Rickenbacker Users: Honest thoughts on the 4001/4003?

[May Cassidy]

I'm not at all unique in having a few "dream basses", ones that I've always wanted to have but have usually been *just* out of reach. I'm fortunate to have experience with most of them, but the Rickenbacker has always eluded me. I was able to get very close to one played by a member of a local metal band once, but that's about it.
For some time, I've had a "Ricky Bass Fund". I've dipped into it here and there for general bass-related expenses, but the intention has always been to one day get that Rickenbacker. But now that I've progressed so much as a player and have heard such polarizing reviews of these classic models, I wonder if my cash might be better spent elsewhere (perhaps a Gibson Grabber, which has been my no. 2 dream bass about as long as I've fantasized about the Rickenbacker). I would like to hear what the former and current Rickenbacker owners of TalkBass have to say about your experiences-- the good and the bad.

 

[HubbardsFate]

Definitely a "try before you buy" bass in my opinion...

Why do I say this? - Back in the late 1990s, I bought a used 4003, based simply on the fact that more than one of my bass heroes had, at one time or another, played a Rickenbacker: Geddy, Roger Glover, and Cliff Burton, to name three of 'em.

As it turned out, this was a bad reason to buy a bass. I hung on to that damn thing for about twelve years, even though I eventually came to hate practically everything (minus its looks) about it: The tone; the sticky paint on the back of the neck (yeah, I now know this could have been fairly easily remedied); the legendary-for-being-crappy bridge...

The neck was the worst. I have yet, to this day, to encounter a bass that is as pure murder on my left hand/wrist as that bass was. I would be in pain within 30 seconds of starting to play the thing. If I'd been a gigging bassist, I'm sure I would have sold that bass (which I finally did, for a song - you see what I did there - in 2010) long before I did.

Based on the aforementioned experience, the chances of me ever owning another Rickenbacker are essentially zero, especially in this age of insanely good bang-for-the-buck basses. They look cool, and I know there are plenty who like 'em just fine and can make' em work...this wasn't the case for me.

 

[Gunga Din]

 

[Gunga Din]

Do not buy blind!!

I'd be here for ages, boring you with my experiences, the bad which vastly outweigh the good.

 

[G On Bass]

I had the same Ric-jones for 20+ years. When I finally got one (4003), I loved everything about it except how it played and felt. I could never find a comfortable place to rest my right hand, and this was before I went all-5-string.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Cite this mantra - TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. My issues with Rics are ergonomic - my fretting arm/wrist were in bits after playing them for only a very short time, as stated previously. Unfortunate, indeed.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I played a bandmate's 2012 4003 for 5 years before deciding I deserved my own, so I got my own.

I loved it - a 2018 4003. Played it every day, then got my dream bass, a fretless 4003.

Loved it, played it every day. I was completely enamored of the tone, all of it. The whole RIC thing. Then I got a a G&L jazz bass, cause I was FSO-curious, and realized the smaller tapered neck felt much better to me. Everything was easier to play - literally everything. And honestly, as cool as that Ricky bite and edgy tone was to me for several years, the smoothness of the JB won me over - and while many may disagree, all the RIC tones are within easy reach, not quite exactly the same, but close enough that in a band situation, the nuanced differences disappear.

In the end, I sold my RICs. Now I'm a jazz bass guy. I love RICs and think they look really cool, sound awesome, but they're now part of my bass past.

There ya go, my full take.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I'm following this thread…it's amazing how many people dislike a Rickenbacker bass. I mean come on…it's a bass!
I've had the same 1972 4001 since 1974. Love it and I wouldn't sell it. Of course, I have other basses too!

 

[moon-bass]

I'm not at all unique in having a few "dream basses", ones that I've always wanted to have but have usually been *just* out of reach. I'm fortunate to have experience with most of them, but the Rickenbacker has always eluded me. I was able to get very close to one played by a member of a local metal band once, but that's about it.
For some time, I've had a "Ricky Bass Fund". I've dipped into it here and there for general bass-related expenses, but the intention has always been to one day get that Rickenbacker. But now that I've progressed so much as a player and have heard such polarizing reviews of these classic models, I wonder if my cash might be better spent elsewhere (perhaps a Gibson Grabber, which has been my no. 2 dream bass about as long as I've fantasized about the Rickenbacker). I would like to hear what the former and current Rickenbacker owners of TalkBass have to say about your experiences-- the good and the bad.

