Rickenbacker or Musicman Stingray?

[cassius987]

I can understand your angle. How ever, I don't like changing basses very frequently. I've had my Yamaha for 5 years and although I love it, it was really meant to be a beginner bass, it came in a pack with a 20 w amp. It can't stay in tune for a long time and the original pickups were tinny and weak. After 8 months, they were crackling and didn't react well to playing loud. I changed the pickups, and it seemed to get a lot better. I'm wondering about getting one of these epic basses because I plan to keep it for a very long time, a bass which is powerful and has a great tone. I know tastes change as we get older, but the two basses have an iconic design, and as aforementioned, they do have a high sell on price, especially when they are older or vintage.

Do yourself a favor and at the very least, buy used. You will recoup a lot more money that way.

I never spent more than $1000 on a bass when I was a teenager (ironically though I had a lot more gear cash back then, not having any bills to pay), and still played some really nice equipment during that time, and later made 95% of my investment back on it when I later switched to using Rickenbackers exclusively, selling my MIA Fender and my EBMM Stingray.

It has taken me literally years just to convince myself that I know what I like, and TalkBass has only made the problem worse what with a lot of the Ric-bashing that goes on here. I have had to ask myself a few times, am I drinking some kind of Kool-Aid here? But no, it turns out I like what I like for perfectly good reasons. And while I owned a Fender Jazz for years (more than one, but only a single one for multiple years) and it was a decent bass, I kept having to convince myself I liked it because it was the bass I was supposed to like, essentially. The truth is I never liked its sound, and every time I try a J Bass these days I get the same weird repulsion. Thank God I did not let a bunch of people in music stores and on the internet convince me that I truly had to love a Jazz Bass or else something was wrong because I think it would have led to a lot of frustration.

All that to say... you really just need to take your sweet time, if you must buy new gear try to buy used, and give yourself a good long while to really figure out what you like. Just because people are telling you Rics and Stingrays are cool doesn't mean you'll like either one.

 

[electracoyote]

I'm seriously stumped. I'm a high school student, but I'm starting to get involved in bands who are playing gigs and would like me to play bass. I'm nearly grade 7 and I'm playing on my first ever bass, a Yamaha ERB070, so I plan to save up money for a new, professional bass and get proper gear, amps etc.
I absolutely love the look of a Ric 4003 but have no idea what one sounds like.
But I also like the look of a stingray, and my bass tutor told me it's "twice the bass"
(his words, not mine.)
Any advice? Reviews on gig performance? Any response would be helpful thanks

I play both. You've zeroed in on two awesome basses. Like others have said, do spend some quality time with both before you decide. If you're like most of us, the MM will feel more natural as it's ergonomically a little more like the Yamaha, and the Ric may feel a little weird at first. Then you have to decide if you can get used to the Ric. I did; it didn't take long and was a small price to pay for the looks and tone. Tone-wise, both are capable of a fairly wide pallate of tones. Don't be fooled by the Ric myths and hater talk--there is a lot of that out there. If you get an MM active model with 2 or 3 band EQ, it may offer you a little more versatility, but that's an over-generalization as they are both quite versatile. I've played my Ric 4003 at country gigs and it sounded great. I've slapped on my Ric and it sounded great. Same with the MM. YouTube these basses in action, you'll hear it for yourself.

 

[BassGen]

Over all I think the Musicman would be your best bet. Ricks sound amazing but they "feel" awkward for a lot of people.

That's kind of a vague statement Bob. My MapleGlo doesn't feel awkward at all. In fact I find it very comfortable. So for balance I will add that many people find Ric's very comfortable.

It's a different stroke for different folks deal. What I like may not work for you and vice versa. Lots of people love P's. I have one but I never play it because I don't find it comfortable or as playable as my others.

To the OP, there are lots of people suggesting NOT buying either. Spend a little less for a great bass that will look every bit as professional until you develop your own feel for what you like. I paid about $700 for my first bass and it's still a favorite of mine, sounds great, plays great and lots of people drool when they see it. (It's a Fender 2005 Geddy Lee J, FWIW)

 

[BassGen]

My experience, once I started giggling I started looking for cheaper beater basses to keep beer, drunks, and flying drumsticks away from my good basses.

