My First Ric

[Green Knight]

At age 51, I got my first Ric, a used 2023 4003 I found for a great price in Canada and jumped on immediately. The only issue is some scuffing on the finish where someone looks to have cleaned it with, like, a brillo pad.

I avoided Rics before because I heard the necks were huge, but then a local bass guru informed me the recent 4003 necks are way different.

This is a belated NBD because I rage-broke this new-to-me bass trying to get the pickup cover off so I could raise the action without the E vibrating against that fake chrome bar. Heh heh. Reid's music in Mount Pearl did a great job as always.

Anyway, I loved this bass immediately ... like, where-you-been-all-my-life kind of thing, and our guitarist now believes in God because I finally showed up with something fit for a rock band. I felt instantly at home with the body shape and neck. Even before the pickup cover fiasco, I found the pick-guard to be thumb-anchor enough, but with the cover off it's even easier. Lots of diverse tones on tap. Very responsive to technique.

I think I'm going to sell my other two basses.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

I think I'm going to sell my other two basses.

Blasphemy. Wait until the honeymoon is over, then give it another year before rethinking that goal.

 

[nixdad]

At age 51, I got my first Ric, a used 2023 4003 I found for a great price in Canada and jumped on immediately. The only issue is some scuffing on the finish where someone looks to have cleaned it with, like, a brillo pad.

I avoided Rics before because I heard the necks were huge, but then a local bass guru informed me the recent 4003 necks are way different.

This is a belated NBD because I rage-broke this new-to-me bass trying to get the pickup cover off so I could raise the action without the E vibrating against that fake chrome bar. Heh heh. Reid's music in Mount Pearl did a great job as always.

Anyway, I loved this bass immediately ... like, where-you-been-all-my-life kind of thing, and our guitarist now believes in God because I finally showed up with something fit for a rock band. I felt instantly at home with the body shape and neck. Even before the pickup cover fiasco, I found the pick-guard to be thumb-anchor enough, but with the cover off it's even easier. Lots of diverse tones on tap. Very responsive to technique.

I think I'm going to sell my other two basses.
View attachment 6994315

Congrats!
- Is your bass strung with rounds or flats?
- Do you primarily play with tigers or a pick?

 

[Andre678]

Congrats!
- Is your bass strung with rounds or flats?
- Do you primarily play with tigers or a pick?

Choosing between tigers and picks it has to be tigers right?

 

[Green Knight]

Congrats!
- Is your bass strung with rounds or flats?
- Do you primarily play with tigers or a pick?

Rounds! I’m all about fingers.

 

[Wyrdlow]

Heartiest congratulations! I remain delighted with mine after nine very enjoyable years. I was 51 too. I only wish I'd done it sooner.

I don't play my other basses as much, but... sell them?! I'd rethink that bit!

I wish you many happy years together. Enjoy!

 

[nixdad]

Choosing between tigers and picks it has to be tigers right?

Jeez - I hate auto-word manipulation B.S.!
Too funny - Fingers or pick, but you already knew that.

 

[ajkula66]

Rounds! I’m all about fingers.

Keep on giving the middle finger to you know what, and enjoy that Ric, good sir...

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Jeez - I hate auto-word manipulation B.S.!
Too funny - Fingers or pick, but you already knew that.

The auto replace could have been worse on the second word!

 

[Pdaddy1978]

You got one .... and I didn't...again.
Rats!
Congratulations , its a beauty.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Blasphemy. Wait until the honeymoon is over, then give it another year before rethinking that goal.

You did say your first Ric

Congratulations!

 

[nixdad]

The auto replace could have been worse on the second word!

 

[Jeff Scott]

Congrats, GK!

 

[PennyroyalWe]

HNBD! It’s gorgeous!

I want a Ric. I don’t want to buy a Ric.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I’m also in the Rickenbacker is kicking most of my other basses to the curb phase. I got a 2023 4003S as well, it’s way gnarlier sounding than my ‘85 which is mellow in comparison. The ‘85 has a jazz like C profile so it’s even slimmer, but after really bonding with a Gibson Non-Reverse Thunderbird the slim D shape on the 2023 feels super comfortable as well.
Enjoy that bass, they really have never been better! They finally put all the good variations on one bass and slimmed down the 2x4 of a neck they’ve been happy to pump out for the last decade or two.

 

[smurfco]

great choice!!

 

[Killing Floor]

You make good decisions

 

[SharpCat]

I play with tiger.
<-- small tiger

I think you should check your spelling--you misspelled "buy two more" as "sell two".

 

[2thAche]

Congrats!
- Is your bass strung with rounds or flats?
- Do you primarily play with tigers or a pick?

 

[One Way]

Congratulations on your first Ric. I bought my first, a new 2023, after visiting a friend in AZ and playing his. His had a wealth of different tones available and I found it very comfortable to play. Several months later my local independent music store had several for me to try and I took home a new 4003 Mapleglo. I’m glad people have choices between the S and non-S versions. I found I preferred the 4003, binding didn’t bother me in the slightest and I prefer the bound neck, much easier for me to see the side fret marker dots on dark stages. Jazz basses were always my preference (tone always favoring the neck pickup) however I find myself considering selling my J bass simply because I find the Ric so versatile. May I provide you with many years and moments of happiness.