Ric vs. Jazz

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Check it out.

This would be a much more accurate comparison between two types of basses, if he was actually playing a bass that sounded like a jazz bass. Not something with Yosemite pickups and no tone knob.

 

[frankie5string]

Ron Carter used a Ric when he was playing electric bass. A lot of the tracks he played on are really hard to pin down on a Ric sound. If anything, they sound like a Jazz bass played through something like a Polytone, but he insists he only had the Ric.

 

[Wood and Wire]

Check it out.

I think this video proves once, and for all, that no matter which iconic bass you prefer ; they can both be made to sound bland, and lifeless.

 

[RustyW2]

Ric all the way.

 

[Drog]

Y’all know how the bass guitar sits in the mix has absolutely 0 to do with what brand of bass it is. Right?

It just takes more EQing to get the Rick where you need it. IMO and I own both

 

[Drog]

- The Ricks fit me like a surgeon's rubber glove

Hmmm, the prostate Rick!?!?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I think this video proves once, and for all, that no matter which iconic bass you prefer ; they can both be made to sound bland, and lifeless.

Here is the great Ron Carter and his Rickenbacker.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Ron Carter on his Rickenbacker on this classic tune.



Michael Henderson on his Rickenbacker.

https://youtu.be/xz-oiib7Pls

Leon Sylvers III with his Rickenbacker.

 

[WillyW]

 

[Strung_Low]

Personal preference i like the ric, but that jazz tone you can take anywhere. Id get one of each. Cool comparo

 

[ElectricBass72]

I have both... but like the growl of the Ric better. The Jazz is a very handy bass, though. Easy to get good tones from neck or bridge pickups.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Old but well done demo of a Rickenbacker 4003.

 

[RustyW2]

Ron Carter on his Rickenbacker on this classic tune.



Michael Henderson on his Rickenbacker.
https://youtu.be/xz-oiib7Pls


Leon Sylvers III with his Rickenbacker.

The Ric 4001/4003 is often stereotyped as a one trick pony. The versatility of the Ric is spectacularly underrated!

 

[Wood and Wire]

Ron Carter on his Rickenbacker on this classic tune.



Michael Henderson on his Rickenbacker.
https://youtu.be/xz-oiib7Pls


Leon Sylvers III with his Rickenbacker.

Whilst not tones that many would typically associate with a Ric, both examples are a million miles away from bland, or lifeless.

 

[Bikeguy57]

Let this be a lesson kids...never mount your camera on the headstock. I'm nauseous!

 

[wvbass]

Both sound great, and surprisingly similar. However, I think this reminds me to never buy a Ric. The little bit of difference, to my ears, is a shift in the midrange center. On the Ric it is more "nasal," and I have repeatedly tried to keep my mids "present" with plenty of "bark" and "bite," but I always try to eliminate sounding "nasal" or "boxy."

Sigh. Using words to describe sounds has its limitations.

 

[mikeswals]

I have both, and they're nothing alike. The bridge pickup of a Ric is in about the same position as a P. So yeah not the same.

But when Ric came out with the 4003AC, I got one of those, and it was a much closer comparison. But the Ric pickups are wound to like 10. something K vs Jazz pickups being wound to 7. something K, still sounds different.

 

[Vinny_G]

I like both. In my experience they sound even more different when played with a pick.

 

[west al]

I've had both, and I'd give the edge to the Jazz. Especially, the USA Geddy Lee Jazz. It plays great, and has a sound that's so versatile. String it with D'Addario ETB92 Nylons, and Play!

 

[Paul New]

I wonder what people who say they sound similar are listening to? An iphone? But I get it, everybody hears something different.

This thread has really opened my ears to the Ric, which I never really paid much atention to before. It’s super versatile, but that toothy character is always there. Plus, i had no idea that Ron Carter ever played electric bass! I’m thinking maybe he should have...never mind...