No lie, my drummer let a stick go and it popped right into the face of my Jet-glo Rickenbacker.

+1 for this comment too.

My Geddy (mentioned just above this post) has a nice nick in the headstock from when I tried to turn from my rig out to the audience at a gig. Raised it to take it over the corner of the drum kit (no riser) just as the drummer hit that crash cymbal and the outside edge of the cymbal crashed into the headstock on the bass.

But I will also say, what's the use of having a nice bass if you never get to take it out and play it (unless you do a lot of studio work).

 

[electracoyote]

My MapleGlo doesn't feel awkward at all. In fact I find it very comfortable. So for balance I will add that many people find Ric's very comfortable.

Count me in that group who finds them comfortable. But from what I've been reading over the years, you are in the minority who adapted to the ergonomics of a Rickenbacker immediately. You're one of the lucky ones, the Chosen.

There are a number of ergonomic issues that make a Ric different from your more typical Fender-inspired design, from lack of contours to pickup placement. They are, IMHO, minor issues, and even if you're not one of the Chosen you can still easily adapt to a Ric and eventually even find it comfortable.

Of course, some never do, but that's true of all basses.

 

[Richenbacher]

Do yourself a favor and at the very least, buy used. You will recoup a lot more money that way.

I never spent more than $1000 on a bass when I was a teenager (ironically though I had a lot more gear cash back then, not having any bills to pay), and still played some really nice equipment during that time, and later made 95% of my investment back on it when I later switched to using Rickenbackers exclusively, selling my MIA Fender and my EBMM Stingray.

It has taken me literally years just to convince myself that I know what I like, and TalkBass has only made the problem worse what with a lot of the Ric-bashing that goes on here. I have had to ask myself a few times, am I drinking some kind of Kool-Aid here? But no, it turns out I like what I like for perfectly good reasons. And while I owned a Fender Jazz for years (more than one, but only a single one for multiple years) and it was a decent bass, I kept having to convince myself I liked it because it was the bass I was supposed to like, essentially. The truth is I never liked its sound, and every time I try a J Bass these days I get the same weird repulsion. Thank God I did not let a bunch of people in music stores and on the internet convince me that I truly had to love a Jazz Bass or else something was wrong because I think it would have led to a lot of frustration.

All that to say... you really just need to take your sweet time, if you must buy new gear try to buy used, and give yourself a good long while to really figure out what you like. Just because people are telling you Rics and Stingrays are cool doesn't mean you'll like either one.

Thanks. You've given me a lot of insight I probably will try and buy used, whether it is a MM or Rick. I felt the same when I was first thinking of getting a bass - everyone sneered at my Yamaha and told me I should have gotten a T-bird. But I find that the t-birds are highly overrated (don't get angry, just my honest opinion. They are class in the right hands). However, the Yamaha is unbelievably light and comfortable. I was never one to buy on a whim. I thought it would be good to check with the other bassists first.

 

[electracoyote]

Also, don't underestimate the power of buying a bass that inspires you to play. You're no beginner, you've had a little experience. If you're looking to get to the next level, and you think a certain bass will motivate you to play and progress, go for it. You can't put a price on things like that. I understand and agree with the prudent advice our Dads give us about spending money wisely, but sometimes inspiration has to be taken into account.

 

[BassGen]

Count me in that group who finds them comfortable. But from what I've been reading over the years, you are in the minority who adapted to the ergonomics of a Rickenbacker immediately. You're one of the lucky ones, the Chosen.

There are a number of ergonomic issues that make a Ric different from your more typical Fender-inspired design, from lack of contours to pickup placement. They are, IMHO, minor issues, and even if you're not one of the Chosen you can still easily adapt to a Ric and eventually even find it comfortable.

Of course, some never do, but that's true of all basses.

I guess I am a lucky one. I was jamming with the band last weekend (I've only had the MG for a few weeks now) and standing there I realized that everything was just in the right place for me. Guess I got lucky with my strap selection. Even the Pup cover is right where I want my thumb to rest.

