Rickenbacker..... i just don't understand the hype.

[alaskaleftybass]

There are companies on the Asian side that are selling clones (oh no! I said it! ) for 1/3 the price of a US Ric-- but most on TB go into fits when someone says that. I don't know if they can even come close to copping the Ric sound. There's a place in Canada that sells another clone with a "better" name on the end. This may sound like blasphemy, but with computerized manufacturing and the ability to analyze basses with computerized sound analyzers, how unique will the Ric be in 20 years? Will there ever be a Mike Lull or Sadowsky Ric clone?

Like the mighty P bass and J bass, they are eventually bound to be copied, and eventually someone will be able to surpass the quality of the original. I know this might get me some hate but think about it-- Look at all the boutique Fender clone manufacturers. They make top of the line custom Fender clones. And for that matter, will there ever be a "Squire" version of the Ric? One that is an economy model, affordable beginner bass? I'm actually surprised Ric has managed to keep its product protected for as long as it has, I thought by the 21st Century there would be more Ric clones.

After saying all that, if I won the lottery, I would order one of these in left handed from the Rickenbacker .Custom Shop:

 

[socialleper]

I played a Ric for the first time yesterday and to say i was underwhelmed would be a massive understatement.

It was a brand new Jetglo 4003 which was on sale for $3549. To put this into perspective i also played a Fender Am Pro Jazz at $2629, an MIM Jazz at $1199 and a Squier VM PJ at $699.

The first thing i noticed was that it wasn't as uncomfortable as many have said other than the pickup cover getting in the way. I could quite easily physically play one without complaint.

Now for the negatives...... The second thing i noticed was that the single ply pick guard looked like it was made for a cheap Chinese toy. Really, really cheap looking. Then the finish, which when held up to the light, looked very thin and showed obvious ripples as though done by a beginner. It wasn't really bad as such but when it's one of the more expensive basses in the shop you should expect much better. Finally, the pickups output was very weak.

I can say with certainty that if i knew nothing about Rics and was handed one of these after playing the Squier VM PJ (which actually sounded better than all but the Am Pro) i would have guessed it would cost less than the Squier when taking into account the fit, finish and sound.

LET THE FLAMING BEGIN!!!

I don't get them either. They are expensive, super dated, and ergonomically impossible for me to play. If you are into retro, they have their moments.

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

.

Ciarán Hinds Or Plan 9 ?

 

[Michael Schreiber]

I actually want to get some insight as to why some people love them so much despite their high price and you at least have provided your reasons.

Easy for me:
1.) I love the sounds I get through my 4001. (Would be "vintage mode" on a 4003, all knobs up = both pickups)
The lows are very precise, no mud, and the mids can help cutting through or filling gaps in the mix. And they can growl.
I play mostly with a pick, helps me to unleash the beast!
2.) The neck is like made for me, it's so easy to play.
3.) It's light and comfy - compared to my HB-8
4.) The look; I very much like the design of the 4001 (and 4003)
5.) It's reliable. I mean, my bass and me are both from April '77, but my Ric is in better condition than me

I also like my HB-8, but it is tonally a different beast; less precise lows, and rather extreme highs. That's why I prefer this one for other projects, and the Ric for our punk rock band. I'd also prefer the Ric for metal. But I might prefer the HB-8 for Reggea, funk, and I do prefer it for doom.

Hope that helps.

 

[jollygiantchris]

I had a 4003 for a couple years sounds incredible plays like crap. I can't stand playing an instrument without some sort of string taper it just feels really weird and I didn't care for the neck. The tone was godly though.

 

[Korladis]

There are companies on the Asian side that are selling clones (oh no! I said it! ) for 1/3 the price of a US Ric-- but most on TB go into fits when someone says that. I don't know if they can even come close to copping the Ric sound. There's a place in Canada that sells another clone with a "better" name on the end. This may sound like blasphemy, but with computerized manufacturing and the ability to analyze basses with computerized sound analyzers, how unique will the Ric be in 20 years? Will there ever be a Mike Lull or Sadowsky Ric clone?

