Rickenbacker 4003 or Fender Jazz?

[Rnr..........4]

What about a Gibson Thunderbird?

 

[Rnr..........4]

I own the MIA Geddy Lee Jazz and I love it. Just be aware that the necks on the MIJ and MIM Geddy Lee and the MIA Geddy Lee have slightly different necks. I didn't know that when I ordered my Geddy. I took me a good setup at my music shop and a little time to really love it.

Do you wish you had gone with the MIM Geddy Lee Jazz?

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

Go play them both. You don't need a poll to make your decision. Not that there's anything wrong with a poll (in my case I'd go jbass and I have had both), but do your hands on homework, after all it's your money.

 

[micguy]

I wouldn't use either one unmodified. I've owned a Ric - it was my first (and for a few years), only (and hence best) bass. Many years later, I just have no use for basses with single coil pickups - I do a lot of church services, and the hum from either of those basses would drive me up a tree. If it was an either/or scenario, I'd choose the Jazz, as you can get hum cancelling pickups from several folks that'll work fine in that bass. If I could live with the hum, though, I'd consider the Ric - it has a very unique voice from anything Fender makes.

 

[Tom Gallo]

My Ric 4003 is my #1 and I have two Jazz basses that are great too, but if you arent that into a Ric, I would get the Jazz instead. Just the ergonomics of a Ric throw lots of people off. And, Ive had two Rics now (both 4003s) and while I love the tones from them, they are not that far off from the Jazzes Ive had. My Rics have not been all "clank" at all and Ive had many comments from other bassists at gigs (who only have heard "famous" Rics in recordings) that they didnt know a Ric could sound "that fat"...I think they were expecting lots of highs and no lows. I would say that my Stingray is more clanky than my Rics but for most people, I would recommend a Jazz in the OPs situation.

It kills me when people say a rick is a one trick pony.

 

[bobyoung53]

Can't decide which to get. Never owned a Rick but have two Fender P basses. I am not a big fan of Rick because I have read most of the time the best sound you can get out of them is the Ric-o-sound thing. I kinda want something mostly for Rock and Metal.

That Rick twang that is unique.. well I feel the Stingray has a better high twang (hence the Stingray) but I've always preferred passive basses.

I voted the Ric, they sound great with both flats and rounds although I prefer the flats, they also sound good with both a pick and fingers. I find them easier to finger pluck because the strings are closer together at the bridge, they feel more like a P bass at the other end. They sound great mono, not a real lot of difference really, I've played both stereo and mono and decided years ago that the difference didn't warrant bring two amps and all the fuss. I play Jazzes, Rics, P bass, Gibsons etc. It's also nice have two tones, you can get some unique tones playing with them too. Rics are actually very versatile. Ignore the bashers.

 

[Koshchei]

If you're asking, get a Jazz.

 

[selowitch]

I'd get the Rick, but only because I already own a Jazz Bass.

 

[Benj-jammin]

If looking at a passive Jazz I prefer my Rickenbacker over any of them!
I have a CIJ Jaguar Deluxe that's pretty much an active Jazz and that often gets swapped in and out with my Rickenbacker
The Rickenbacker is the only bass that I don't just set and forget. Neck pickup as a full deep tone, while the bridge is slightly hotter and more in your face, both together gives a best of both worlds sound. View attachment 3957105

Gee-zuz Erik, that's one serious arsenal you have there - wow! What really caught my attention is the Acoustic 371 rig. My very first amp was the 136 bass combo, looks like a childs toy next to the 371, but a good starter amp! Always wanted that 371 rig, but too much $$ at the time, something like $1,500 back in the early 70's and too damn big for my Volkswagon Beetle!

 

[Lowendtech]

Everybody that advised to try a Ric before you buy is right. And I don't mean in a store. I had to try one (4003s) for 4 days before I could make that decision. For me, I couldn't live with the neck carve and the hang angle (perfectly horizontal) but it took a few days to figure this out. But there's was lots to like too. But for that money, I needed to like all of it so it went back. My FCS J, Am Dlx J are just too ergonomically perfect and sound great to mess with. I don't play my '73 P much anymore live for the same reason. Neck carve and hang angle. The other reason I couldn't keep it is that it didn't hold a candle to my Dingwalls so there's that.
If you like the Ric after a good try, then you're golden.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Can't decide which to get. Never owned a Rick but have two Fender P basses. I am not a big fan of Rick because I have read most of the time the best sound you can get out of them is the Ric-o-sound thing. I kinda want something mostly for Rock and Metal.

That Rick twang that is unique.. well I feel the Stingray has a better high twang (hence the Stingray) but I've always preferred passive basses.

Geddy

 

[JoshS]

Having both (well, 4003W, in my case), I want both. Actually, I play my 4003s/5W more than both combined, but all three are amazing.

But sort of agree - if you're on the fence at all about Ric, get the Jazz.

 

[dkelley]

I voted rick because it's so different, why not have some fun and be a little unique/progressive?

The jazz is a great bass. So is the rick.

Both versatile. Jazz likely more comfortable in several ways. Rick looks like you're a prog monster, which could be a good thing. I like neck through basses better than bolt on, for feel mostly, so rick.

But I mean, ask Geddy Lee why he went from rick to jazz?

And, while you're at it, ask him why his bass parts started to get less interesting after he played the jazz for a couple years, while on his rick he got progressively more interesting the longer he owned it. (It's all true, but I somehow doubt it's related to his choice of bass LoL... but ya never know!)

LoL

 

[iiipopes]

Have the best of both worlds, which is what I did over 27 years ago: Rickenbacker 4002 (yes, "2," not "1" or "3"). But good luck finding one for sale. According to Mr. J.H., "4002? They're rare as hen's teeth. We didn't make many of those."

Seriously, play them both with the repertoire you play, and what you think you might play in the future. Then decide.

 

[eb0248]

Saw the pics, read the Rick line at the bottom, knew who it was before seeing the name. Hey Jeff, hope all's well. Stay safe!

 

[Gaolee]

What about a Gibson Thunderbird?

This is the correct answer. But, between a Ric and a J, I'll take the Ric.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

It really has to do with your playing style and what kind of tone you are going after. Both are cool but pretty different IMHO.

 

[Tony In Philly]

Generally, Ric's have a fuller bottom than most Jazz Basses. It all depends what sound you're set on.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Generally, Ric's have a fuller bottom than most Jazz Basses. It all depends what sound you're set on.

I like this:
Just an old man in a weekend band...

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Can't decide which to get. Never owned a Rick but have two Fender P basses. I am not a big fan of Rick because I have read most of the time the best sound you can get out of them is the Ric-o-sound thing. I kinda want something mostly for Rock and Metal.

That Rick twang that is unique.. well I feel the Stingray has a better high twang (hence the Stingray) but I've always preferred passive basses.

Seems you've answered your own question.

A J bass is much more versatile. What kind of gigs/music do you play?