Ric 4003 NBD Letdown

[Floyd Eye]

[quote=bill reed;13651852]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

In my experience people who like to tout their $300 Chinese made basses as superior to Rics or other high end instruments are exactly like those who say that their blackhawk 3/4" drive ratchet is as good as my $400 Snap on. They can't afford them, so they bash them and convince themselves that their $300 POS is just as good.

QUOTE]

I don't Tout my Rockinbetter as better than any Ric! and never have. but for a sub £500 bass its very good and on par with most other £500 basses i have played or seen. is a Ric £1200 better than my Rockinbetter!!!
i'm not to sure about that. maybe £700 better but £1200 that pushing it a bit.
I would say the priced Ric are worth around £1200 for what you get in the bass and your paying £500 more for the Rickenbacker name on the headstock. Gibson and Fender are the same but there name only adds about £200 over what the bass is worth.
you take a Epiphone and a Gibson EB3 and play both in a band and you would be hard pushed to tell who played what. yes the Gibson is the better bass but is it worth 3 time the price of the Epiphone???? some people think so!

I couldn't tell you. I paid about $500 for my 74' 4001 back in the early 80s. Personally, I wouldn't spend any of my money on an Epiphone bass, a Rockinbetter or a Squier of any sort. That's just me. I just find it humorous when people DO spend their money on them and then rant on about how they're just as good as Gibsons, Rickenbackers and Fenders.

[bill reed]

[quote=Floyd Eye;13651881]

Originally Posted by bill reed

I just find it humorous when people DO spend their money on them and then rant on about how they're just as good as Gibsons, Rickenbackers and Fenders.

Maybe the meant the sound as good, the wood used and the finish is almost always better on the the Fender, Gibson and Rickenbacker but often that does not change the sound produced. I have never head anyone say a Squire or Epiphone was as well made or as well finished as the same Fender or Gibson model, but some do think the sound they produce is very close and sometimes every bit as good! I know that Epiphone did use Gibson pick-ups on some models so that would help! i think someone did some tracks of a mia, mim and mif Fender and asked people to tell the diffrence on some clips. not many got all three right.
if you taking about finish and the quality of wood used i woulkd agree there is a big diffrence, if you just want that sound then there are other ways to get that sound such as the Epiphone, Squire or Rockinbetter.

[Floyd Eye]

[quote=bill reed;13651899]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Maybe the meant the sound as good, the wood used and the finish is almost always better on the the Fender, Gibson and Rickenbacker but often that does not change the sound produced. I have never head anyone say a Squire or Epiphone was as well made or as well finished as the same Fender or Gibson model, but some do think the sound they produce is very close and sometimes every bit as good! I know that Epiphone did use Gibson pick-ups on some models so that would help! i think someone did some tracks of a mia, mim and mif Fender and asked people to tell the diffrence on some clips. not many got all three right.
if you taking about finish and the quality of wood used i woulkd agree there is a big diffrence, if you just want that sound then there are other ways to get that sound such as the Epiphone, Squire or Rockinbetter.

Unless your Rockinbetter has Rickenbacker pickups in it, it does NOT sound like a Ric. Even having them will not guarantee that. Fenders have completely different wiring and pickups then Squiers do. While the Epi LP my guitarist plays sounds good ( it is a 3 pup Ace Frehley model), my Actual Les Paul smokes it.

Now I have seen Japanese or Mexican Fenders that have better fit and finish then some American models. Fenders are really all over the place when it comes to consistency in that regard. There is no way around the wiring and pickup upgrade though.

[Immigrant]

Originally Posted by willsellout

No it's not. It's a hyperbolic post from someone who has probably never owned a Rickenbacker and bases his/her opinion on what he reads on Talkbass...which just about everyone agrees is a bad idea.

Seriously, here are the facts:
Ric's are around 1500.00 new from several dealers.
Ric's by and large are trouble free.
Ric's are fairly easy to work on, albeit a bit more work, and any tech can work on them.
Setup costs less than 50.00
Ric's neck stability is on par with any other manufacturer


Believe me, I have problems with Rickenbacker as a company, but this is simply an untrue assessment of the situation.

Everything contained in this post is spot-on with the exception of apostrophe use.

[Tvrtko]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

In my experience people who like to tout their $300 Chinese made basses as superior to Rics or other high end instruments are exactly like those who say that their blackhawk 3/4" drive ratchet is as good as my $400 Snap on. They can't afford them, so they bash them and convince themselves that their $300 POS is just as good.

Every single one of these guys would buy an American deluxe P if they had the money.