Like the mighty P bass and J bass, they are eventually bound to be copied, and eventually someone will be able to surpass the quality of the original. I know this might get me some hate but think about it-- Look at all the boutique Fender clone manufacturers. They make top of the line custom Fender clones. And for that matter, will there ever be a "Squire" version of the Ric? One that is an economy model, affordable beginner bass? I'm actually surprised Ric has managed to keep its product protected for as long as it has, I thought by the 21st Century there would be more Ric clones.

After saying all that, if I won the lottery, I would order one of these in left handed from the Rickenbacker .Custom Shop:

View attachment 1168402

If you only want to clone the sound, that isn't really hard.

Get appropriate pickups (Rickenbacker ones or Classic Amplification, I think Lollar might make some as well), and put them in the correct positions. Preferably on a bass with all maple, neck through construction. Bam, you just cloned the Rickenbacker sounds.

 

[Korladis]

I had a 4003 for a couple years sounds incredible plays like crap. I can't stand playing an instrument without some sort of string taper it just feels really weird and I didn't care for the neck. The tone was godly though.

I'm the opposite. I love how it doesn't taper. Always hated that about most basses.

 

[Korladis]

I don't get them either. They are expensive, super dated, and ergonomically impossible for me to play. If you are into retro, they have their moments.

They're not particularly expensive. The 4003 is only as dated as any of its contemporaries, and the 4004 isn't dated at all, IMO. Ergonomically, in my experience, even the ones with binding are fine as long as you don't put your plucking hand into a chicken-wing type position, though the unbound models (4003S and 4004) are more forgiving.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Be prepared to get scolded 1000 times to "stop worrying" about what other people play...

I don't understand Fender hype. I don't understand why anyone would pay more than $1,000 for a bass. I don't understand why people buy Hummer vehicles that only get 6 miles to the gallon. I don't understand why people don't vote, then they complain about the guy that got elected.

There are a lot of things that I don't understand, but I do understand that every person with a Ric has their own unique reason for wanting one, just as I have dozens of reasons to never touch a Ric with a ten-foot pole.

 

[Michael Schreiber]

without some sort of string taper

string taper = that the neck is getting narrower towards the head?

 

[40Hz]

To those that think this thread is trolling or say if you don't like it just play what you do like and move on and save some typing, who have nothing to contribute to the discussion, practice what you preach. This is a forum for discussion. So what this topic always resurfaces and is very polarized: it makes for nice discussion.
…
I've probably repeated a lot of what's been said but I could only Wade through 2 pages.

Perhaps you might try reading through the entire thread before you presume to lecture or point a finger? That's common courtesy, and not absolved by making a CYA disclaimer you didn't read full thread.

Much of your opening paragraph entirely missed the point of much of what's being said here. Such are the dangers of passing quick judgements - whether on basses or discussion threads.

 

[Michael Schreiber]

Some technology is outdated by today's standards

What do you think would be outdated on a Ric, or any bass, in your opinion?

I don't get how a bass that plays for over 40 years and still does play could be considered outdated.
Same with microphones - would you say, a Sennheiser MD-421 could be outdated? If it records as it should, it's fine, isn't it? Or a tube amp?

A bass doesn't require a software update - or activation via internet

 

[prowla]

The neck on a Ric is one of its best features.

Along with the sound.

And the look.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

A bass doesn't require a software update - or activation via internet

Isn't there a bass with a KAOS pad on it?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Michael Schreiber]

Isn't there a bass with a KAOS pad on it?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And guess, who wouldn't want it just because of that

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Yeah, I considered a Line6 Variax for a while, but finally decided against it, not wanting to worry about the software or the chip failing.

 

[RDB3]

I owned P Bass serial # 0184 and would rather play Rick CAN YA RELATE --

 

[Watchootognbout]

Don't know.
Why such fanatical love for the Precision bass?
Same difference.The answer for this is the answer for your question.

 

[Spidey2112]

Perhaps you might try reading through the entire thread before you presume to lecture or point a finger? That's common courtesy, and not absolved by making a CYA disclaimer you didn't read full thread.

Much of your opening paragraph entirely missed the point of much of what's being said here. Such are the dangers of passing quick judgements - whether on basses or discussion threads.

I know I'm repeating myself, but...

... well put... and I don't capitalize wade, when I write...

... unless... it's his first name... or a fetish.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I've played plenty of basses I didn't like without feeling compelled to start a thread about it. Not sure why Ric's get this treatment. I love mine.