Rickenbacker 4001

[Kink Rimson]

Do these basses sound ok when played through a normal bass amp, ignoring the stereo option? I have the opportunity to pick one up at a good price but I'm worried the capped bridge pickup will have an adverse affect on the sound, and I do like my low end!
It'll be played through an Ashdown ABM500, fingerstyle.

 

[Chronicle]

rickenbacker 4001's are even better than the 4003 series- i highly suggest getting it.

 

[loendmaestro]

Most everybody ignores the stereo option.

As for the dreaded .0047 cap, my advice would be to yank it ASAP. Made a world of difference on my 74 4001. Though it should still sound OK with it...

 

[Gegatso]

Totally agree with both of the previous posts. Don't even worry about the stereo option. Mine has been stellar through 25 years of different amps. The cap on the bridge pickup will have to be your decision. Mine's still on, but that's just me and the sound I'm going for with that bass.

Mark

 

[ustabawannab]

rickenbacker 4001's are even better than the 4003 series- i highly suggest getting it.

Why are they better?

As for the original post question. It is not necessary to use the stereo option.

The cap feature can be disconnected. Or you can buy a 4003 with a "Vintage" tone switch (like mine) and enable and disable.

 

[him666]

I really would leave the cap in. Then just put the Valve Drive knob up and you will get a really nice growly Ric sound..

 

[Kink Rimson]

I really would leave the cap in. Then just put the Valve Drive knob up and you will get a really nice growly Ric sound..

That sounds good. I was worried the bass would sound a bit castrated, if you see what I mean. Watch this space!

 

[him666]

You can always buy a Sansamp Bass Driver to get even closer to King Kringsom, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire Ric sounds..

 

[12bass]

I'm worried the capped bridge pickup will have an adverse affect on the sound, and I do like my low end!

I put a switch on my 4001 to bypass the capacitor. The bridge pickup has much more overall volume, and way more bottom with the cap bypassed. I almost always keep the switch in the bypassed position. You can probably contact Rickenbacker and order a replacement tone control with the "vintage" bypass switch.

 

[ustabawannab]

You can always buy a Sansamp Bass Driver to get even closer to King Kringsom, Geddy Lee and Chris Squire Ric sounds..

My Sansamp set to SVT really brings out the Ric sound.

What's really interesting is the Slap setting and the Vintage tone on the Ric (cap in) then through an Ibanez Flanger. All volume and tone controls full. With a pick between the bridge and neck pup. Just like CS's sound on Tempus Fugit.

OMG!

 

[Rocinante_x1]

What is this Cap you guys are talking about?

 

[PrimusNut]

BUY IT! You will never regret buying it, but you will definatly regret it if you don't.

That is all.

-Curtis

 

[mike_v_s]

Why are they better?

Thinner neck.

Mike

 

[snackbandit]

just a quick question concerning rick 4001's...how much do they weigh?

 

[him666]

Thinner neck.

Mike

The new 4003 series will get the same neck profile as the 4001 used to have.

 

[Pennydreadful]

The new 4003 series will get the same neck profile as the 4001 used to have.

Oh, I didn't know that. That's pretty cool.

 

[12bass]

just a quick question concerning rick 4001's...how much do they weigh?

Mine weighs somewhere around 9lbs.

 

[Chronicle]

The new 4003 series will get the same neck profile as the 4001 used to have.

will? are they in the 2006 series or are you talking about the ones being made?

 

[him666]

Some 2006 models already have the newer slim neckprofile, but most haven't. The ones being made will have the slim neck profile according to Mr. Hall.

 

[Chronicle]

Some 2006 models already have the newer slim neckprofile, but most haven't. The ones being made will have the slim neck profile according to Mr. Hall.

hm interesting, well too tell ya the truth... i could give less of a crap! lol i want my rickenbacker once i have the money! ETA 3 weeks!