Personally I have TI flats on my 4003S (mono)
G

[jbiscuti]

Originally Posted by PazzoBasso

You're not doing it right...

This. So much of it is his technique.

[Dr. Cheese]

It's been said before, but as a former Ric owner, I can tell you that roundwounds make a huge difference. Of course, set your bass up, or get it set up. What amp are you using? If you are running through a smallish, solid state amp, you will not get the Geddy Lee sound. You need to be pushing some air! Finally, a whole lot of your problem may just be your hands. You need to really study Geddy Lee to get his sound. In fact, your don't need a Ric for his sound. A Fender Jazz will work just fine too.

Have fun!

[mjac28]

I'm glad this got worked out the Ric is my dream bass and I would cry if it didn't sound right after all these years of lusting after one.

[Alex1984]

Originally Posted by lowendblues

Dude..... If you can afford $1400 for a Rick, you can afford new strings and a set up. Go here and learn about Rick setup. http://joeysbassnotes.com/

Do you buy a used car with flat tires and drive it without fixing them?

Flat tires on a car, probably not. Flat strings on a RIC, I'd probably do.

+1 on the technique part too. RICs don't naturally sound like Squire or Geddy.

[PatQ]

Originally Posted by rushmaniac15

I didn't change the strings when I got it but I can't imagine that making too much of a difference.

What? That makes an enormous difference!