Hm.
I had 4001 back in 1978/79. If I remember well, all of my buddies played Fenders and I wanted Ric so badly. The day when I got it, I almost fainted of happiness. I payed cash in some store in London...guy in the store was asking if I need anything else, I just shake my head, went out to the street, sat on the case and almost passed away of happiness. Up to that point I never seen Ric, never had it in my hands. But...kids then and kids now - same thing. I just wanted it because Glen Hughes had it. Seeing it at the cover of "Made in Europe", I knew it's something special.
Appearance was amazing. It was one and only bass I ever wanted so badly. After excitement passed, I discovered (my huge disappointment), it had a very low signal. I had to have much more powerful amp to compete with the rest of the band/colleagues bassists...Than I found my G and d strings we a bit more quieter than A, and E was kind of dull... OK, I managed to change original strings and get a bit better result (Roto Sound). I played with the pick and I was in awe some times how it sounded, specially with Roto sound. I remember having trouble with those metal covers, even hurting myself couple of times. I remember pain I had in my left hand because of that C neck (actually, I think I was just young and undeveloped player - as I am still today, I think). Anyway, every other guy in the city was green of jealousy. I was struggling to play that neck, hurting myself and loving the sound I can get.
Back in a day, we did not know much about "capacitors", different bridges, not even mention to try to replace pick-ups (with what? With Aria or Hagstrom pick ups?). Remember - in the given time there were just 3 major brands - Fender, Gibson And Ric. All other junk was just for "kids" (Teisco? Ibanez? give me a break! Pure Japanese junk...) Some people still think so.... Up to 1995 I even did not know what 5 string is for and how to tune it.. But, thank God I grow up somehow.
Now, I cannot understand how someone can play 4 strings... it's too much work and never get right sound....I am honest to God - I am having huge problem now to play 4 strings bass.... And, than - that small thing call 9V battery in guitar? Well. I have it in every of my guitars. And guess what? In one of them I have even 2 9V batteries! With that guitar I can almost recreate that Ric sound and have even more options than with anything else I ever tried to play. I am very happy owner of Tune bass. I have incredible comfortable neck, wide variety of sounds, almost Ric sound and much more...
Except. I want one jetglo Ric to put in the corner and just to take look on it occasionally.
But, I am not paying $2000+, even if Glenn Hughes, Roger Glover, Stanley Clarke and 300 other bass players come to my door to deliver it. I would pay $500 for guitar and will toss $100 for nostalgia. Otherwise, screw them! I am happy with my Tune, made in Korea.
