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ric vs jazz

#21
Brand new Ric owner here as of a month ago and the Geddy jazz was my main squeeze for years. The main difference I notice between the two is the ric is a lot more "open" sounding while the jazz is more "focused". I can get a lot of similar tones between the two, mostly if I solo the bridge pickup on the ric. I feel like you won't be able to hear a huge difference on youtube videos or sound clips as the amp/strings/player is going to color 80% of the tone. Check one out in person so you can hear and feel the differences in the way the two basses react to your playing. You're either going to love or hate a ric, while a jazz bass you can more or less mold to your preference.
 
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#23
Similar to what other brothers have said earlier in this post...Its a very subjective thing...you like Coke or Pepsi? Ford or Chevy? Me, I prefer a Ric, I have a 4003S that is just sonic bliss with the bridge pickup soloed playing finger style. A Jazz bass, while I find super comfy to play, always lacked a little OOMPH in my humble opinion.
 
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#24
kkaarrll said:
well, this isn't helping me wanting a ric
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I had one, returned it, missed it, bought a second, and then I returned that one.

Rics look and sound great, and I think their necks are really unique and nice feeling. However, those slab tops can be a major PITA, as can their bridges. I also found them to have a lot of sharp edges.
 
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#25
jmattbassplaya said:
I had one, returned it, missed it, bought a second, and then I returned that one.

Rics look and sound great, and I think their necks are really unique and nice feeling. However, those slab tops can be a major PITA, as can their bridges. I also found them to have a lot of sharp edges.
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I feel like I'm one of the few that actually loves the stock ric bridge. I haven't had any problem intonating and I actually like the fact that you don't have the ability to adjust the height each saddle individually. Keeps the string radius the same without having to check it every time you adjust your string height. It looks super rad too
 
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#27
In a clinical test, there will be tonal differences. In the hands of a competent player, the player's own style may make the differences minimal. That being said, I can't get my Jazz to sound like my Ric, nor would I want to. Also, in a live setting I highly doubt anyone would notice on any more granular a level than "that sounds good" or "that sounds bad'.
 
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#28
The answer to your question is: yes and no. If you had the opportunity to compare every possible combination of Jazzes and Rics that currently exist, you may find two that sound identical. The problem is that each instrument has it's own personality and distinct sound. Many of the same model basses sound very similar, but not exactly alike. The trick to getting them to is to forge your own sound. If you always sound the same, the gear you use will, too, within reason. Tone really is a product of the player. This can be proven by playing one bass through the same rig for a whole set without constantly adjusting it. From rock to ballads to jazz... How can that be?
 
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#30
kkaarrll said:
can you not get the same tones out of each with your amps?
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These are the two basses I use in my main bands, and I'm gonna say: definitely not!

Based on pickup placement alone...

A Ric can't sound like a Jazz neck pickup solo-ed
A Ric can't sound like a Jazz bridge pickup solo-ed (but why would you want to?)
A Jazz can't sound like a Ric bridge pickup solo-ed
A Jazz can't sound like a Ric neck pickup solo-ed

With both pickups cranked, a Ric will sound deeper and a Jazz will sound clearer. And I'm comparing a Jazz with louder and more midrange-y aftermarket pickups (i.e. more Ric-like than any stock Jazz pickups I've come across).
 
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#31
Warpeg said:
Assuming the same amp, cabinet, and FX chain; what about pickup choices, string choices, variations in wood qualities, setup, nut material, bridge design and material, playing technique, etc.?
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I see your point about pickup selection, but aside from that...none of those other factors will have anywhere near as big an effect on the sound as these two basses' pickup positions. There is no wood, nut material, bridge design, or technique that will make any jazz bass sound like a Ric bridge pickup. :(
 
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#33
Another vote for no.

I have a 77 4001 and a 78 J. I can get them to sound similar but not the same.

BassChuck said:
The real question to ask, IMHO on all these tone issues (bass, wood, strings, amp) is whether or not the general public can 1.) tell a difference, and 2.) cares.
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Seeing as the general public isn't playing my bass or having to be happy with it why should I care if they can tell a difference or care?
 
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#38
I don't think these basses are that similar. Rics resonate a lot more than any Jazz I've ever played. While it may be possible to find a setting on both that acts as a sort of middle ground where they sound similar, the Ric has more diverse tonal options than the J will. All said and done, I'm not a Ric person. However, if you want the sound of a Ric, please don't go buy a J.
 
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