And FWIW there is some contour on the back of the 2011 4003. My older JG does not have this but I didn't find it uncomfortable either though it's neck did feel much fatter and took some getting used to.

 

[BassGen]

Also to the OP, you say you are in Grade 7 but I suspect that in Ireland that makes you older than "Grade 7" kids here. You might give your age as over here Grade 7's are only 12 - 13 years old.

I just think some of the guys steering you cheaper think you are younger than I suspect you actually are.

 

[electracoyote]

I guess I am a lucky one. I was jamming with the band last weekend (I've only had the MG for a few weeks now) and standing there I realized that everything was just in the right place for me. Guess I got lucky with my strap selection. Even the Pup cover is right where I want my thumb to rest.

And FWIW there is some contour on the back of the 2011 4003. My older JG does not have this but I didn't find it uncomfortable either though it's neck did feel much fatter and took some getting used to.

I hear you man. There are times when I'm up there pounding it out with my Ric around my neck, and I am One with the Universe. It's a great feeling.

Right about the contours, I was mainly referring to the arm contour.

 

[Fishheadjoe]

My advice: FOR NOW take care of your Yamaha, put some good mileage on it, and use it to get good at doing your own set ups, and to have something you don't have to sweat getting abused at your first gigs. FOR NOW put your time into developing your chops, and put your money into your amp(s).

Neither of those two basses you mentioned will make you even one lick more of a basses than your Yamaha, and many pro bass players use Yamaha's with pride (Billy Sheehan, Nathan East, etc).

And not knocking Rics (I used to own one), but be aware of the many many many threads around here about GASing for a Ric because they "look cool" only to be disappointed when they are actually in hand. They are special, unique, retro basses (IMO, YMMV, blah blah) but understand they are different than most "Fenderesque" basses, like your Yamaha that you currently own. If you get a chance to try one out, you'll know pretty quickly whether you really want to live with one, but of course that is often hard to do depending on where you live.

Try a lot of basses before you settle on "your brand", but again, for now put your money into upgrading your amps. A good reliable 300 to 500 watt head (or more) to start, and a good 4 X 10 cab ( or two 2 X 10 cabs, or two 15 cabs, you get the idea) will take you A LONG WAY.

Good luck.

This is the advice I wish I got when I was first starting out.... heck, even a few years into it!
You've got a jazz and the Yammy, I'd be lookin to upgrade my own amp...
Fishheadjoe

 

[Korladis]

Count me in that group who finds them comfortable. But from what I've been reading over the years, you are in the minority who adapted to the ergonomics of a Rickenbacker immediately. You're one of the lucky ones, the Chosen.

There are a number of ergonomic issues that make a Ric different from your more typical Fender-inspired design, from lack of contours to pickup placement. They are, IMHO, minor issues, and even if you're not one of the Chosen you can still easily adapt to a Ric and eventually even find it comfortable.

Of course, some never do, but that's true of all basses.

Yeah, for me the ergonomic issues others cite are unimportant. The first time I played a Rickenbacker it just felt like a perfect fit for my hands. Lucky, I guess.

 

[WokenDeer]

Agree. There was the very small adaption window. But I love the way my ric feels in my hands. But no other musician I know can play the thing. It just eats them, Lol. I like the way you put it.. Chosen..

 

[woodyng]

i've owned a bunch of ricks,including a 4001 and a 4002. while i never found them THAT uncomfortable, i moved them on and prefer the feel of my 4000 and my 2 4004's much more. i also just happen to prefer the less kitschy look of the "s" type models anyway. (feel the same way about jazz basses too)
i owned one of the first year stingrays,a truly awesome player,but i also have played a few of the discontinued SUB models,which for the money seem like the way to go. i think with tone controls,effex,etc you can get whatever is needed out of either make.

