Played a 4003 this weekend...

bannerman · #1 10-29-2012, 10:09 AM

Did not like.

I love the way they look and sound.

I do not like the way they feel. I typically play with a pick and it feels like the pickup cover is in exactly the wrong spot. Can't play comfortably. Additionally, I do a lot of palm muting in my music and of course with that bridge it's impossible. But even if I were to replace the bridge, I'd have to also remove the pickup protector thing in order to be able to rest my palm in the right place and also get to the strings. I'd really be unable to play my songs properly with this bass.

Am I the only one who feels like this about the 4003?

If I take off the pickup cover and replace the bridge will it even be a Ric anymore?

pdusen · #2 10-29-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bannerman

If I take off the pickup cover and replace the bridge will it even be a Ric anymore?

Why wouldn't it be? Isn't this a ric?

Yerf Dog · #3 10-29-2012, 10:15 AM

It's a very common change to get rid of the pickup cover. I've never had a problem with the stock bridge.

In the end, if it's not for you, it doesn't matter how nice it looks and sounds.

LowEndGroover · #4 10-29-2012, 10:17 AM

Bought a 4003 earlier this year and returned it for similar reasons. I love the look and sound as well. But, came to realize that I prefer to have other people play them.

Re: the pick guard, removing it will make it much easier to play. The bridge is something that I can't really comment on.

Best of luck!

RFord04 · #5 10-29-2012, 10:22 AM

I removed the pickup cover and got the Hipshot replacement bridge for my Rick, when I had one. It definitely made the bass easier to play and made bridge adjustments much easier, so if those are your only gripes, then that's an easy fix. I still didn't care for the feel of the bass though, even with the new bridge, as the bridge pickup was left with a hole right where my finger lands when I play, the string spacing was a bit odd, and the hard edge on the top of the body made it uncomfortable still. Great looking and sounding bass, but many will tell you they just can't get along with the ergonomics of the 4003.

spiritbass · #6 10-29-2012, 10:24 AM

Removing the pickup cover was the FIRST thing I did. I'm with you on the bridges. I prefer the Hipshot, sold the stock one. I'm pretty sure it's still a Ric...

bannerman · #7 10-29-2012, 10:28 AM

You're right, it's still a great looking bass.

satellite4 · #8 10-29-2012, 10:36 AM

I played one over the weekend too. Had some $$ from my recent bass sales and was seriously considering buying one from the TB classifieds. Agree that the pickup guard just has to go to make it more playable. There guards look great but just get in the way.

Really like the look of the Hipshot bridge on your bass spiritbass...

Tanner5382 · #9 10-29-2012, 10:39 AM

I don't know anyone who DOESN'T take the pickup cover off.

rockinrayduke · #10 10-29-2012, 10:42 AM

Take off the cover and install a treble bezel. No more hole.

http://www.pickofthericks.com/produc...cker-4003.html

Rockin Mike · #11 10-29-2012, 10:45 AM

If you take off the pickup cover and replace the bridge keep the original parts in case you want to sell it, or if it becomes a collector's item one day.

thisSNsucks · #12 10-29-2012, 10:46 AM

Take the pickup cover off and remove the mute pad and thumscrews from the bridge. You'd be able to pick and palm mute just fine.

bassman64 · #13 10-29-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanner5382

I don't know anyone who DOESN'T take the pickup cover off.

mine is still on

now you know someone...lol

bassman64 · #14 10-29-2012, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bannerman

Did not like.

I love the way they look and sound.

I do not like the way they feel. I typically play with a pick and it feels like the pickup cover is in exactly the wrong spot. Can't play comfortably. Additionally, I do a lot of palm muting in my music and of course with that bridge it's impossible. But even if I were to replace the bridge, I'd have to also remove the pickup protector thing in order to be able to rest my palm in the right place and also get to the strings. I'd really be unable to play my songs properly with this bass.

Am I the only one who feels like this about the 4003?

If I take off the pickup cover and replace the bridge will it even be a Ric anymore?

they are not for everyone. I cannot stand the feel of Fender bass's...

I actually like the P/U cover on. I rest my hand/thumb on it...

"If I take off the pickup cover and replace the bridge will it even be a Ric anymore?"

Um Yes...........almost everyone takes off the p/u cover.

Spectrum · #15 10-29-2012, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanner5382

I don't know anyone who DOESN'T take the pickup cover off.

Steve Kille of Dead Meadow leaves his on. (pick player)

So does Al Cisneros of Sleep. (fingerstyle)

And for someone you certainly have heard of, Chris Squire of Yes still has the horeshoe pickup on his Ric, which is pretty much the same as playing with a pickup cover on.

I tried mine with it on for a few months and finally took it off when I swapped out strings. I put in a Treble Bezle to fill the hole and give me a finger rest and now I love it.

As for the bridge, it's not a problem for me so I left it as is. But I don't palm mute, either.

Comfort wise it took me a while to get used to, but it's now my main player and feels natural. Plus it sounds so sweet.

heliotropic · #16 10-29-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiritbass

Removing the pickup cover was the FIRST thing I did. I'm with you on the bridges. I prefer the Hipshot, sold the stock one. I'm pretty sure it's still a Ric...

What neck pickup do you have in there?

edit: I guess its stock, I couldn't see the pole pieces at first.

thedudebrah · #17 10-29-2012, 11:42 AM

Dave Sausage from Blacklisted rips up a Ric sans pickup cover. Very aggressive pick style.

http://youtu.be/PXJi_-5fvTs

spiritbass · #18 10-29-2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heliotropic

What neck pickup do you have in there?

edit: I guess its stock, I couldn't see the pole pieces at first.

I sold the stock pickups. The ones in it now are made by Classic Amplification. They eat the newer stock 'high-gains' for breakfast...

Thanks, satellite4. This replaced the stock bridge after the first time I needed to adjust the intonation.

jgroh · #19 10-29-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockinrayduke

Take off the cover and install a treble bezel. No more hole.

http://www.pickofthericks.com/produc...cker-4003.html

This.

Love my treble bezel! First think I did was take off the cover. Its plastic and strictly cosmetic on Rics these days. I love my Ric but I realize the ergonomics are not for everyone.

miles'tone · #20 10-29-2012, 11:58 AM

Try a Ric 4004 instead. MUCH more comfortable to play and the humbuckers sound amazing (I don't own one but I've played one.)
I used to own a 4001 FWIW and the bloody thing just used to want to hurt me! Sold it and never looked back.
Never again. If I had the money though I would have a 4004 without thinking twice about it.