As about me, I got much wiser with the years passing by. I can tell you right away - I will never pay extra money just to have brand name on it. For the purpose, all my guitars are quite good, much better than the guitars that I played back in time. I had a Ric, payed it way too much back in 70's (yes, I was young, had a plenty of money and did not think about future). I got lucky and had a really great Ric. In about year and half that was in my possession I even did not change strings.
I was thinking to buy one Ric and put it in the corner, just for memorabilia purpose. But, with all of the things that are going about Rics (price fix, inconsistent quality,...) I am not going to do it.
Problem here is that many Ric fans consider criticism of current production goes against their patriotism and "Made in USA" supposed superior over anything else in the Universe. Unfortunately, that's not the case anymore. Get used to it that many other manufacturers take care of their customers and their production at much higher level. Upcoming days will show - arrogance does not hold water. If anyone wants to buy superior Made in USA bass, why not get one of US Masters, super-quality bass?

[NYCbassist]

Many of us have built our own basses. When you start to get your parts together using good components, (Not the Best available but Good), You start to see how it's IMPOSSIBLE to build a good bass for less than about $750. To get down in the $300 range you are using the cheapest of the cheapest components. Cheap Tuners(Yuck), Cheap Bridge(hit or miss), Cheap Pickups(Yuck), Cheap neck(Waste of time & Gambling on truss rod quality), Cheap strings(waste of time), Cheap wiring(Crap), Cheap Switches etc.....Now start to think about the Quality of the wood and the ageing/curing of that wood, Then the flawless finish. It's actually amazing that RIC can do it and still sell them as low as they do.
RIC could "Sell out" and start building a cheap bolt-on bass with crap components and compete in that market. I'm glad they don't. I also own a nice Squier bass from early '80's. It has much higher quality components then the cheap stuff of today being cranked out by the 100's of 1'000's.

[Floyd Eye]

Originally Posted by Tvrtko

As about me, I got much wiser with the years passing by. I can tell you right away - I will never pay extra money just to have brand name on it. For the purpose, all my guitars are quite good, much better than the guitars that I played back in time. I had a Ric, payed it way too much back in 70's (yes, I was young, had a plenty of money and did not think about future). I got lucky and had a really great Ric. In about year and half that was in my possession I even did not change strings.
I was thinking to buy one Ric and put it in the corner, just for memorabilia purpose. But, with all of the things that are going about Rics (price fix, inconsistent quality,...) I am not going to do it.
Problem here is that many Ric fans consider criticism of current production goes against their patriotism and "Made in USA" supposed superior over anything else in the Universe. Unfortunately, that's not the case anymore. Get used to it that many other manufacturers take care of their customers and their production at much higher level. Upcoming days will show - arrogance does not hold water. If anyone wants to buy superior Made in USA bass, why not get one of US Masters, super-quality bass?

Well, I am no Ric fan boy and I know only my own experience with the one I have. I know other people have had QC issues with them and personally I think their tailpiece design sucks. I don't think I would buy a brand new one, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another old 4001 if it was in good shape. I can tell you that there is zero chance of me ever buying a Rockinbetter or an Ibanez lawsuit model. Not because I give a crap about JH or his trademarks, but because there has never been one made that sounds like a Rickenbacker.

[bill reed]

[quote=Floyd Eye;13651912]

Originally Posted by bill reed

There is no way around the wiring and pickup upgrade though.

Funny you should say about changing the pick-ups, i did look at that but liked the sound of the ones that came with the bass, both are hi-gain i did fit a Ric tone vintage/modern switch and rewired it just the same as Ric. they had the pick-up going to the volume and switch going to the output jack where ric had the pick-up to the switch and it going to the volumes.
what i have learned that when playing a ric in a shop most sound diffrent and some dont even sound like a Ric. yes most need a good set up. i do get a good McCartney Ric tone out my bass and that was what i was after. and it does have that Ric rattle when you want it too when you turn the tone right back just like a 4003. i'm more than happy with the tone from it. it plays just like i want it too.
my friend has a jetglow 2004 4003 and we do go about each other houses so i do get to play his and him mine and he has his really nice ric so know just how it sounds and how my bass sounds and yes there is a diffrence but they are real close, he does not have the tone switch on his, he want me to do that for him in the new year.
playing his has a diffrent feel but i can't explane it it just feel diffrent, not better just diffrent. i am no way knocking ric and i really like there 4003 but i like my rockinbetter too.