My experience is that you are going to have that Ric itch until you scratch that Ric itch.

You are correct - these things are polarizing, and I don't think a Ric is for everyone, but I'll give you my experience - I played a Ric back in my HS jazz band and hated it - a big portion of that is because I hated HS and jazz band. FFWD to a few years ago and I somehow got GAS for a RIC. On the advice of some folks I started with a 4003s. I hated it. Hated. Was just not me, mostly because of the neck. GAS was unabated, and I heard that 4001's have a very different neck, so I ended up picking up a 77 4001.

LOVE it. Absolutely love it. Great neck, great bass, definitely a keeper. The neck on the 4001 was very different than the 4003s.

A few weeks ago I picked up a late model 4003 in trade, with the expectation that I would end up selling it (I have two custom basses inbound shortly and need the funds). I really regret selling it now - again, it was a great bass - loved the neck, the weight, and of course nothing sounds like a Ric. I loved it so much that a 4003 is on my list of basses to pick up after the customs arrive.

So there you have it - Ric hater to Ric lover. My advice as well - buy used - they pop up on the board here quite regularly, and they hold their value well, so if you buy and don't like it, you can get rid of them fairly quickly. If you can find one to try locally then great, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up for a good price online knowing that you can get rid of them fairly quickly and for little loss of $$$. I would stay away from the vintage ones at first though - pick up a later model 4003 and give it a spin!

Also, if it helps, I am primarily a Jazz Bass-type player.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

For me it's mostly bad. I consider my Rick 4003 (early 2000s) the worst bass purchase I've ever made, at least when considering the price. Within a couple of years the neck started twisting, the bridge developed the dreaded "tail lift" (which won't happen on the newest models with the new bridge) and the binding started to come loose. I've seen enough similar complaints about Ricks to know that the build quality can vary a LOT and RIC's warranty is a joke so if anything you better have a good dealer warranty or you're on your own. RIC as a company is also extremely difficult to deal with if you need replacement parts. Their customer service is abysmal in my experience.

Even if you find a good Rick there are still a couple of things to be aware of IMO. You should definitely try before you buy as the neck profile has changed a LOT over the years. You might find one that feels great even though others feel horrible for your taste and for your hands. The ergonomics are a bit different than most other basses but that's really just a matter of adapting IMO, as long you find a neck that feels nice. The tone is also quite unique. I like the Rick-tone when the bass gets a lot of space in the mix but I've always found Ricks difficult to mix in a dense arrangement. Also, I always had problems hearing myself properly on stage and at rehearsals when using a Rick but this was with a band with very busy/dense arrangements.

Also be aware of potential issues with truss rods on older Ricks (cirka pre 1984). If adjusted correctly they usually work fine but if anyone has tried to adjust them like a normal truss rod there may be serious issues and damage to the neck.

Just my personal experience of course. Lots of people love their Ricks.

 

[Wasnex]

I'm not at all unique in having a few "dream basses", ones that I've always wanted to have but have usually been *just* out of reach. I'm fortunate to have experience with most of them, but the Rickenbacker has always eluded me. I was able to get very close to one played by a member of a local metal band once, but that's about it.
For some time, I've had a "Ricky Bass Fund". I've dipped into it here and there for general bass-related expenses, but the intention has always been to one day get that Rickenbacker. But now that I've progressed so much as a player and have heard such polarizing reviews of these classic models, I wonder if my cash might be better spent elsewhere (perhaps a Gibson Grabber, which has been my no. 2 dream bass about as long as I've fantasized about the Rickenbacker). I would like to hear what the former and current Rickenbacker owners of TalkBass have to say about your experiences-- the good and the bad.

