I no nothing about that particular Guild, but I had a Rick 4001 for about 34 years and I can vouch for it.
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4001 vs. Guild B-301 - Which should I borrow for a gig?
- Thread starter Jim C
- Start date
I no nothing about that particular Guild, but I had a Rick 4001 for about 34 years and I can vouch for it.
A used Guild B-301 that was older than me was my first electric bass.
Great tone. Big and chimey with just the right amount of aggression. It really is almost a hybrid of a Pbass and a Ric's bridge pickup.
The neck is on the chunky side and some of them neck dive a bit but it's worth trying for yourself if you never have. Personally, while I love the look of Rics and dig the bridge pickup, I struggled more with the ergonomics of that bass and didn't like the neck pickup tone.
Great tone. Big and chimey with just the right amount of aggression. It really is almost a hybrid of a Pbass and a Ric's bridge pickup.
The neck is on the chunky side and some of them neck dive a bit but it's worth trying for yourself if you never have. Personally, while I love the look of Rics and dig the bridge pickup, I struggled more with the ergonomics of that bass and didn't like the neck pickup tone.
I'd go for the Guild.
But if "both" is an option, why not borrow both? It would make for an interesting comparison. Really, I think you're obligated to do it, for science.
But if "both" is an option, why not borrow both? It would make for an interesting comparison. Really, I think you're obligated to do it, for science.
I had a Ric years ago and really liked it. Would like another one. Was in a band before that and tried a Guild maybe one time and it was cool. Borrow both of them if you can and give us the skinny.
Depends on what kind of tone you want.
I've heard nothing sounds like a Ric.
(It will be properly set up, right? I mean, it's not like you're buying a used one and have to go through the trouble, is it?)
Other than that, I've never once heard anyone anywhere say "Man, that Guild B-301 tone is to die for!"
Now, if you were talking a Guild StarFire, the choice might be more difficult.
I've heard nothing sounds like a Ric.
(It will be properly set up, right? I mean, it's not like you're buying a used one and have to go through the trouble, is it?)
Other than that, I've never once heard anyone anywhere say "Man, that Guild B-301 tone is to die for!"
Now, if you were talking a Guild StarFire, the choice might be more difficult.
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They might say "Man that bass (the Guild) looks weird!" But I doubt they'd say anything for the tone lol.
Well, my '73 4001 has been my #1, go-to bass since about 5 minutes after I plugged it into my amp, going on... 13 years ago, now. But, unlike an awful lot of people, Rick 4001/4003's fit me like a surgeon's rubber glove (with no neck dive, either). So... was the Rick you played 30 years ago comfortable? Then stick a grippy strap on this one, and play it. Otherwise? Guild doesn't make leftys, so I can't say yea or nay about it...
I owned a B-302 and loved the sound of that bass. My only issue with it was the fact that giant headstock was always trying to point south.
Lots of votes for both already. An interesting choice. Not the usual P or J type of thing. Either bass has the ability to play the styles needed and cop a clean clean tone with enough bottom. The Guild will probably be built like a tank and weigh about as much. The Ric will be lighter, thinner and have more knobs and switches. I wouldn't be ashamed of either one.
I've played both....I'd go for the Ric 4001. The Guild B-301 has a smallish body and tends to neck dive.
If you mean you're coming to Providence, RI, I'd loan you a bass too.
Fender, Stingray, + G&L -- I have a few of each
Enjoy your trip.
If you mean you're coming to Providence, RI, I'd loan you a bass too.
Fender, Stingray, + G&L -- I have a few of each
Enjoy your trip.
To me, it depends on what you are used to and how flexible you are switching instruments. Also, do you play standing up or sitting down? Do you play with fingers or with a pick? What condition are the two instruments and what kind of strings do they have on them?
But a big +1 to "both"!
But a big +1 to "both"!
Play the Guild. Ricks are common, you could get your hands on one pretty easily anytime you want, but the Guild is a rare opportunity. And it's a low-stakes situation jamming with family not your one shot at Carnegie Hall.
The bassist of a band here in St. Louis, Path of Might, uses a B-301. Sounds and looks amazing, so that's where my vote goes.
The Guild's bridge pick-up is actually in the same position as the Rickenbacker's... save for the 1/2" in scale difference.
B-301 all the way for me. But, that’s just me. It’s a hard choice indeed.
I had a B-301 (same color as in the vid) and stupidly let go about 20 years ago and I still miss it. I still want one.
I’ve only played a Ric once when I was a teenager. From what I remember if was a bit to handle. Love the look of a Ric and they sound great in the right hands.
My vote is the 301. May be your only chance unless you buy one.
I had a B-301 (same color as in the vid) and stupidly let go about 20 years ago and I still miss it. I still want one.
I’ve only played a Ric once when I was a teenager. From what I remember if was a bit to handle. Love the look of a Ric and they sound great in the right hands.
My vote is the 301. May be your only chance unless you buy one.
Same...sorta. The 301 was my 2nd bass but it was then my only bass for the next 22 years. The neck was chunky, it was heavy and had neck dive, but it did sound great. I was eager to move on to others when I sold it years ago, but I have been thinking about trying to get another. I always said, it looks like a Ric and a Gibson had a baby.I've owned both, and this is making me miss my B301... my first bass...(Neck dive and all)
