NBD: RICKENBACKER

[Ric5]

As some may remeber from a sleepaid induced nonsense post a few months back, I had questions about Ricks. Well, instead of asking I went ahead and ordered one from Sweetwater.

I was planning to do a box opening etc pictoral but my wife inboxed it before I got home. My birthday is Wednesday and as it happened, my wife and I were on a walk last week and she asked what I wanted and I said "nothing". Seeetwater called that day and asked if I still wanted the bass I ordered in April. I said why not! Anyway, Saturday morning my wife figured out what she was waiting to sign for. Well, she know some sort of bass but not the model.

First impression is that it was made with care. It feels like a fine instrument. The action is low. I have to figure out what the knobs do....it didnt come with an instruction manual. I'll play with it for a whole but it seems like the pickup cover is goong to have to go. Here are a few pics!View attachment 4761519 View attachment 4761520 View attachment 4761521 View attachment 4761522 View attachment 4761524

it is very 1973 looking

 

[Stewie]

I tried one in a music store in the late eighties, being used to high actioned Fenders, it felt awkward. I wish I had bought it and figured out how to play it, but at least I didn’t spend the $200

 

[Stewie]

It wasn’t nearly as pretty as yours

 

[Mo cowbell]

I tried one in a music store in the late eighties, being used to high actioned Fenders, it felt awkward. I wish I had bought it and figured out how to play it, but at least I didn’t spend the $200

OUCH!!! $200!!! I feel your pain. Around 1985 a 1969 Precision was available in a local shop for around $200. It needed a new neck and I just didn't have the cash or wherewithal to get it.

 

[OkayistBassist]

Beautiful instrument!

In addition to the information with the knobs and Ric-O-Sound, you also have a mute located in the tailpiece/ bridge. Being that you mentioned Rush earlier the thread, you’re probably not interested in that. I feel it’s good information to know.

My old 4003W was strung with flats and I utilized it. I loved the sound out of it. Alas, I am back down to just one Ric for now. I leave that one to bring hell when I need it to.

Enjoy yours and happy birthday!

 

[Stewie]

OUCH!!! $200!!! I feel your pain. Around 1985 a 1969 Precision was available in a local shop for around $200. It needed a new neck and I just didn't have the cash or wherewithal to get it.

Late 70s, at a used instrument store, a 51P mint in the case with tags still on the strings, leather strap and cord $675. I had 375 in my pocket and he wouldn’t hold it for 2 hours. Got back and it was gone. The tags explained tuning to EADG and proudly announced that the new bass allowed accurate intonation. Double ouch!

 

[Blue Moose]

Sweet!

 

[Mo cowbell]

Beautiful instrument!

In addition to the information with the knobs and Ric-O-Sound, you also have a mute located in the tailpiece/ bridge. Being that you mentioned Rush earlier the thread, you’re probably not interested in that. I feel it’s good information to know.

My old 4003W was strung with flats and I utilized it. I loved the sound out of it. Alas, I am back down to just one Ric for now. I leave that one to bring hell when I need it to.

Enjoy yours and happy birthday!

Thanks! I'll check it out!

 

[mikecd1]

Congratulations on your new Ric! Enjoy and play in good health. Must say its making me miss my old 72 4001! This must be wonderful!

 

[cymbop]

Beautiful, beautiful axe.

 

[pbass2]

That binding---so awesome. Congrats, that's a beaut!

 

[Bulltrout]

Sweet bass, congratulations!

 

[9c1ny]

I like yours! I ordered one a few months ago and it was very reddish compared to the more orange variant. I sold it

 

[TTA]

Lovely bass. I got a 2020 special build with monty brown, cb binding, toaster neck pickup, single tr, and flamed maple.

 

[Mo cowbell]

I like yours! I ordered one a few months ago and it was very reddish compared to the more orange variant. I sold itView attachment 4762756

The pics don't do the Autimnglow justice. Once i get rid of the PUcover I think Im really going to have fun with this. In my crazy post a few months ago I think I mentioned that I played so hard that the strings would contact the pickups. I said something about clanking like an alien. Either the strings are higher from the pickups or my playing style has changed from 30 years ago.... either way, this is a nice Bass to play.

 

[dStar]

That headstock has me mesmerized…

 

[sheikbass]

She’s gorgeous! Is that a factory-new bass? I have a 1976 AutumnGlo, but no checkerboard binding as I think Ric stopped using that technique in 1973. I absolutely love my Ricky!

 

[Mo cowbell]

She’s gorgeous! Is that a factory-new bass? I have a 1976 AutumnGlo, but no checkerboard binding as I think Ric stopped using that technique in 1973. I absolutely love my Ricky!View attachment 4770543View attachment 4770545

Man! That’s nice.
Yes, brand new.

 

[Gnorr]

Like the OP, I was determined to remove the pickup cover on mine. I was sure it would be in the way. But three years later, it's still on there, and now I actually find it useful! I rest my pinky on it and sometimes use it as a thumb rest. For once, procrastination worked in my favor!

 

[Mo cowbell]

Like the OP, I was determined to remove the pickup cover on mine. I was sure it would be in the way. But three years later, it's still on there, and now I actually find it useful! I rest my pinky on it and sometimes use it as a thumb rest. For once, procrastination worked in my favor!

My laziness knows no bounds. I was thinking the same thing could happen with me as well. We shall see.