For what you play, a Precision would be wonderful. Drop a ToneStyler in that and you have one hell of an instrument.
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Purchase Advice: Precision or Rickenbacker?
- Thread starter BassUli
- Start date
For your style of music, either is just fine.
Anybody who says a Ric isn't versatile obviously hasn't spent any real time with one. The new ones, with the push/pull tone knob, have a LOT of sounds available. I play reggae, funk, blues, rock, jazz, R&B, prog, latin, and not once have I been told that my tone doesn't work. Of course it nails Rush, Yes, and all the other stuff like that, but it can (and does) do everything.
My two basses are a 2008 Precision with Seymour Duncan p'ups, and a 1984 4003. The P-bass basically collects dust. It's sad, because until I bought the Ric, I never saw my P as being anything other than my main player!
$0.02
Anybody who says a Ric isn't versatile obviously hasn't spent any real time with one. The new ones, with the push/pull tone knob, have a LOT of sounds available. I play reggae, funk, blues, rock, jazz, R&B, prog, latin, and not once have I been told that my tone doesn't work. Of course it nails Rush, Yes, and all the other stuff like that, but it can (and does) do everything.
My two basses are a 2008 Precision with Seymour Duncan p'ups, and a 1984 4003. The P-bass basically collects dust. It's sad, because until I bought the Ric, I never saw my P as being anything other than my main player!
$0.02
Although a current 4003 and P-bass have about the same nut width, the neck on the Rick has less taper, and will be more comfortable as you move up the neck. For the last 25+years. 4003's have had a completely different truss rod system, so there's nothing special about adjusting the necks anymore. They also have hotter pickups (12K), and the .0047 bass cut tone cap that was partially responsible for the stereo type of Ricks being only suitable for Yes tribute bands, can be switched on or off. Switching back and forth between two pickups that have their own individual volume and tone controls gives a lot of tonal possibilities, I feel more so than a P-bass. Deciding between a Jazz and a Rick would be a lot harder, but IMHO the 4003 is the more versatile choice, and will hold it's value better too. With the usual MF coupons, one can be had for about $1650.00 US. I got mine last year at MF for $1106.00, and love it, although I've modified it somewhat 
Another option would be the harder to find 4004, which has 15K humbucking pickups, and goes for about $100.00 more.
Another option would be the harder to find 4004, which has 15K humbucking pickups, and goes for about $100.00 more.Hello people,
I'd like to thank everybody for posting their opinions. That's some food for thought!
The cool side of this "poll" is that now I notice that both are great bass guitars and any choice I make, it won't be a wrong choice and I'm sure I won't regret it.
I was thinking maybe I'm not worthy of having a Rickenbacker yet. On the other hand I have no idea when there will be another opportunity to buy one. When Rickengeezer said I should buy both, that's true... I couldn't agree more. But unfortunately I have to choose only one this time (yea, making my wife bring 2 basses would turn her into She-Hulk)
Like some people say around here, it's a "good headache": it means that you have doubts between things, but the result will always be a good one. Sometimes I think I should get a P-Bass and sometimes I think I should get a Ric. Like EagleMoon said, if I get one, I'll want the other afterwards.
Well, I think that's it. Any more opinions are welcome. Thanks everybody!
I'd like to thank everybody for posting their opinions. That's some food for thought!
The cool side of this "poll" is that now I notice that both are great bass guitars and any choice I make, it won't be a wrong choice and I'm sure I won't regret it.
I was thinking maybe I'm not worthy of having a Rickenbacker yet. On the other hand I have no idea when there will be another opportunity to buy one. When Rickengeezer said I should buy both, that's true... I couldn't agree more. But unfortunately I have to choose only one this time (yea, making my wife bring 2 basses would turn her into She-Hulk)
Like some people say around here, it's a "good headache": it means that you have doubts between things, but the result will always be a good one. Sometimes I think I should get a P-Bass and sometimes I think I should get a Ric. Like EagleMoon said, if I get one, I'll want the other afterwards.
Well, I think that's it. Any more opinions are welcome. Thanks everybody!
I've had several of each over the years. Each has it's own inherent sound based in it's design and selection of wood. And the Rick is IMHO a work of art...but the P Bass is simple the bass to own if only one is possible to own. My experiences are aligned with most of the working pro's going back 50 years. The Fender bass simple fits into a mix of instruments better than anything else. Think back to the beginning....Fender Gibson, Rickenbacker and others all started with a blank slate and a new market. Fender has dominated. Overwhelmingly. Not because of marketing hype, but because of the inherent sound of the instrument. When push comes to shove I've sold my Ricks to fund other things.