 

[ggvicviper]

So there ya have it buddy. You came searching for an opinion from us, an we gave you our thoughts, plus a bunch of really good alternatives that would certainly fit your requirements (Sterling Ray34, Precision, Used Music Man SUB), as well as good advice on trying and buying. Remember, always be careful when buying blind (I know the bass dealers are scarce where you are in Northern Ireland) and let us know what you ultimately come up with. That's what's really great about this community.

My vote is still with a cheaper Ray (Ray34 or Used SUB are both good options) or a Precision.

P.S. The GAS never ends... One fine day you may end up with all the instruments listed here. Look at my and many other profiles to see all the gear amassed over the years.

 

[mannysilvers]

Not sure if anyone already said this, but if you want something with some versatility try a Stingray HH. Between the 5 pickup settings you get a lot of great sounds, and you still get the "Stingray Sound" with just the Bridge humbucker.

 

[Richenbacher]

Also to the OP, you say you are in Grade 7 but I suspect that in Ireland that makes you older than "Grade 7" kids here. You might give your age as over here Grade 7's are only 12 - 13 years old.

I just think some of the guys steering you cheaper think you are younger than I suspect you actually are.

I'm seventeen years old, nearly eighteen. I do rockschool grade 7 which is very difficult in my opinion.

 

[Richenbacher]

So there ya have it buddy. You came searching for an opinion from us, an we gave you our thoughts, plus a bunch of really good alternatives that would certainly fit your requirements (Sterling Ray34, Precision, Used Music Man SUB), as well as good advice on trying and buying. Remember, always be careful when buying blind (I know the bass dealers are scarce where you are in Northern Ireland) and let us know what you ultimately come up with. That's what's really great about this community.

My vote is still with a cheaper Ray (Ray34 or Used SUB are both good options) or a Precision.

P.S. The GAS never ends... One fine day you may end up with all the instruments listed here. Look at my and many other profiles to see all the gear amassed over the years.

Cheers man I'm gonna get a new amp first, and then perhaps get the rick. I feel it could offer a new tone that I've never experienced before although it was a really tough choice to make, It was probably the bass that inspired me to start. I think that if I got the Musicman, I might end up regretting it. I would however, consider the sting if my Yamaha decided to give up on me. It's definately on my GAS list at the top. The rick leaves me breathless every time I look at it

I want you ALL to know that your experiences and opinions have been extremely useful to me, especially you guys ggvicviper and electracoyote

I hope if I require more help in the future you guys will continue to guide me through my bass playing. Thank you everyone !
(^-^)/

 

[Toastfuzz]

Cheers man I'm gonna get a new amp first, and then perhaps get the rick. I feel it could offer a new tone that I've never experienced before although it was a really tough choice to make, It was probably the bass that inspired me to start. I think that if I got the Musicman, I might end up regretting it. I would however, consider the sting if my Yamaha decided to give up on me. It's definately on my GAS list at the top. The rick leaves me breathless every time I look at it

I want you ALL to know that your experiences and opinions have been extremely useful to me, especially you guys ggvicviper and electracoyote

I hope if I require more help in the future you guys will continue to guide me through my bass playing. Thank you everyone !
(^-^)/

Good luck to you dude. I just wanted to chime in and agree with what everyone here says, when I started playing 5 years ago and discovered TB I took that advice and it has saved me much time, money, and aggravation. That advice being:

+ A good amp/cab is more important than a good bass
+ Any of your bass heros could make your bass sound AWESOME, alot of the sound is with you not the instrument (ie. master your Yamaha for now)
+ Buy used if you think you'll be changing your mind alot

Me personally, I had wanted a Rickenbacker since day 1. I finally got one about 6 months ago, I had it for a weekend and sent it back for return. It did not feel good to me, I didnt like the body shape, the neck feel, or anchor points for my plucking hand (not to mention some factory defects) so in a 3 day period, I found out I didnt like Rics and dont see myself going back.

For what its worth, I just bought an old Ibanez P bass copy in the classifieds for $300 that I think is going to replace the other 4 basses I have as the "go to" bass. Its not flashy, not expensive, but it feels right at home in my hands and has the sound I was looking for. Don't be too jaded by marketing gimmicks and the TalkBass hivemind mentality.