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Questions about Rickenbackers

#21
If you've never played a Ric 4003s5 and want one I would highly recommend playing one before purchasing if you don't use a pick. The narrow string spacing is a killer to get used to IMO.

On to the thread topic. Rics tend to be a love 'em or hate 'em for players so that is why you hear that they are hard to play, one trick ponies and not user friendly. If you love and are used to a cookie cutter fender jazz style bass and switch to a Ric then you may have some problems and blame it on the Ric's different neck shape, p/u placement, bridge, etc. It all comes down to ........ if you are comfortable with playing it (which you said you were) and liked the tone (gorgeous according to you) then get it and don't worry about the complaints of others.
As far as choosing which to get that is a little tougher. The differences have been outlined here so I won't repeat. I've played each model and I like them all for different reasons. I'd suggest just playing whatever Rics are in your area and find the one that you like most and get it.....you really can't go wrong. :bassist:
(check out the forum link below for anything you want to know about Rickenbacker and a great group of knowledgeable, helpful people....like here but Ric specific :p )
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#22
Quote:and has the stereo sound (assuming I am correctly informed)? I played a 4003 in a store and it was an amazing bass with perfectly balanced.

Since nobody else mentioned this,The 4003 has a double jack
plate, one is for regular playing, the other one says:
"Ric-O-Sound" you have to order a little grey box from Ric
and plug it in that jack, then you can run 2 amps, one jack
on the box says High and the other Low,you then can control
it with the pickup switch. I sent off for one of these when I bought my Ric.It is alot of fun to play with. :)
 
#23
Isn't one more difference the two piece face plate (4003) vs one piece (4001)?

The first time i picked one up (i have small hands) i new it was 'right' for me.

Also, i saw a backpack-type super guitar strap that would be great for you... Anyone know what i am talking about/links for her?

Yes, you really do have to 'work' at a funk style on a rick. I thought i was too lame ot play that way until... I got my Peavey Graphite for funk-work... AAhhh, okay. Now i am playing flea/Mark (level 42)/spin doctors...

i ramble. :help:
 
#29
Been playing Ric basses since 1979, currently own 3. Squire's my fave too. I have one of a tiny number of lefty Chris Squire sig. model, the 4001CS.
If I were you, I'd find an early model 4003 '80-'84. They are great basses, without the shortfalls of the 4001, but with the cap which cuts the low-end from the treble pickup thus simulating the "Squire" tone. Or a new 4003 and put the cap in.
 
#31
I can't help you for a dealer in the Dallas area, but I used to live in Beaumont and have been all over Houston looking for gear. Parker Music (North Houston) usually had a pretty good selection (including a lefty Chris squire for $700, a NOS 2030, and a "shadow" 5 for $800...all new). All of these basses sold a few years ago... but it kept me checking back. the Guitar Center on Westheimer was a great place for used rics. Evans Music City is down the street from GC and hada decent selection. Sorry to hijack the thread.

Mike
 
#34
iualum said:
May I ask what these changes were? What were the replacement pups?
Click to expand...


Vintage toaster, like this.
00030.jpg
 
#36
mike_v_s said:
I can't help you for a dealer in the Dallas area, but I used to live in Beaumont and have been all over Houston looking for gear. Parker Music (North Houston) usually had a pretty good selection (including a lefty Chris squire for $700, a NOS 2030, and a "shadow" 5 for $800...all new). All of these basses sold a few years ago... but it kept me checking back. the Guitar Center on Westheimer was a great place for used rics. Evans Music City is down the street from GC and hada decent selection. Sorry to hijack the thread.

Mike
Click to expand...

I haven't been out to Parker Music in some 10 years! I need to head out that way again. Ten years ago, though, they had a great selection of Ricks, many different colors plus some fretless and 5-string models. I wonder what kind of selection they have these days. I work across the street from the Westheimer GC, and the last few times I've been in there, there hasn't been a Rick in sight (all Warwicks, Ibanezes, Schecters, and Fenders with the odd Music Man here and there).
 

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