I don't really care which you choose. I just hope you love playing it.
Good luck!
I don't really care which you choose. I just hope you love playing it.
Good luck!
Rickenbacker all the way man!! I used to be a fender freak until i found the light!! Hahaha, now seriuously, get the rick, i live in mexico and it's a similar situation
I say buy a Fender Special Run Mexico Precision Bass, with an Ash body. I'd take a 2 or 3 piece Ash body over most any Alder instrument. It just resonates better, with a sweeter sound.
I also like the Squier Classic Vibe 60's Precision. They're the most "Fender" basses I've seen in some time. I do wish they'd put better tuners on them, though. You can easily change to Mexican Fender tuners with no need for additional drill holes.
The American Standards are way overpriced.
I also like the Squier Classic Vibe 60's Precision. They're the most "Fender" basses I've seen in some time. I do wish they'd put better tuners on them, though. You can easily change to Mexican Fender tuners with no need for additional drill holes.
The American Standards are way overpriced.
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Although a current 4003 and P-bass have about the same nut width, the neck on the Rick has less taper, and will be more comfortable as you move up the neck. For the last 25+years. 4003's have had a completely different truss rod system, so there's nothing special about adjusting the necks anymore. They also have hotter pickups (12K), and the .0047 bass cut tone cap that was partially responsible for the stereo type of Ricks being only suitable for Yes tribute bands, can be switched on or off. Switching back and forth between two pickups that have their own individual volume and tone controls gives a lot of tonal possibilities, I feel more so than a P-bass. Deciding between a Jazz and a Rick would be a lot harder, but IMHO the 4003 is the more versatile choice, and will hold it's value better too. With the usual MF coupons, one can be had for about $1650.00 US. I got mine last year at MF for $1106.00, and love it, although I've modified it somewhat
Dane ... that Rick in your avatar is awesome! More pics please
Too subjective a question for anyone except you to answer definitively.
Personally, if I roll off some of the treble on my Ric, it'll get me far enough into "Precision" territory to suit me, but a Precision will never give you that signature Ric "clank."
I think the Ric is a more versatile bass, but as I said, it's all a matter of personal taste & opinion.
Personally, if I roll off some of the treble on my Ric, it'll get me far enough into "Precision" territory to suit me, but a Precision will never give you that signature Ric "clank."
I think the Ric is a more versatile bass, but as I said, it's all a matter of personal taste & opinion.
Owned both. Have disliked and sold every Rick I've owned (3) and liked every U.S. P Bass I've owned (4). I'm not adverse to another Rick and am sure I can get one that will suit me, but for an out of the box good to go bass it's hard to beat a P Bass. Simple operation, good tone, easy to maintain, they sit well in a mix, and quirks are not common. I believe your chances of being satisfied with your choice will be better with a Precision.
My history with Rocks, all 3 4001 basses:
1st Rick sounded good, but it wasn't comfortable to play, literally rubbed my forearm raw. All 4 of my 4001s did this
2nd Rick sounded like arse and didn't play well either. Action was nice but the neck felt square and would wear me out over time.
3rd Rick played well, but had Seymour Duncan replacement pickups that lacked... everything. Didn't stand out in a mix, sounded like arse by itself. They were supposed to be an upgrade??
1st Precision played and sounded great, old and used, but back around 1980/81 I'd gotten it in my head that active basses were better and I gave it to a friend who'd lost his Jazz and had a gig (I had a MM Sabre as my main at the time). It had the V shape neck that supposedly didn't exist but in later years Fender offered on Strats as an option. Very pronounced V and thin. Wish I still had it.
2nd Precision was a mid 70s that I dropped an EMG PJ set in, had the finish removed from the back of the neck and a D-tuner. Weighted a ton, but played and sounded incredible. Sold when I started playing 5 string basses. Dumb, wish I still had it.
3rd Precision was also heavy (11 pounds) and sounded great, but seemed to have the ramp issue around the 15-17th frets. Refretted it a few times but I couldn't get the neck right so I sold it. Beautiful bass (candy apple red with matching headstock) but I got tired of futzing with it to get it where I wanted it, wish I'd known of JohnK back then. Only maple fingerboard Fender bass I've owned; refretting a maple fingerboard sucks so I'll probably stick to rosewood Ps in the future.
