Rickenbacker 4001 - - - Love or Hate?

[Gibenbackerbass]

I can relate to that because they do feel very different from a standard "Fender" style bass. The fact that the neck is barely thicker at the body than it is at the nut makes it feel different. The heavily painted and varnished neck (and varnished fingerboard) makes it feel different. The shape of the neck and even the pickup cover (if you leave it on) causes it to feel different.

The other thing I've noticed again and again is that almost every single time I see a Rick in a store, it's set up terribly - with almost unplayably high action. I don't know why this is. My guess would be that maybe most guitar stores don't know how to set up a Rick and don't want to risk screwing it up given its price tag.

A proper setup is everything. And I agree, most Rics in shops are in desprate need of a proper setup. The same is probably true for many that are in players hands as well.

 

[Tarrbot]

A proper setup is everything. And I agree, most Rics in shops are in desprate need of a proper setup. The same is probably true for many that are in players hands as well.

Here's a modification of that...

Most basses in shops need a proper setup period. A bass that's different, like a Rickenbacker, is especially prone to idiot tuneups that reflect poorly on them.

My S/5 is smooth. Action is divine. Sounds are lovely. It's just an overall joy to play, even with the tight spacing on this particular bass.

That's probably why I love it so much. Despite this tight spacing on this model (4003S/5) the setup of it is perfect to me.

So, I play it constantly.

Yes, a proper setup is essential on this bass.

 

[Tarrbot]

I love the juxtoposition here between the thread title (4001) and this 4004 you have.

It looks great and I can only imagine how it sounds.

 

[Lazyboy]

Love or Hate?

My '72 4001 is one of only two full scale basses left in my collection.

That ought to say something.

Yeah, I know, it's only 33.25"

 

[Gibenbackerbass]

I have one too. It's pictured in the Rickenbacker Club thread.

I have DR Hi-Beams, LR5-40 on it. 40-60-80-100-120 gauge. They sound sweet. What do you have on yours?

Here's a modification of that...

Most basses in shops need a proper setup period. A bass that's different, like a Rickenbacker, is especially prone to idiot tuneups that reflect poorly on them.

My S/5 is smooth. Action is divine. Sounds are lovely. It's just an overall joy to play, even with the tight spacing on this particular bass.

That's probably why I love it so much. Despite this tight spacing on this model (4003S/5) the setup of it is perfect to me.

So, I play it constantly.

Yes, a proper setup is essential on this bass.

 

[Tarrbot]

I just put Rotosound Trubass black nylon flats on mine but I used the 6 string set and tossed the low B since it was .135 so I'm sporting 50-65-75-100-115 with some low tension going on.

I barely have to touch a fret now. It's not spaghetti, mind you but it's nice and low on the tension side.

Before that I used D'A Chromes 45-65-80-100-132. Fat B on that.

I like the Chromes a lot but I'm pretty impressed with the black nylon flats.