Played my first Rick yesterday

[Gizmot]

Yes - Rics are fantastic! I've been playing one for almost 40 years and it still sounds and plays incredibly well. I will NEVER get rid of mine.

I also love the fact that you don't see a lot of them being used - a good thing in my opinion.

I don't watch the used market every day, but there are quite a few used Rics for sale that easily approach or surpass the price of a new one. The late 60s - 70s models seem to command a higher price. Rics from that era have a different neck profile than the new ones do and in my opinion, play much better.

Either way - new or used, vintage or fresh, get a Ric - you'll love it.

 

[kcole4001]

I've never played a Rik bass-- although I have played their guitars and thought they were wonderful.

Always hear stories about the Ricks being a bare to work on and problems with truss rods... though I've long been skeptical of such reports. Personally, once I have a bass set the way I like, I leave it be. No experimenting with strings, or pickups, etc. Anyone with experience verify if the instruments actually are a PIA to maintain?

To the OP I'd say if you played the instrument and liked it-- go for it!

I find the older ones (any with the three piece neck) are 'set it and forget it' as far as set up goes.
It is more of a pain than some to get set up, but once you're there you don't have seasonal adjustments of any significance (if at all) to make.
The newer ones with the two piece do need some seasonal neck adjustment, yet not a lot.

For reference I have a 1976, 1977, 1981, and a 2010.
The 2010 is my main player and needs slight attention occasionally.
The older basses stay put for years or until you change the string gauge or tension.

 

[mellowinman]

Hey mellow - thanks for the graphic display of pure misery!
I can tell from the picture that the bass must be a real neck diver, just look at how far you have to lean right to compensate for it! I can also plainly see from the way you have to hold your fretting hand completely open that there must be horrible fret sprout as well. And just look at that terrible red paint job, its already faded to a lighter shade in the middle of the bass. I guess you're stuck with it now, no sense offloading it to some poor unsuspecting soul. Just continue to be the professional you are and try to make the best of the crappy situation.

Yeah it sucks so bad that my three Fender Jazzes (which I LOVE, by the way,) sit mostly collecting dust.

Who knows? Maybe there's money in a good dust collection.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I think a Ric and a Jazz will cover the vast majority of desirable bass tones. Personally, I like Ric tones best with a pick to really accentuate that classic growl, but they sound great fingerstyle too. Certainly not for everyone, but if you can get past the (lack of concession to) ergonomics, they are great basses. Best to play one in person to avoid any QC issues, mail order is luck of the draw, and they vary a lot from bass to bass. If you like it , you'll always like it.

 

[mellowinman]

I think a Ric and a Jazz will cover the vast majority of desirable bass tones. Personally, I like Ric tones best with a pick to really accentuate that classic growl, but they sound great fingerstyle too. Certainly not for everyone, but if you can get past the (lack of concession to) ergonomics, they are great basses. Best to play one in person to avoid any QC issues, mail order is luck of the draw, and they vary a lot from bass to bass. If you like it , you'll always like it.

It's so strange; I actually feel more comfortable playing the Ric than the Jazzes. It feels like a sleek, sexy beast, and even though I have one of the thicker necks, it is quite fast and supple. I guess its a matter of how you like to hold it, and what your technique is. I find the Ric one nice player!

 

[Axtman]

Also keep in mind that the 4001 and 4003 models are different sonically.

 

[mtdkingstonheir]

I've always wanted a Ric (big McCartney - Beatles fan) and this discussion is giving me major Ric GAS. To the OP, if you like the sound, feel, looks get that Ric!