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4003 Vs Jazz...

Holy War

Holy War

Sep 18, 2008
1,904
18
VA Beach
#1
well talkbass, I will be buying a new bass this week and I have it finalized to these two contenders. A 3 tone sunburst 08 american jazz or a 2006 mapleglo 4003. Im a big stoner rock, hard rock guy and I like a thick punchy bass tone when Im playing. Bands I like are Sleep, Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Electric Wizard, Kyuss, Velvet Underground, MC5 etc. I play with my fingers, but I also almost have to have my thumb anchored down when I play, and pluck near the bridge. Im having a hard time deciding between the 2 and thought I would look for you alls input on the subject matter. And as far as price goes, Im getting a FANTASTIC deal on the 4003 so the two will be similarly priced.

Im kinda leaning toward the ric, if but for the only reason that its iconic and a lot harder to come by than a jazz. I have played both instruments and they both :bassist:.

I guess its not too bad of a problem to have I suppose....
 
#3
You can always buy a cheap j-bass (a MIM or even an SX) and hot rod it to sound better than the american one for a lot cheaper.

Rics however...aren't necessarily something you can get the feel or tone of very easily compared to the j-bass. I have played both just recently and the Rics are pretty unique, whereas I have played numerous basses that didn't feel or sound very different from an American J-bass....just IMO though, be sure to check for yourself by playing or listening to some hot rodded cheaper j-basses.
 
#4
Mr_Sore_Fingerz said:
You can always buy a cheap j-bass (a MIM or even an SX) and hot rod it to sound better than the american one for a lot cheaper.

Rics however...aren't necessarily something you can get the feel or tone of very easily compared to the j-bass. I have played both just recently and the Rics are pretty unique, whereas I have played numerous basses that didn't feel or sound very different from an American J-bass....just IMO though, be sure to check for yourself by playing or listening to some hot rodded cheaper j-basses.
Click to expand...
no man, Ive been shopping for awhile now and really have it narrowed down to those 2 specific instruments. The jazz sounds/feels rather unique to me, unlike any other. iunno, but Ill find out by Friday for sure
 
#5
I played Ricks pretty exclusively for about 5 years. They are great sounding basses, that look cool as hell, but IME, are not very comfortable to play, and definitely take a bit of getting used to--especially if you play fingerstyle.

A Jazz bass on the other hand, is very comfortable to play, has a classic loook, and is a bit more adaptable to different types of music. They also seem to be a bit more expressive, but that's sort of subjective.

Anyway, FWIW, I'm playing a Jazz bass now, and couldn't be happier.
 
#6
Holy War said:
well talkbass, I will be buying a new bass this week and I have it finalized to these two contenders. A 3 tone sunburst 08 american jazz or a 2006 mapleglo 4003. Im a big stoner rock, hard rock guy and I like a thick punchy bass tone when Im playing. Bands I like are Sleep, Iggy Pop, Motorhead, Electric Wizard, Kyuss, Velvet Underground, MC5 etc. I play with my fingers, but I also almost have to have my thumb anchored down when I play, and pluck near the bridge. Im having a hard time deciding between the 2 and thought I would look for you alls input on the subject matter. And as far as price goes, Im getting a FANTASTIC deal on the 4003 so the two will be similarly priced.

Im kinda leaning toward the ric, if but for the only reason that its iconic and a lot harder to come by than a jazz. I have played both instruments and they both :bassist:.

I guess its not too bad of a problem to have I suppose....
Click to expand...

i'm not sure on the resale value of more recent ricks, but from resale value alone I would pick the rick;

i mean if you decide that the rick ain't for you there are lots of rick fans out there willing to buy it with little price difference... then you can buy the jazz
 
#11
Rics are cool basses and resale is great. They sound unique but to me aren't so comfortable to play for the long haul.

There are lots of jazz basses out there and some am much better than others. Some jazz basses just have it and some don't. Perfect neck great balance perfect tone. If you found a jazz bass that feels really great to you get it and hang onto it.

My $0.02
 
#12
With a couple of Ric threads being current I have come to the conclusion that my idea of a comfortable bass is the polar opposite of 90% of my fellow TBers. :hmm:

I use and love Rics. No explanation necessary. I owned a Geddy Lee jazz. I found it to be heavier than my Rics. I also found the sound to be extremely thin in comparison to the Rics with the EQ on my preamp and head both set relatively flat. The neck was thin and fast (I like laquered necks)but at times was almost too thin near the nut. It made my hand cramp. Sold the Jazz. Kept all 3 of my 4003s.
 
#15
I love my Ric basses, been playing a 4003 more than any of my other basses. It cuts through the mix like nothing else, has such a rich tone, and if you play fingerstyle it's a dream to play. But it's not a good slap bass IMO so if that's your thing the jazz may suit you better. Nothing wrong with a good jazz bass either so you really can't lose.
 
#18
Rics are hard to come by at the moment, so if you can get one without joining a waiting list, and get a good deal on it, get it.

I've played one for 30 years and despite what people may tell you, they are more versatile than just being a one trick pony (and yes I've owned Jazz basses to do the comparisons).

So, if you get the Jazz, you may never get another Ric deal like the one you are looking at.

If you get the Ric and don't like it, well, Jazz's are easy to get
 
#20
Rics...
- Have a unique sound
- Look great
- many people find them uncomfortable to play (I don't)

Jazz
- Classic look
- Diverse range of tones (but more generic/common sound)
- as comfortable as an old slipper

Given that you play near the bridge I would have thought that the Jazz would be more to your liking but if you've played and loved a Ric then.... its a toss up.

I personally like my Jazz (Jag) and LOVE my Ric.
BTW there's an azure glo '79 4001 in the classifieds at a really good price.
 

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