Rickenbacker stigma

[hennessybass]

What amazed me, not sure if it is the same these days - every neck at that time (had to be 1976) had a totally different feel. I was AMAZED at the difference from bass to bass.

Here is mine:

Pretty much my experience with Rics. Don't own one, but I'm thinking about it. I've tried out a bunch, and they all feel really different to me. Especially the neck up near the headstock. Most feel a little clunky, but I've played some really nice ones too.

 

[iiipopes]

My 1981 4002 has been the most stable bass I own since I got it in 1993, and was my only bass for years - no backup, no "bar bass." I only use other basses because 1) my old injuries started to haunt me, so I built my custom half-fanned P/J to ease my old elbow, wrist and thumb injuries, with the string spacing the same and using a Rick humbucker, and the G string having the 33 1/4 inch Rick scale, and 2) a 5-string because I'm in a band that plays some songs that have the lower notes, and some songs the lead singer takes down the key, and I want to keep the bass line intact. But the 5-string has Rick string spacing and similar pickup placement as my 4002. So when I have my " 'druthers," I still prefer the 4002.

 

[corsa]

A month is nothing Takes me a good 3 months, sometimes more, before I get comfortable with a new bass.

Good to know Jimmy - it's been making me a little crazy lately. I won't give up just yet.

 

[metron]

The guitar player in my band has Rics so I've always had access to one. An early 2000s 4003 and a newer Pauly McC reissue. Both are really nice, play easily, and sound killer. They are a bit polarizing though. As has been said you either love or hate them.

 

[Bim1959]

I have a friend that has a 4001 that occasionally lets me play it (when I ask him and he/it's free). He's never had any problems with it and loves it but Im not a fan of the tone (IMHO it sounds like it's being played in a hollow log) and it has horrid neck dive.

Besides. It only has 4 strings, and I've been playing 6ers & 12ers for quite awhile now.....

 

[Fishheadjoe]

I am jealous of all you folks who have had luck in purchasing a new RIC. I'm 0 for 3 on RIC's and have virtually put them on my ignore list for the time being.
I would take the advice above to only consider a used RIC.
Fishheadjoe

 

[Runlikegregg]

Though I have since sold m,y Ric, I have yet to play a better balanced instrument.
But like Fenders, say, you have to play the one you are meaning to buy.

 

[awilkie84]

I would have loved to get a Ric 4001...until I played one Sounds great, but I don't find them comfortable at all, so I had to pass.

Same here. I love that grindy thump they get acoustically...but that neck profile & all that chrome getting in the way of my fingers just puts me off them.

 

[johnpbass]

As others have already said, RICs are not everyone's cup of tea. I still have my '74 Mapleglo that I bought in '75 from a guy who hated the way it played and sounded and was getting a Fender Jazz to replace it. I happen to love the playability and tone although I will say it would not be my first choice for a "desert island" bass.

 

[Deleted member 264575]

I'm new here, so I am not that familiar with Ric horror stories. I've only ever owned 1 Ric (4001CS). That being said, yes , I have QC issues on mine (baaaad clearcoat - it went dark, dark yellow in patches. Also, questionable wiring - too short, too thin wires with bad connections), but in my opinion, it's worth it. It's still my favorite bass. To me, they're kind of like the Harley Davidsons of bass. They leak oil and break down, but oh the SOUND! (and the chrome!)

Cheers,
Neal.

 

[mapleglo]

"the Harley Davidsons of bass" is the best analogy I've heard. Well done!

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Over-priced crap for white people? I mean... I guess that does fit Harley and Rickenbacker. (/joke)

 

[Mastermold]

I guess I'm in the love camp. Sometimes I go through phases where my Rics are all I play. Not for everyone. Buy used so if you decide to sell you're not taking a hit on the cost.

 

[QweziRider]

Are they really that much of a pain?

Depends. You'll have to try to know. I've been through ten of them over the years and (other than one with serious neck issues) loved them all. For some they are great, others, not so much.

 

[Billy Apple]

I've recently become the proud owner of a '80 4001 in Azure Glo. I played loads of them before I settled on this one. I've not come across a bass that has so much variation in build quality and shape. Some were right old dogs, but luckily mine has the best neck of any bass I've ever played, beautifully slim and fast, It's just right for me.

The bridge was hard work though. The saddles kept moving in the tail piece and because I'm a pick-playing palm muter the bridge was essentially useless and I've changed it for a Hipshot. plus my pick kept getting caught in the treble surround, so that came off and a Pickguardian (excellent service) went on.

My advice would be to try as many as you can and find the one that fits. I love the style, the tone and everything. Sure it's not a 100% ergonomic instrument, but I find it a lot of fun. I thought some of the brand new 4003's I played were excellent and would've bought one had I not got my 4001 for such a great price with blind luck.

Yes, the output is not massive, but that's what your gain knob is for, plus you can't beat them through a bit of valve!

 

[Somnambulance]

I recently got my first 32" medium scale and it feels just a touch short - some time on it would obviously get me past that - so the 33" Rick scale sounds very interesting to, but I just can't get past the lool and feel of them.

It's beautiful O_O

 

[Titania]

Folks talk about finding a bass that feels and sounds like home. For me, Rics are home. I have a 4003, 4004 and a 4001SFL. Each has its own personality, and love them all. I have other basses that I also love, but they're just not my Rics.

 

[mike77rios]

I've wanted a Rick since I was a kid. as I got older, I had decided, that putting out this kind of cash far a bass was obscene.....until I actually played one.....it was then that I knew I had to have one, I got mine in March......I, am so happy!!!!

 

[higain617]

Killer rig, billyapple! I love Rics but can't justify spending that kind of money right now.

 

[Snowglo]

Do it, do it....1,000,000 times do it. I did a few months back (new 4003) and a RIC will always be my #1. I've wanted one since the late 70's. Don't know why I waited so long.

If I had to pick something I would change if I was king for a day would be a little narrower neck at the nut. That's it.