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Am I crazy? (Rick 4003/Fender Jazz question)

Am I crazy?

  • Yep

    Votes: 67 35.6%

  • Nope

    Votes: 63 33.5%

  • herp derp

    Votes: 58 30.9%
  • Total voters
    188
#61
Yeah, Rics are good in most mixes in my experience. It's Jazzes I have the hardest time with. Have to EQ them like mad. Precisions are easy to mix like a Ric (easier in fact). Stingrays, I think I can see why JC of Tool needed to switch in that band.
 
#63
I have a RIC 4001 and several Fender's. Over the years I've decided I prefer the Fender's for live performance (more mid-rangy for cutting through on-stage) and the RIC for recording (more fundamental).

However, I currently have the RIC tuned down 1/2 step for my latest rock band project and it seems to sound well doing a lot of Judas Priest, AC/DC, and the like at rehearsals. I also have Seymour Duncan humbuckers on it. I'll be gigging live with it for the first time in many years and feeling anxious.

I use the same string on everything, Ken Smith medium compressed round wound.
 
#64
#65
I'm always amazed at the "Rick sound" claims... I find it to be the most versatile sounding bass I've ever played!

I did have one 15 years ago that I thought sounded perfectly DEAD! I mean the wood had zero resonance! The buyer thought it was the best thing since sliced bread!! Haha! Ya never know...

Try Pyramid flats. Medium tension, nickel plate, and great tone!

If you like round wounds, try a set of nickel RWs... Less "zing" and more low mid "punch."

My last 4003 was the best recording bass I've ever used - bar none! HUGE range of tones! Had to sell it to pay taxes (not working as much as I'd like lately)...

That said, I've also played and recorded with Carvin, Fender Gibson, Hagstrom, Guild, Dano, and Hofner... All good... All a bit different...

Most of a players sound comes from his/her fingers! Check out George Harrison on a Strat vs Jimi Hendrix...

And, yeah, the age old argument of Macca vs Squire (Rick tones).

Try recording DI to hear what your Rick's wood sounds like. That may help find your amp's EQ settings too...

I recommend getting the Jazz anyway, and comparing first hand - BEFORE selling the Rick!

I can hardly wait to finish refinishing/restoring my v63!!!

Enjoy the journey!
 
#66
I love Jazz basses - the looks and the sound. However, after owning a few, had to admit defeat. Like some of the other posters, I struggled with the neck profile (too small) and the tone - for some reason, I just sounded zingy!

I've also owned a lot more Rics. Now I am a single bass owner - 4003.

It sounds great in my hands, feels comfy (yes!), and no problems with the neck profile.

I can simply +1 many before me - some basses sound great in your hands, some don't - but always give it time before you rush and sell.
 
#67
paganjack said:
It just doesn't fit in the mix for anything but hard rock/metal.
Click to expand...

If it doesn't fit your needs then there is no point in keeping it. Sell it and get the gear that is usable.

Or sell the Ric and buy a different bass - a Warwick perhaps, or maybe a Stingray. You might stumble across something that fits your needs better than a jazz.

Cheers and good luck!
 
#68
theevilplankton said:
I love Jazz basses - the looks and the sound. However, after owning a few, had to admit defeat. Like some of the other posters, I struggled with the neck profile (too small) and the tone - for some reason, I just sounded zingy!

I've also owned a lot more Rics. Now I am a single bass owner - 4003.

It sounds great in my hands, feels comfy (yes!), and no problems with the neck profile.

I can simply +1 many before me - some basses sound great in your hands, some don't - but always give it time before you rush and sell.
Click to expand...

Really well put. I love Jazzes but just struggle with them. Rics seem right. Hell, they are even easier to set up for me... I know that's going to sound like heresy here but it's true!
 

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