Favorite DI for Rickenbacker 4003?

[Shlabotnik]

And..... go!

Would like to find a Preamp/DI ... something versatile for my 4003s that might be used for any genre other than modern metal. Something in a pedal please. Not a rack mount unless it has a built in tuner. I'm out of rack space!

I play though an SVT-7Pro but use other amps for backline and rehearsals at times as well so I would like something that will help me fine-tune my tone consistently and also offer a nice warm overdrive option.

I searched for a thread like this but didn't find one specific to Rics... so maybe this'll help others as well.

Thanks people!

 

[Jeff Scott]

There are no DIs specifically made for a Rick bass. As with anything else out there, try a bunch and find what works best for you.

Sounds like you are wanting a preamp in a pedal format, which, to me, is not the same as a DI. None of my pedals have a balanced XLR out (which is a major function of a true DI); I place a Radial ProD2 after them to provide the DI function.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Yeah I wasn't looking for something made for a Ric, just something people have had experience with that sounds great with a Ric for non-metal. I guess you are right in what you are saying though. I am looking for a nice preamp pedal with DI capability!

I'm certainly going to try some out and compare it's just that there are so many out there I thought some feedback might help to whittle the group down a bit...

 

[Jeff Scott]

I usually use my Sansamp GT2 into my Strymon Flint, then into both channels of the ProD2; I also use a tc electronic MOJOMOJO, as an alternative "preamp". In the past, I'd used a VT Bass into the Radial. Here are some recordings of the latter setup.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Thanks Jeff! So those recordings use the VT Bass? Great tone there!

 

[Jeff Scott]

Yes, the VT Bass. The first recording is my old May '08 4003 that I vintage-ized, and the second, live gig recording, was my old 'March '73 4001 (all stock).

 

[Warpeg]

I use to run a BDDI direcly into the power section of an Ampeg SVT-2 Pro/810 for my Ric for several years. It was one of the best tones I ever got.

 

[bassmachine2112]

Hiho-bheringer BDI21 for the price and sounds good live

 

[woodyng2]

I've used a first generation VT pedal for years,but recently bought the vt bass di pedal,which offers a lot more flexibility in tonal and hookup options.
It's great for all my passive basses,but especially my 6 Rickenbackers.

 

[TolerancEJ]

Since you have a 4003S, have you used the dual outputs in a live situation? I've never had one and the question just crossed my mind. How would one use that feature? Maybe a second amp or a line going directly to the soundboard?

 

[woodyng2]

Since you have a 4003S, have you used the dual outputs in a live situation? I've never had one and the question just crossed my mind. How would one use that feature? Maybe a second amp or a line going directly to the soundboard?

Forgive me if i misunderstand,but the Rick S models are mono output.
One nice thing about the aforementioned vt bass di is that it has several outputs.
I do use mine to run 2 lines out to separate amps,and all my basses are of the mono persuasion.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Since you have a 4003S, have you used the dual outputs in a live situation? I've never had one and the question just crossed my mind. How would one use that feature? Maybe a second amp or a line going directly to the soundboard?

Aren't the S models a single mono output? The Deluxe models have ROS. Only certain guitar models, that I recall, had/have dual mono output jacks.

 

[Relsom]

I've been playing around with a Radial Tonebone Bassbone and an EBS Microbass II, both of which have really good DIs. I normally just use a Radial StageDirect with the band. It has even less tone shaping features but a great DI. Though I don't use overdrive, if that's what you want, you might want to check out the Bassbone OD. I suspect it's got a great DI too. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amp...MI38rltL3z4AIVjCSGCh1hhA_0EAAYASAAEgJrVvD_BwE

 

[hintz]

Maybe this thread should be in effects if it's about a DI/Preamp pedal? Anyways I'm a big fan of a Ric thru a Darkglass VMT(which can be more appropriate for a more classic sound), the Tech21 VT would be a close 2nd, though it can get farty at higher gain settings

 

[TolerancEJ]

Forgive me if i misunderstand, but the Rick S models are mono output.
One nice thing about the aforementioned vt bass di is that it has several outputs.
I do use mine to run 2 lines out to separate amps,and all my basses are of the mono persuasion.

Aren't the S models a single mono output? The Deluxe models have ROS. Only certain guitar models, that I recall, had/have dual mono output jacks.

Sorry, my mistake. I mixed the models up, again.

 

[hintz]

Oh yeah, if you want a few additional features like Chorus, tuner, Boost and envelope filter the Tech21 Bass flyrig is based off the VT(I found the comp and Octave useless though)

 

[woodyng2]

Sorry, my mistake. I mixed the models up, again.

Well,it isn't illogical to suppose S should stand for "stereo".

 

[bcalbass]

I love my Ric through the Tone Hammer with AGS on. Great warm-tube to grindy Ric tones. I carry a Radial DI as a backup, but never use it because sound guys love the tone & signal from the Tone Hammer DI out.

A TBer did a preamp comparison years ago with tons of sound clips. Not sure which of these have a DI built in though:
The Official Dirty / Grindy Preamp Pedal SHOOTOUT - with over 150 clips!

Edit: to clarify, I have the TH pedal not the amp

 

[Jeff Scott]

Sorry, my mistake. I mixed the models up, again.

No worries, mate. I just post stuff like that to ensure historical accuracy.

 

[Hi-Fi]

I use a Tech 21 Q-strip as a DI. It has amazing tone shaping capabilities because it has parametric eq but it doesn't have a built in drive channel. If I need drive I throw a pedal in front of it.