4th Precision a 1963 refin with replacement hardware but original electronics. One of the best playing basses I've ever owned (setup by JohnK) and a great tone, but having a little trouble with string to string balance (pickup issue). Going to drop an old EMG P in it (no drilling) to see if I can get the tone of P Bass #2.
I've owned a lot of basses but these are the ones that are germane to your question. I want to own a Rick that I'm happy with as they are beautiful basses and I dig the sound when other people play them, but I have not had much luck with them. I've played them in stores and at friend's houses and liked them, but that's different than owning one and playing it in band setting.
Good luck!
My history with Rocks, all 3 4001 basses:
1st Rick sounded good, but it wasn't comfortable to play, literally rubbed my forearm raw. All 4 of my 4001s did this
2nd Rick sounded like arse and didn't play well either. Action was nice but the neck felt square and would wear me out over time.
3rd Rick played well, but had Seymour Duncan replacement pickups that lacked... everything. Didn't stand out in a mix, sounded like arse by itself. They were supposed to be an upgrade??
1st Precision played and sounded great, old and used, but back around 1980/81 I'd gotten it in my head that active basses were better and I gave it to a friend who'd lost his Jazz and had a gig (I had a MM Sabre as my main at the time). It had the V shape neck that supposedly didn't exist but in later years Fender offered on Strats as an option. Very pronounced V and thin. Wish I still had it.
2nd Precision was a mid 70s that I dropped an EMG PJ set in, had the finish removed from the back of the neck and a D-tuner. Weighted a ton, but played and sounded incredible. Sold when I started playing 5 string basses. Dumb, wish I still had it.
3rd Precision was also heavy (11 pounds) and sounded great, but seemed to have the ramp issue around the 15-17th frets. Refretted it a few times but I couldn't get the neck right so I sold it. Beautiful bass (candy apple red with matching headstock) but I got tired of futzing with it to get it where I wanted it, wish I'd known of JohnK back then. Only maple fingerboard Fender bass I've owned; refretting a maple fingerboard sucks so I'll probably stick to rosewood Ps in the future.
4th Precision a 1963 refin with replacement hardware but original electronics. One of the best playing basses I've ever owned (setup by JohnK) and a great tone, but having a little trouble with string to string balance (pickup issue). Going to drop an old EMG P in it (no drilling) to see if I can get the tone of P Bass #2.
I've owned a lot of basses but these are the ones that are germane to your question. I want to own a Rick that I'm happy with as they are beautiful basses and I dig the sound when other people play them, but I have not had much luck with them. I've played them in stores and at friend's houses and liked them, but that's different than owning one and playing it in band setting.
Good luck!
If he wanted to sound unique then the Fender and the Rickenbacker would both be out. Derp!
your best bet is to try both I always wanted a ric but i play a jazz.broke down and got me a 2012 4003 and loved the sound but i couldnt get used to it . it just was not comfortable to play for me.but some people love them so good luck which ever you choose.
I own several Rickenbackers as well as a 1982 Fender P. While I realize that feel is completely subjective, my Fender P sits in it's case while my Rickenbackers all get played.
One of my Rickenbackers is a 1973 4001. The neck on my 2011 4003 and 2012 4004 is a completely different profile. It is more of a D shape than a C shape. like the 73 4001 and my Fender P. Yes, Rickenbackers have less taper and more consistency up and down the neck.
Rickenbackers tend to be responsive to changes in humidity. On many of my Rickenbackers, I tweek the truss rods twice a year. Once in the fall and once in the spring. It's easy to do and takes 3 minutes.
If the thought of being a little more proactive with your bass does not scare you and you want to own and play something that no one in your area will have, go for the Rickenbacker. I was just at Pick of the Ric's yesterday and Chris has two brand new Mapleglo 4003's for sale. He is great to do business with and no one knows Rickenbackers better than him!
Best of luck!!
Sepp
One of my Rickenbackers is a 1973 4001. The neck on my 2011 4003 and 2012 4004 is a completely different profile. It is more of a D shape than a C shape. like the 73 4001 and my Fender P. Yes, Rickenbackers have less taper and more consistency up and down the neck.
Rickenbackers tend to be responsive to changes in humidity. On many of my Rickenbackers, I tweek the truss rods twice a year. Once in the fall and once in the spring. It's easy to do and takes 3 minutes.
If the thought of being a little more proactive with your bass does not scare you and you want to own and play something that no one in your area will have, go for the Rickenbacker. I was just at Pick of the Ric's yesterday and Chris has two brand new Mapleglo 4003's for sale. He is great to do business with and no one knows Rickenbackers better than him!
Best of luck!!
Sepp
