Al Cisneros Signature Bass

[Gilmourisgod]

It’s kind of an odd choice for a signature model, I’ll admit I have no idea who this guy is, or why he warrants a signature model. (Old fart alert!) The Chris Squire sig model was a huge success commercially, they command really high prices now, but he was known for that bass alone for years, this doesn’t seem like a huge seller, a little out there and player specific for most. I’m surprised they never re-issued the Lemmy model, people will part with serious coin to get one these days. At least they are trying something new, can’t fault them for that.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I was never a fan of oven knobs, except on '50s Capri models. This doesn't change anything regarding that.

The new bridge, and the way it has been incorporated into the tailpiece is a great thing, though.

 

[muike]

It’s kind of an odd choice for a signature model, I’ll admit I have no idea who this guy is, or why he warrants a signature model. (Old fart alert!) The Chris Squire sig model was a huge success commercially, they command really high prices now, but he was known for that bass alone for years, this doesn’t seem like a huge seller, a little out there and player specific for most. I’m surprised they never re-issued the Lemmy model, people will part with serious coin to get one these days. At least they are trying something new, can’t fault them for that.

I think he might be the most prolific contemporary/alive rick bass player. not a dig at anyone not familiar with him as much as an observation of notable modern Rick players

 

[RissKippery]

It’s kind of an odd choice for a signature model, I’ll admit I have no idea who this guy is, or why he warrants a signature model. (Old fart alert!) The Chris Squire sig model was a huge success commercially, they command really high prices now, but he was known for that bass alone for years, this doesn’t seem like a huge seller, a little out there and player specific for most. I’m surprised they never re-issued the Lemmy model, people will part with serious coin to get one these days. At least they are trying something new, can’t fault them for that.

Personally, I don't think it's odd. Sleep are the kings of what they do. Up there with Electric Wizard. Al has also played Ricks exclusively as long as I can remember.

 

[bolophonic]

I’m always glad when people are happy with what they’ve got, but personally... I hope I never see a picture of that bass again.

 

[Kyuuga]

I’m always glad when people are happy with what they’ve got, but personally... I hope I never see a picture of that bass again.

My exact thoughts!

I think it looks like an extremely ugly version of the Ric 4003 Walnut, which looks amazing in its "standard" version.

But to each his own...

 

[DJ Bebop]

It’s kind of an odd choice for a signature model, I’ll admit I have no idea who this guy is, or why he warrants a signature model. (Old fart alert!) The Chris Squire sig model was a huge success commercially, they command really high prices now, but he was known for that bass alone for years, this doesn’t seem like a huge seller, a little out there and player specific for most. I’m surprised they never re-issued the Lemmy model, people will part with serious coin to get one these days. At least they are trying something new, can’t fault them for that.

I was not hip to him also...

 

[two fingers]

Who? Nevuh hoyde uv 'im.

 

[bolophonic]

My exact thoughts!

I think it looks like an extremely ugly version of the Ric 4003 Walnut, which looks amazing in its "standard" version.

But to each his own...

It literally looks like if my worst enemy was set loose in the Ric factory to assemble my worst options.

 

[RissKippery]

It literally looks like if my worst enemy was set loose in the Ric factory to assemble my worst options.

The more I look at it, the more I agree with you guys. But somehow simultaneously I love it more as well. The 4003SW is probably Rick’s best looking bass but that green instantly makes it awful... but also awesome.

 

[muike]

I know how Al plays, however I think this bass is a blessing to heavier players who are willing to take the covers off. standard Rick sounds are great but this is going to offer a rick tone that no one has gone for before that I think is gonna be great. it's got the classic treble sound and a jazz bridge sound with a Rick pickup. that's unprecedented for a factory instrument.

if you're trying to cop a squier or McCartney sound it's not for you, but I think it will suit a wide swath of modern bass players needs that Rick have been missing.

 

[muike]

but the green inlays are still kind of beyond me.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Thinking about the pickup locations, maybe the 3 pickup custom 4004 that was made for Al in 2016 (IIRC) was a test bed, of sorts, so Al could play around with the three pickup and decided he preferred the middle and bridge pickups for what he wanted from the bass, so this 4003AC is a finalization of that test. perhaps, with the two pickups in, basically, 4002 pickup territory.

I have come to really love the bridge pickup in my 4004L SPC that has the bridge pickup 1/2" from the bridge on that bass.

 

[RissKippery]

I actually kind of like the half pick guard too.

 

[johnson79]

Somehow CME was involved in this with Rickenbacker and Al. I'm assuming that it will not be a widely produced model. Probably $3k? Either way, it's pretty rad. FWIW, the green inlays seem to be a nod to Sleep's use of green in their logo, and weed...

 

[lucas303]

FWIW, the green inlays seem to be a nod to Sleep's use of green in their logo, and weed...

Most certainly. Note the date and time of Ric's Facebook post.

 

[Anachronism]

I like it. I hope it is priced for players rather than collectors. I would pay more than the standard 4003SW price, but the 3k someone mentioned above would be far too much for me.

 

[johnson79]

I like it. I hope it is priced for players rather than collectors. I would pay more than the standard 4003SW price, but the 3k someone mentioned above would be far too much for me.

$3k is just a guess. Curious what it will cost.

 

[johnson79]

 

[OrphicTrench]

Here's other cool pics, originally posted by Tinnitus Photography :