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cant get used to my rick

Linas

Linas

Jan 6, 2005
2,054
17
39
Chicago
#1
Yes, she is absolutely beautiful but for some reason i can not get into her. The neck, although chunkier than i am used to, i can work with. Although my P seems so much easier to play. I cant seem to find a sweet spot to anchor my thumb and pluck, and when i play near the bridge pickup the metal ring gets in the way when im on the E and wears on my fingers. Although the sound is killer and like nothing else i have, i just cant feel it. I feel the only reason i am keeping it around is because its such a nice bass. I guess i can afford to keep it, but is there a point if i dont love playing it? :crying: :atoz:

LinasGuitarKazBillHahn054.gif
 
#4
I'll take it off your hands ;)

You may want to check out the Pick-Guardian pickguard for Rics. It covers the large route around the pickup and can help you find a comfy spot for your thumb.
 
#8
About a year ago, I got a 4003 that I was just GASing to have. I wanted to revisit my 4001 that I let go in the early 70's.
I tried to recapture the magic but I could not warm up to it. Just seemed like a baseball bat in my hands.
I know it sounds stupid, but I miss just having it around to look at.
 
#12
I've owned 4 or 5 Ric basses and have never bonded with any of them from an ergonomic/playability perspective. The 4004 neck is too wide for me and the 4003's binding always cut into my wrist.

I absolutely love the look and sound of Rics though.
 
#14
mikeluch said:
About a year ago, I got a 4003 that I was just GASing to have. I wanted to revisit my 4001 that I let go in the early 70's.
I tried to recapture the magic but I could not warm up to it. Just seemed like a baseball bat in my hands.
I know it sounds stupid, but I miss just having it around to look at.
Click to expand...

Exactly the same for me...I had one in the 70s and forgot that I eventually sold it because I just did not reach for it instead of my P Bass. I bought a beautiful 4003 in MapleGlo and the same thing happened. I ended up trading it here for a killer Dlx P that I still have.

Like most here say..."you either love 'em or hate 'em".
 
#15
About 10 years ago I bought a used 4001 for $600. It was a little beat up but still very playable. I had wanted one for years. I sold it three months later because it just didn't feel "right". I was more into owning a Rick than playing one. The neck was super fast and it was set up well and sounded great. I just didn't like it. Oddly enough, I occasionally find myself drooling over them. Then I remember.
 
#18
RickenBoogie said:
maybe give it some time. I had to adjust to the pickup cover with my newest one, all others were removed. Took about a week of playing to get the feel, but otherwise, maybe you should stick with the P bass.
Click to expand...


+1.

I was a P bass guy for years and a few years ago started playing Stingrays and Jazz basses. I HATED them both at the beginning. Turns out that they were uncomfortable just because I was used to a P and the P pickup as a thumbrest. Took me a few weeks to adjust and I haven't looked back!
 
#19
Ricks take some time getting used to. Try taking the bridge cover off and resting your thumb on the pickup. That worked for me. :-)

But honestly, no matter what you do, they're not very comforable to play (IME). So you gotta LOVE the tone, looks, etc. to be happy with a Rick once the honeymoon is over.
 
#20
Yeah, take off the rear pickup cover. That will open up all kinds of room for your hand/thumb. With that cover off, I have no problem with the Rick.
My only beef with some Ricks these days are the necks are pretty chunky AND the action is high at the nut. That's very unlike my Rick - a 1973 4001 with a very thin neck and low action.
 

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