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Are BC rich good?

R

rhapbus

Feb 28, 2009
166
1
#1
i want to know all of your opinions on B.C Rich basses (the WMD Widow specifically)

I started playing bass in January with a really cheap value deal from GC, i got some money now and looking to upgrade

I play metal

Lamb of god
Metallica
Pantera
Children of bodom
arch enemy
etc.

Would the BC rich widow be good? I looks metal as **** but does it sound good?
 
#2
I just bought a Heritage Classic Mocking Bird Bass and overall I like it, sounds great and plays well, while sitting.

The one thing that I don’t like about it is that when standing and using a strap the thing is incredibly neck heavy and requires you to actually use your arm to help keep the body down so the neck stays up. This is basically because of the neck side strap button position.

Also the lower frets at a considerable distance away making it hard to play a low F for example while standing.

If you are considering this bass as a may stay, put a strap on it first and try it standing for a while.

Just my opinion!
 
#4
I bought a bc rich beast 4- string and I really don't think its the best bass to play. If you put a strap on it and let go of the neck the head start falling towards the ground. They are really heavy and bulky not the best to get, but its all up to you
 
#7
I have a NJ neck thru Mockingbird bass, vintage 2005ish - Maple neck, mahogany wings, ebony f'board. An excellent bass for the money, the equivalent today is the Heritage model. The only problem for me was the electronics/pickups, which I found a little lightweight. However, they are easily replacable, and the twin P pickup arrangement gave it a unique growl, I can see why Entwistle liked it so much!:bassist:
 
#8
I had a [late 70's model?] Eagle. Neck through. Two "P" pups. Lots of electronics. Very nice bass. Stolen :(

Looked like this:

heag2520j4035.jpg


I don't know much about later models.
 
#13
I played some B.C. Richs years back when i first started. I never bought one but i just played them at the stores. Sure the shapes are pretty cool for metal. Problems most bc richs actions are low, VERY low, touching the fret board low. Easy to adjust tho, guess they are only ment to be played with by a pick. Another thing, the fretwire actually cut my fingers, yeah thats brutal. I'm not saying all bc richs are horrible, just the cheaper they are the worse. The virgins look promiseing and that beautiful Zombie Exotic Classic one, that looks intense. best of luck!
Oh yeah, the sound was decent, good for metal.
 
#14
rhapbus said:
i want to know all of your opinions on B.C Rich basses (the WMD Widow specifically)

I started playing bass in January with a really cheap value deal from GC, i got some money now and looking to upgrade

I play metal

Lamb of god
Metallica
Pantera
Children of bodom
arch enemy
etc.

Would the BC rich widow be good? I looks metal as **** but does it sound good?
Click to expand...


What sounds good is entirely subjective. The best thing you can do is spend a lot of time in guitar shops trying out as many basses as you can. Don't listen to the people here that approve or disapprove of the sound of BC Rich basses. The ONLY way to know if they sound good is for you to try them out until you find a sound that speaks to you and says "Yes. This is it. This is the bass sound I want."

Many people here will give you flak about wanting a "metal" bass. Ignore them. Get what you want.

So get out there, play as many basses as you possibly can. Take your time, because with every bass you play, you will be that much closer to finding EXACTLY what you want.
 
#15
BC Rich is similar to most instrument manufacturers in that they have different series aimed at different price points. A lot of people that do not know a lot about them will pick up an economical model and form their opinions on the whole brand based on that. It would be the same as someone picking up a Squier Affinity and saying Fender makes bad basses. They do make some cheap stuff, but they also made and make a lot of high end stuff, too.

I have three early '80s NJ basses, and I like them all a lot (a Wave, a Mockingbird, and a Warlock.) They play nice, and sound great... and I got a really good deal on them. The shape is all a matter of preference, and I kinda like pointy instruments.

To solve the balance issues with the Beast, move the rear strap button so it is on the edge of the body right behind the bridge. Why they put it way out on that horn at the factory is a mystery to me!
 
#16
Fresh Eddie said:
BC Rich is similar to most instrument manufacturers in that they have different series aimed at different price points. A lot of people that do not know a lot about them will pick up an economical model and form their opinions on the whole brand based on that. It would be the same as someone picking up a Squier Affinity and saying Fender makes bad basses. They do make some cheap stuff, but they also made and make a lot of high end stuff, too.
Click to expand...


+1
 
#18
rhapbus said:
i want to know all of your opinions on B.C Rich basses (the WMD Widow specifically)
Click to expand...
IMO, it's an awfully cheesy looking axe – it looks more cartoony than bad assed:

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The general consensus at TalkBass seems to be that the cheap import BC Rich models are not particularly good instruments. I can't comment on that, because I haven't played one. If I were buying a BC Rich, I'd prefer a vintage Mockingbird or Eagle, some of those were really high quality – but you'll pay a bit for their "vintage" status.

If you like metal-looking axes, you might also want to take a look at some of the ESP lineup. Just my opinion, but I think they look much cooler than most of those BC Rich basses, and ESPs are usually ranked pretty highly in terms of quality. Looks like your guy from Children of Bodom plays one, too.

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If you're specifically looking for a fiver, check these out:

http://www.espguitars.com/basses_f.html

Here's a link to check out all of the different ESP basses, including some other metal-style designs:

http://www.espguitars.com/basses.html

Best of luck, whatever you choose.
 
#19
Terrible neckdive, super heavy, stock pickups and electronics ain't too hot and the heavy finish they use on the necks is stickier than usual. Construction is solid on the higher end models, kind of.

Avoid, you'll be stoked on the image for a month at most, then you'll wish you bought something more versatile and easier to play (and wear!) If you want something "metal" there are better alternatives, check out the Ibanez and Schecters that are in a similar price range and you'll be very pleasantly surprised.
 

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