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Getting the right bass the first time

#21
My favorite strings are D"Addario chromes, (flats), I use lights, and still the tension is very high, I thought of that after reading your post, it's good your gonna get it set up again, not good to leave it with an extra 50 lbs. of tension on it for too long. You may be a Rick guy for life, but, the contrast between your 2 basses is big, they'll be a time when your playing the P, and it will "wow" you, if you keep doing both.
 
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#23
I had the opposite experience as a young player. Was influenced by a couple of guys who played Ricks. Went to find one with the intention to buy. Couldn't have felt more awkward or disconnected.

Stay with what feels right
 
#25
not every bass is right for every player regardless of how good the bass is. neck girth, nut width, string spacing, fingerboard radius, body thickness - the list of differences goes on and on. you found a bass you really like. why not use it to improve and enjoy rather than slowing your progress and making playing less fun? unless, of course, you're a guy who values a challenge.
 
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#27
My hat goes off to garritynet. If he is willing to stick it out with his P, even though he is more comfortable with his Rick, he's the better man than I.
I'm with bikeplate. I too, like Rickenbackers; I like the way look, and I like the way they sound. However, they feel so weird to me, that I've never come close to pulling the trigger on one. As it is, I've played Fenders Basses for 35+ years.
Same with guitars. I've played Les Paul's and Strats for 35+ years as well. Over time, I've gravitated towards Strats (and Jazzmasters) to the point that my 'Paul just feels awkward. (Though I'll never get rid of it.)
Bikeplate is correct: Stay with what feels right.

The other TBers are correct about setting up the P: Comfortable set of strings, proper set up, it'll play like a dream.
 
#28
willbassyeah said:
is it because of the 32inch Rick vs Fender 34inch scale? It could be the reason why the rick is much easier to play and learn on.
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The Rick is 33 1/4", but yeah that and the string spacing is a bit narrower does make a difference. When you strap on a Rick the way it hangs is a bit different and feels weird to some, especially if you have been playing Fenders and such for awhile. I had to sell my 2010 4003 because of a torn Rotator cuff injury. It was very painful it felt like all the weight was right there on my shoulder. Interesting thing was I could play a Thunderbird for hours without any problem. I guess its the way the weight is distributed.
 
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#30
David Jayne said:
With respect, you're probably not. It takes quite a while and much practice--and trial and error--to learn how to set a bass up perfectly. Once you do, you can make any bass play like butter.
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This. If you're new to bass, there's no way you could know how a sweet setup is supposed to look or feel. I didn't for years and only in the last 3 years have I gotten good at doing it right, by myself.

I will disagree though, that EVERY bass can be set up like butter. Some basses are just unworkable, usually older abused ones or cheap crappy ones.
 
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#31
Having a Ric as your first bass will likely spoil you for anything else; Rics are their own aesthetic animal. I think that's the case with most people's "firsts" of any kind. The opening impressions of something new tend to remain with you over time. My first bass was a P bass, and I still love them. The first ship of my Navy career stands out clearly in my memory, the others not as much. So it goes. That's why the MIM P seems so difficult and alien to you after the Ric...it's a $500 bass that you're trying to play, after having played what many would call a work of art. You're spoiled. Enjoy it. :)

That said, yeah, new strings = new setup. Especially when you're changing string brands and types. And learning to do your own setups is priceless; there's a new level of relation to your instrument when you know how to work on it yourself.
 
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#32
I had a similar experience with my first bass, a Ric 4001. My bass teacher at the time had a P and it just felt crude and clunky to me compared to the Ric, like a sedan vs a sportscar. To this day I've just never bonded with P's, which is no knock on them, they just don't speak to me. I was obsessed with that bass for years, and I know that obsession got me through the early low points of learning to play. If you love it, you found the right bass. You will eventually branch out to other instruments you may find more versatile, or as your musical taste change, as I did, but the Ric really is a unique instrument. Never sell it! I did, and have always regretted it.
 
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#33
Geez, I just wanted to talk about how much enthusiasm and excitement I had for learning on my Rickenbacker and everyone just wants to school me on the importance of setup. I get my guitars professionally setup because I understand this. And I stand by my original statement, I'm knowledgeable enough that I can tell when things are pretty far off. I can tell the difference between my friends workhorse MIA Jazz and the one at the store. I can feel in my hands how much harder it is to play because its not correctly setup. I'm not saying I'm an expert on setup either, I don't mind making adjustments on my own but I take it to a professional to be checked out after for a reason.

I feel like everyone is trying to diagnose what's wrong with the Precision but really what I'm saying is I just really like the Rickenbacker. I was just trying to share a good experience but I kinda regret it now.
 
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#34
garritynet said:
I was just trying to share a good experience but I kinda regret it now.
Click to expand...

...and a belated welcome to TalkBass! Buckle up 'cuz it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Enjoy the Ric and pics, please. BTW, if you're doing finger style, I'd recommend removing the chrome bridge pup hardware (plate & horseshoe) and replacing with the aftermarket near-flush mounting plate thingamabob...can't think of the name.

Riis
 
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#36
I'm of the school that says: "You like Rickenbackers, or you don't." (I very much do BTW.)

As others have noted, Rics have a very unique sound, and play differently than most other basses. If that's your thing, a Ric is your ticket. No explanations needed.

Happy playing! :thumbsup:
 
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#37
Sorry for your frustration. A number of things you said suggest to me that you will be a very fine musician and bassist shortly, if you are not already. Glad you have bonded so completely with your Rick. Most of us have had similar experiences with certain basses. I like Ps, but there are Ps I don't like. I have four Ps right now, one of which feels WAY better than the others. In theory, you could pick up another Rick and not feel the connection you feel with yours. At any rate, based on some of your remarks and responses, I'm glad you chose bass guitar. If you keep doing what you're doing, you will be an asset to the bands that will be lucky enough to have you.
 
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#39
garritynet said:
Geez, I just wanted to talk about how much enthusiasm and excitement I had for learning on my Rickenbacker and everyone just wants to school me on the importance of setup. I get my guitars professionally setup because I understand this. And I stand by my original statement, I'm knowledgeable enough that I can tell when things are pretty far off. I can tell the difference between my friends workhorse MIA Jazz and the one at the store. I can feel in my hands how much harder it is to play because its not correctly setup. I'm not saying I'm an expert on setup either, I don't mind making adjustments on my own but I take it to a professional to be checked out after for a reason.

I feel like everyone is trying to diagnose what's wrong with the Precision but really what I'm saying is I just really like the Rickenbacker. I was just trying to share a good experience but I kinda regret it now.
Click to expand...

If you are unsure or just feel better having a pro do setups, there's nothing wrong with that. Especially on a Ric; I've never owned one, but I've heard that their truss rods can be tricky and you certainly wouldn't want to damage the neck.

As for people getting on you, trust me: that's nobody's intent. You got your first bass right for you, and that's awesome. A lot of us are just geeks who go into gear talk without thinking. Please don't regret it or take it personally. :)
 
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#40
garritynet said:
Anyway I'm just thinking maybe I'm done buying guitars. Maybe I got it right the first time.
Click to expand...

Maybe you did.

Two things strike me about your post:

1. Fender love is strong on TB.

2. Ric hate is strong on TB.

Of course, to thinking individuals, both of those opinions should be taken with not just a grain of salt, but the whole shaker.

FWIW, my first bass was not a Fender (although I grew to appreciate them and own several now), but I loved my first bass like a best friend and I don't think it impeded my progress at all.

So don't feel one bit of guilt over preferring that Ric; you're inspired, you're going to grow as a musician, and you're in some very good company.
 

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