[Floyd Eye]

[quote=bill reed;13652008]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Funny you should say about changing the pick-ups, i did look at that but liked the sound of the ones that came with the bass, both are hi-gain i did fit a Ric tone vintage/modern switch and rewired it just the same as Ric. they had the pick-up going to the volume and switch going to the output jack where ric had the pick-up to the switch and it going to the volumes.
what i have learned that when playing a ric in a shop most sound diffrent and some dont even sound like a Ric. yes most need a good set up. i do get a good McCartney Ric tone out my bass and that was what i was after. and it does have that Ric rattle when you want it too when you turn the tone right back just like a 4003. i'm more than happy with the tone from it. it plays just like i want it too.
my friend has a jetglow 2004 4003 and we do go about each other houses so i do get to play his and him mine and he has his really nice ric so know just how it sounds and how my bass sounds and yes there is a diffrence but they are real close, he does not have the tone switch on his, he want me to do that for him in the new year.
playing his has a diffrent feel but i can't explane it it just feel diffrent, not better just diffrent. i am no way knocking ric and i really like there 4003 but i like my rockinbetter too.

Ultimately Bill that's what matters. If you like it then that's the ticket. I am in no way trying to look down my nose or discourage anyone from buying and playing the instrument that they like.

That goes for Squiers too. I have played a CV and though I am not really a Fender guy, I liked it well enough. I don't give a crap where a bass is made or how much it costs. If I like it, I like it. This should not be construed, however, to imply that I believe a $300 Squier is even comparable to a American Deluxe J because it isn't.

[bill reed]

[quote=Floyd Eye;13652029][quote=bill reed;13652008]




I am not really a Fender guy, I liked it well enough. I don't give a crap where a bass is made or how much it costs. If I like it, I like it. QUOTE]

I too am not a Fender guy, but I think you sum it up well in the words above, if you like it and it play and gives to the tone you want then that is all that matters. plus putting a big smile on your face when you play it.
have a good new year.

[Floyd Eye]

[quote=bill reed;13652048][quote=Floyd Eye;13652029]

Originally Posted by bill reed

I am not really a Fender guy, I liked it well enough. I don't give a crap where a bass is made or how much it costs. If I like it, I like it. QUOTE]

I too am not a Fender guy, but I think you sum it up well in the words above, if you like it and it play and gives to the tone you want then that is all that matters. plus putting a big smile on your face when you play it.
have a good new year.

You too my friend.

[Pbass4003]

Counting down... big brown box should be here any minute! Chris at PotR was kind enough to send me these teaser pics before shipping her out. Even though I bought his last 4003 in stock, he took the time to make sure the neck, nut, and setup was spot on. He even installed my treble bezel, TIs, and Hipshot bridge free of charge (he offered!). Can't wait. This thread had been a long and winding road, but if it wasn't for these responses (hot and cold) I never would have known about PotR or accidentally fallen in love with Fireglo. So thanks, everyone! I'll post NBD pics in a new thread haha.

[greggster59]

I hope you are as pleased as I was.
The setup Chris did for my MG was spot on.
It is set up like yours with bezel and TI's but I kept the stock bridge. Tail lift is minimal but, at some point, I may want to replace it with a Hipshot. Let us know what you think of it and remember, new bass photos are an unofficial TB requirement!

Good luck and happy playing.

[Addison]

I wanted to add an update this thread really quick... my last posts in this thread were descriptions of my disappointment in my very first Ric purchase, and I'm happy to say that this update is one of pure happiness.

First, the dealer:

Based on a few recommendations from you guys, I contacted Wildwood to ask them about their lefty Rics in stock. I'm glad I listened, because they were amazing... Bruce and Steve asked me to look at their stock and pick which ones I liked best as far as looks go, and then they and their techs went through each of them to make comparisons and sent me very detailed emails on the differences and commented on which bass they thought was the best "all-around."

They literally went out of their way in a fashion that I have never seen to make sure I got a great bass... and both Bruce and Steve were pleasant and seemed like they really enjoyed the entire process. It was simply one of the best buying experiences I have ever had with any purchase, and these guys will surely be at the top of my list when I'm ready to spent more money.

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/

Highly recommended.

The bass:

I originally wanted a fireglo and this is a mapleglo, but honestly... it doesn't matter, because the difference between this bass and the last one I bought comes down to these three simple words: NIGHT AND DAY.

I got a great bass... it's an amazing bass. And as far as Rics go, this is my first and I can finally say that "I get it". It plays, sounds, and feels like no other bass I own, and I am constantly drawn to it. It's all I've been playing at home and I'm very excited about the possibilities.

There are a couple of very minor quirky cosmetic flaws, but the fretwork, neck, and nut were all PERFECT. It sets up and plays BETTER than my $4500 custom shop Fender Jazz.

