Are BC rich good?

[alembicguy]

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?

I think for the type of music you are doing a Daisy Rock Bass would be good

Really it doesnt matter what anyone else thinks all that matters is if you like it and it sounds good to you!

 

[Ripper]

personally i love my beast, and i dont play metal at all really. the active double p pups give a really nice and adjustable sound... the neckdive and weight issue can be solved with a wide leather strap... and the neckdive can further be fixed by moving the straplock like someone else said earlier.

and i agree with the fact that the better models are better. My bass is an nj (now nt) series... around $600... the cheaper bronze ($300 iirc) and platinum ($400 i think) are not as good, and that is why people say that they suck. generally what stores have set out is a poorly set up bronze warlock... it plays like a cheap bass that isnt set up should. the more cost, the better bass. people also say that the newer basses are worse than the vintage ones, but i think that can be said for most basses... old basses have been set up and beaten in for years, so they don't seem to have the same quality... i personally think its all in the player's opinion...


but looking at this one, it seems to be the nicer nt style... so i say go for it... they do get looks, but just make sure you know some really impressive licks... play some smooth jazz or something with it and people shut up about how it looks if you happen to get into that situation

 

[Skarekrough]

Again, the company had made models at several price points.

Let's recall that BC Rich was one of the early boutique builders from the 1970's.

...and what have they done lately?

I've never played a BC Rich that I felt was anything other than sub-par for the pricepoint. Going up against ESP's LTD line they get their butts handed to them and when you start talking boutique they're really nothing all that special.

For the money you'd pay on a BC Rich it's hard to not do better just about anywhere else.

 

[MIJ-VI]

...and what have they done lately?

I've never played a BC Rich that I felt was anything other than sub-par for the pricepoint. Going up against ESP's LTD line they get their butts handed to them and when you start talking boutique they're really nothing all that special.

For the money you'd pay on a BC Rich it's hard to not do better just about anywhere else.

True, but...: Invalid Link Removed

 

[spade2you]

As a former BC Rich owner, I can say that their designs work alright on guitar, weak on bass. Their basses are often kinda heavy, suffer from neck dive, and the pointy edges will chip if you look at them wrong. The cases are also huge and heavy. Not a very convenient bass.

 

[rapturebass]

If i were to go for a B.C. Rich, i would get the fancy-shmancy zombie heritage classic thing-which is available 4 and 5 string. For other options check out Schecter, Ibanez, or ESP/LTD.

 

[lavmonga]

I wouldn't buy a new one. BC Rich made some nice stuff (in the USA and Japan) before the 90's. I've got two, a USA 84 and Japan 83, I wouldn't buy one made later than around 1987/88.

 

[Arpeggiator]

not a fan, thin sound and a bit toy like as many have said.

 

[bassrique]

...and what have they done lately?

I've never played a BC Rich that I felt was anything other than sub-par for the pricepoint. Going up against ESP's LTD line they get their butts handed to them and when you start talking boutique they're really nothing all that special.

For the money you'd pay on a BC Rich it's hard to not do better just about anywhere else.

Beats me, but back in the day they were the ****.

 

[Kevin_BlueBASS]

IF you want a metal look/ sounding bass that pretty good quality and isn't neck heavy check out TRABEN:
www.trabenbass.com
They have awesome stuff!
But as always, Try Before You Buy!
Peace

 

[kjpollo]

IMO, it's an awfully cheesy looking axe – it looks more cartoony than bad assed:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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.

+1 on the ESP's. They are developing quite a following with the Metal crowd. I have one (granted in a NON-metal shape) but its great axe, VERY playable.

However, back on topic-you were asking about BC Rich, well, I have to go along with the majority opinion that their new budget models arent all that good IMHO. I've only tried a couple but they did nothing for me.

Like someone else said, though...dont let all of us talk you out of it-go try one yourself. Just make sure you're objective about it-go in with an open mind and pay attention to both the good points AND the bad.

The feel of the instrument is as important as the sound. If you're not comfortable with the feel of an instrument due to shape, weight, etc, there is very little you can do about it. If you dont like the sound, you can always drop in new pickups, try different strings, etc.

I now own 5 basses and they are all pretty much in the shape of a Precision or a Jazz, but hey, thats just me!

Most importantly though, enjoy the search -play as many different basses as you can. You never know what you might discover!

 

[mournblade]

Well, I admit my BC Rich collection consists of handmade instruments, easily the equal of any bass I have personally played. (BTW, the new custom shop basses are EVERY bit as good as the old ones) So, I am not necessarily able to comment on the WMD Widow. I can say I have heard that the Invalid Link Removedstring, is a very nice playing bass. What it boils down to is PLAY IT YOURSELF! I can rave about them, and others can dismiss them out of hand, but in the end, these are OUR opinions. If you think it looks cool, try and find a way to play one, or at least order from a store with a 100% money back guarantee.

 

[cassanova]

Yes.
I personally have a Bc Rich WMD Widow, and forget what other people say.
It sounds food for metal.
Dont let other people tell you their opinions off as facts.
If you like it, get it.
I like mine.

Thanks.

That would include your opinion as well then right?

 

[Snakeman1066]

The few newer models i have played....I have to say i really don't like them...they were very heavy and the electronics left a lot to be desired....and the majority of them had some neck dive

However i do have several older 80's NJ models and they are quite nice

I also own several ESP basses and until recently the ESP "F" series was my main axe

until i discovered this:

It is now my main player and really for the money right around $500.00 it out performs in both feel and sound many basses i have owned and/or tried at up to three times the price

that said

it is important that you like what you play and play what you like.....

the rest of us be damned...play what sounds feels and looks good to you....

It will be your bass....

 

[El Raro]

Not a fan of them at all even for metal standards. The best metal basses come from ESP/LTD or Schecter in my opinion. I'd consider looking into those more than B.C Rich.

 

[Fresh Eddie]

I am sort of happy people generally dislike BC Richs.... it means I can still find old neck-through MIJ ones for under $500 sometimes.

 

[Chuck King]

I've had a couple mid-level B.C. Rich guitars of relatively recent vintage, and they were very nice. They're not all great, but, often the nice ones are great bargains used because few people take the time to learn about the different models to tell the difference between the cheap junk and the pretty good ones. They tend to look pretty similar. The more you educate yourself, the better your chance of finding a good instrument at a good price. That applies to anything, really, but especially B.C. Rich products.

That said, I have played basses that were not balanced well. That will vary from model to model. I would not buy one over the 'net without playing that body style first.

 

[fivestringcult]

Just want to throw in another vote for ESP as a better alternative.

 

[OneMoreRobot]

ESP and Schecter are awesome basses, specifically metal.

And they're not as ugly as B.C. Rich

 

[schnigges]

As Jjango already said, go with the esp/ltd . IMO you get a very "metal" looking bass which is very versatile. The EMG HZ's sound pretty good for metal, but you can also get very good blues and jazz tone out of them (with the active EQ). Also plays very good, and is quite comfortable.


And if it doesn't suit your taste anymore after a few years, there's still room for some changes