Just got a rick, any suggestions?

[Jackcrow]

I’ve owned a 2019 4003 and a 1974 4001 and didn’t find either lacking in low end. Maybe I was expecting too much bright, trebly, no bottom end sound from what I’ve heard about Rickenbackers forever, but I was pretty surprised. Very useful sounds for a lot of different stuff.

 

[bassinplace]

 

[Ooba Tooba]

Hey Generation Zed: Can we see a pic of your 4003?

Congrats & Enjoy

Gen X. Also believe the phrase is condescending

 

[RhynoRock]

I used my Ric 4003 in two death metal bands years ago, believe me it'll provide lots of balls.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Also you misused the word Boomer. It is actually Boomer AF to be able to identify an old bass. What, did you just get here?

 

[dbsfgyd1]

LOL! Dude, I think you just insulted 80% of TalkBass! WTG!

As a card carrying boomer, I’ve been called worse...lol!

 

[staurosjohn]

**Update- found a (slightly) better pic... the guitarist/singer is the same lady/friend as the post below! (#69)

I played a (purchased new in 1976) RIC 4001 until 2010... the only constant was Roto 66 SS Swing Bass rounds & bridge pu cover removed... although I did keep the Peavey rig until I developed back issues! (sry for crappy pic- we (I) didn’t have mobile phones and/or decent cameras way back then)... circa 1980ish (my finger positioning tells me we were, probably, playing ‘Cinderella Man’ )

 

[MG Wolf]

Hey Generation Zed: Can we see a pic of your 4003?

Congrats & Enjoy

Gen X. Also believe the phrase is condescending View attachment 3716422

To Clarify (without consulting Dougie Coupland): Generation Z (or Zed) born between 1995-2012.

Not sure if that includes the OP or not, I was just brushing back the Boomer dis.

And hopefully we are ALL getting a trophy anyway.

Anywho, gotta run -- this Boomer's got a busy day ahead squandering precious resources.

Enjoy the Day ALL generations, and congrats again Baby Boy OP on your Rickenbacker Gen 4003.

 

[staurosjohn]

I played a (new in 1976) RIC until 2010... the only constant was Roto 66 SS Swing Bass rounds... although I did keep the Peavey rig until I developed back issues! (sry for crappy pic- we (I) didn’t have mobile phones and/or decent cameras way back then)

Here’s a ‘better’ pic- but the strings remained the same (circa 1989ish)

 

[gwangi]

Here is that RICK recorded in 1977. Gosh I was 25yrs old. Not a great studio sound, but on a budget ??
Not for sale, but when I Die..... its yours !

I just want to say thank's for sharing the recording, I think it sounds GREAT!!!! Man growing up in the 70's was FREAKING AWESOME!!!!

 

[lfmn16]

Don't quite know what his age has to do with it. Might want to learn how to move through life with a bit of grace. It will serve you well... Signed a Boomer

I don't know why people think "Boomer" is an insult. It means I can tie my own shoes, read a book, get from point a to point b without a handheld device and I don't have to go to the internet to have someone tell me what to do every time I have a problem. Maybe it's just me, but I think that's a good thing.

 

[smtp4me]

I just sold my 2017 4003S. Could not bond with it. Besides the baseball bat neck profile, the constant need to adjust the truss rods every time the temperature changed a few degrees (and the unnecessary dual truss rods) etc. - my biggest complaint was the tone, or lack of it. Ric has made modifications to their bass pickups over the years, that resulted in a deeper (IMHO muddier) tone. All the vintage Ric tone was missing from mine, even with the push/pull vintage pot engaged. At one point I considered replacing the factory pickups, and then decided to sell because, in my mind, I bought the bass because I was expecting a certain tone, and the idea of paying more money to get it where it should have been from the beginning, didn't sit well with me. And yes, I've owned other Rics (a 1983 4003).

I hope the OP enjoys theirs and gets many years of use. YMMV.

 

[lfmn16]

I just sold my 2017 4003S. Could not bond with it. Besides the baseball bat neck profile, the constant need to adjust the truss rods every time the temperature changed a few degrees (and the unnecessary dual truss rods) etc. - my biggest complaint was the tone, or lack of it. Ric has made modifications to their bass pickups over the years, that resulted in a deeper (IMHO muddier) tone. All the vintage Ric tone was missing from mine, even with the push/pull vintage pot engaged. At one point I considered replacing the factory pickups, and then decided to sell because, in my mind, I bought the bass because I was expecting a certain tone, and the idea of paying more money to get it where it should have been from the beginning, didn't sit well with me. And yes, I've owned other Rics (a 1983 4003).

I hope the OP enjoys theirs and gets many years of use. YMMV.

I had a 2012 that I hated; it sounded OK in the store, but very woodeny when I got home and played it with a band. The best one I owned was an early 70's, second best was an '81. I've played a bunch on newer ones that I didn't like.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

My advice:
If you need to order a part from an authorized source, and the part is expensive and should have more protection than a plastic bag in a thin "Bubble Mailer #1", like a PICKUP, check their homepage and if it says (in all caps) "ALL SALES FINAL" near the bottom, then before you buy you could try requesting that they ship it in foam in a BOX, or use a different source who will.
If I ever buy another Ric pickup I think I'll support one of our excellent custom builders or rewinders, if I can figure out what I want.

 

[tb-player]

...I'm sure the store owner is too boomer to realize.

LOL! Dude, I think you just insulted 80% of TalkBass! WTG!

Get ready for the obligatory “How old is everyone on TB?” post.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

I don't know why people think "Boomer" is an insult. It means I can tie my own shoes, read a book, get from point a to point b without a handheld device and I don't have to go to the internet to have someone tell me what to do every time I have a problem. Maybe it's just me, but I think that's a good thing.

I think it stems from the stereotype that anyone under 30 or whatever can’t do those things.

 

[bassstrangler]

Despite the lack of actual NBD pics of said bass...

Despite the lack of respect for anyone older than you...

Despite the fact you play your bass to someone or something called poopie...

If you want to sound like Geddy, you better practice and practice a lot. Of course you may be some wunderkind or child prodigy, or savant with extraordinary bass talents.

Buy yourself a Sansamp GED2112 or the YYZ pedal. Poopie will appreciate it when you play to them.

Get off my lawn....

 

[bassstrangler]

OKAY BOOMER

Where's the Don't like button?

 

[J de Villiers]

If you ever want to sell that old lefty please let me know. I have a kidney available (who needs two?)

Agreed - either a kidney or a "home invasion".

 

[bassplayer9512]

I recently bought a used 2011 4001 (not 4003, for some reason) Rickenbacker bass. I got it at norms, and I instantly fell in love with it. It recently arrived in the mail and I've been playing it to poopie. It's a great instrument, and probably already my favorite bass. Any suggestion on what pedals, amp settings, hell even mods (I know, heretical) that apply to a great rick sound? I'm going for a "Permanent Waves" tone, but I seem to lack the lower frequencies, but other than that it sounds like a million bucks.

I went with a set of pressure wound strings and have never regretted my decision.