So, to those who had bad luck like I did... if you can, be patient. Find a dealer who is willing to work with you, or, better yet, get your hands on one BEFORE you buy.

It's definitely too bad that Ric's builds and QC are so ridiculously inconsistent, because when these basses are done right, they're amazing. It's unfortunate that some of us have had to go through so much trouble to try to find one that lives up to the legacy of the name on the headstock.

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by Pbass4003

Counting down... big brown box should be here any minute! Chris at PotR was kind enough to send me these teaser pics before shipping her out. Even though I bought his last 4003 in stock, he took the time to make sure the neck, nut, and setup was spot on. He even installed my treble bezel, TIs, and Hipshot bridge free of charge (he offered!). Can't wait. This thread had been a long and winding road, but if it wasn't for these responses (hot and cold) I never would have known about PotR or accidentally fallen in love with Fireglo. So thanks, everyone! I'll post NBD pics in a new thread haha.

I recognize that shop!

[Pbass4003]

This bass unbelievable. Absolutely flawless. The neck is straight as an arrow and the action is buttery. I tried, but seriously could not find a flaw. The fit and finish is stunningly perfect, not a single blemish and the fingerboard and frets are the nicest of any 2000s Ric I've played to date. The neck also seemed thinner than I expected (in a good way) and it shipped with an older (oval) style USA sticker, which makes me think it may be an early 2012 with 2011 specs (could be wrong). I LOVE this bass. I almost missed my train home because I could not put it down! Props to Chris for an amazing setup and all-in-all sales experience. I still can't believe he cut me a deal on his LAST 4003... what a guy! Lesson learned: I'm sticking with Pick of the Ricks for any future purchase. Pics to come!

[Pbass4003]

Originally Posted by Addison

I wanted to add an update this thread really quick... my last posts in this thread were descriptions of my disappointment in my very first Ric purchase, and I'm happy to say that this update is one of pure happiness.

First, the dealer:

Based on a few recommendations from you guys, I contacted Wildwood to ask them about their lefty Rics in stock. I'm glad I listened, because they were amazing... Bruce and Steve asked me to look at their stock and pick which ones I liked best as far as looks go, and then they and their techs went through each of them to make comparisons and sent me very detailed emails on the differences and commented on which bass they thought was the best "all-around."

They literally went out of their way in a fashion that I have never seen to make sure I got a great bass... and both Bruce and Steve were pleasant and seemed like they really enjoyed the entire process. It was simply one of the best buying experiences I have ever had with any purchase, and these guys will surely be at the top of my list when I'm ready to spent more money.

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/

Highly recommended.

The bass:

I originally wanted a fireglo and this is a mapleglo, but honestly... it doesn't matter, because the difference between this bass and the last one I bought comes down to these three simple words: NIGHT AND DAY.

I got a great bass... it's an amazing bass. And as far as Rics go, this is my first and I can finally say that "I get it". It plays, sounds, and feels like no other bass I own, and I am constantly drawn to it. It's all I've been playing at home and I'm very excited about the possibilities.

There are a couple of very minor quirky cosmetic flaws, but the fretwork, neck, and nut were all PERFECT. It sets up and plays BETTER than my $4500 custom shop Fender Jazz.

So, to those who had bad luck like I did... if you can, be patient. Find a dealer who is willing to work with you, or, better yet, get your hands on one BEFORE you buy.

It's definitely too bad that Ric's builds and QC are so ridiculously inconsistent, because when these basses are done right, they're amazing. It's unfortunate that some of us have had to go through so much trouble to try to find one that lives up to the legacy of the name on the headstock.

Just for the record, I also had a great experience with Wildwood (they offered to hand-pick my bass, etc), but I ultimately choose PotR because Chris won me over by doing a custom setup with my own strings and accessories, and PotR is only a stone's throw away in Jersey (from NY), meaning my bass doesn't have to travel a week across various climates to get to me from Colorado. That's all.

[254 stringer]

Congrats glad you finally got one you are happy with when they are good they are great.
The rectangle stickers are the older ones they started putting the oval on sometime this year. My April 2012 came with rectangle.

[Pbass4003]

Originally Posted by 254 stringer

Congrats glad you finally got one you are happy with when they are good they are great.
The rectangle stickers are the older ones they started putting the oval on sometime this year. My April 2012 came with rectangle.

Whoops, had the sticker thing backwards, thanks. Regardless, this bass is awesome. We're gonna have some fun together.

[greggster59]

Congratulations!

Glad it worked out this time. Don't forget to post pics.