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Need good amp for rickenbacker 4003

C

chrissoup

Apr 5, 2019
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3
#1
A few years back I purchased my dream bass, a Rickenbacker 4003, and unfortunately I can't seem to find a good amp for it. I tried a few combo amps, including my fender rumble 200 and an ampeg combo, but they can't seem to "handle" it. The biggest problem is playing almost any note on the E string makes the amp "Pop", making the note sound like it's clipping. Do I need to look into getting a more expensive amplifier?
Thanks
 
#2
The easiest solution is to turn the bass knob down some.

The more flexible solution is to add another speaker cabinet.
 
#5
chrissoup said:
A few years back I purchased my dream bass, a Rickenbacker 4003, and unfortunately I can't seem to find a good amp for it. I tried a few combo amps, including my fender rumble 200 and an ampeg combo, but they can't seem to "handle" it. The biggest problem is playing almost any note on the E string makes the amp "Pop", making the note sound like it's clipping. Do I need to look into getting a more expensive amplifier?
Thanks
Click to expand...


Rics do not have any sort of super hot output that requires an extraordinary amp. This sounds more like you may be hitting one of the the pickup pole pieces with the E string.

Also consider gain staging. You can clip an amp anywhere in the signal path. If your amp has these features, try engaging the input pad or plugging into an active input. (probably unnecessary with a 4003). Also you may need to reduce the gain on the input. Some amps have little blinky lights. Basically you turn up the gain until the lights barely blinks when you play super loud.

Now if the problem is because you are playing louder than the amp can play (exceeding the amp's power rating)...turn down until you can buy a more powerful amp.
 
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#12
I was pretty much having the same issues you are/were having. My band plays tuned down a half step and I was experiencing the popping noise you speak of. Because of my E string being a tad loose I narrowed it down to coming into contact with one of the pole pieces on the bridge pick up. I lowered the top portion of the bridge pup a hair and I no longer have the annoying pop no matter how aggressive I play. There is no noticeable difference in the tone after the adjustment.

As far as amps go, I've gone through a few Ampegs before finally settling on a Fender Bassman 800 and a 410 rumble cab. I am in love with how this pair sounds. If you shop around you can find a good deal. I found the head and cab used in excellent condition through Reverb and Guitar Center and ended up paying less than a grand for the whole rig. You can also get a good sound from their Rumble series, however there aren't any tubes. A 4003 and a good tube amp sound amazing together.

Hope this helps.
 

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