My first bass was a 4001. Still own it but I have replaced the bridge and pickups, and it does not really sound like a Ric anymore.

It had a bit of neck dive. This made it a bit more difficult to play and also twisted up my shirt or jacket.

Overall I like the neck except the transition from the neck to the headstock feels a bit weird.

The reason I did the mods is because the E string did not sound like the A, D, and G. The E string was cardboardy and unfocused. Also stock high gain pickups pick up quite a bit of hum. The current bridge eliminated the neck dive, but the bass is rather heavy.

I rarely need to adjust the truss road, but the bass must be tuned frequently. This could be due flex in the body or flex in the neck.

I played quite a few different Rics while paying off mine. There were many that felt and sounded a lot worse in my hands, and a few the felt and sounded better. Definitely better to play a bunch and find one that like.

A Gibson grabber can be a great sounding bass. In my experience they are even heavier than Rics, and it's not guarantied that you will love it. If one is available when you are trying Rics, try it too.

Eventually you will find a bass that really speaks to you (take me home). IMHO don't worry about it being a particular brand or model. Try a bunch of basses and don't be in a rush to spend the money you have saved. Maybe you will eventually buy a Ric and maybe you won't. Either way, it's not big deal IMHO.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I bought mine without playing it from Wildwood Guitars. Had them install a treble bezel because I knew the pup cover would be an issue.

I was so excited to get it, and when it showed up it slowly dawned on me that I didn't like the feel of it. That was back in 2015. After some adjustments, and some time with the instrument, I really enjoy playing it. It feels good in my hands and I like the feel of the neck. The binding has never been an issue for me, I know some folks say it's uncomfortable on your forearm but I've never had problems with. It's probably not as comfortable as say a P bass, but few things are.

Long story short, after almost 10 years of owning it my Ricky feels like home to me. It's probably my most used instrument. And of course, YMMV, FWIW, etc, etc.

 

[farace]

My first bass was a '78 4001 that I bought in 1980. It was stolen in '89. Went through many years of playing various other basses, mostly Fenders ('72 Tele Bass and then '82 Vintage '57 Precision). Finally got my hands back on a couple of Rics in 2015 and it felt like coming home. I now have three, one being a fretless that has become my main bass.

That being said, I'll readily acknowledge that perhaps more than other basses, Rics are an instrument that either work for you ergonomically, or they don't. Some people just cannot get comfortable on them, and that's okay. We're all built differently. For me, they're far more comfortable than a Fender, and I like the fact that there's relatively little neck taper, unlike a Jazz, and the string spacing is slightly tighter. So, I'll echo the much-repeated admonition to try one if at all possible before you buy one.

Also, there seems still to be the belief in some circles that Rics are a one-trick pony. Rics are very versatile, just explore the tones available by twisting the knobs. It's why they're there. Don't just automatically dime everything.

 

[Kendescending]

I have a 1992 4003S with factory high output pickups (even hotter than the current pickups). I've tried dozens of other Ricks to find a backup for it, but none of them played or sounded like this one. The others all had chunky necks and sounded anemic compared to the one that I own.

Try before you buy or make sure you can return it if you don't like it.

 

[mikecd1]

Loved my 72 4001 for over 20 years but had issues with pickups and a broken truss rod not to mention the almost ten pound weight. Many things I loved about the tone and feel, but moved away towards other basses more solid in the mix. It's a great niche but it held me back tonally and ergonomically. The only thing I miss about the bass is the nostalgia of my younger days. Sold it for a V63 in the 90s but that gave way to other basses with better tonal options IMO. YMMV

 

[micguy]

My first bass was a 4001. Best bass U'd ever owned…until I bought a second bass - a Kramer lumie. That Kramer had a lot of things the Ric didn't, and I sold the Ric.

Most other basses have some of Leo's dna in them - neck mounting, scale lengths, string spacing, pickup types and/or locations. Ric's we're developed in parallel - they have none of that. They are truly their own thing.

Ric's are good at certain things, but until you have one in your hands and play it, you're not gonna know if a Ric is YOUR thing.

 

[KeepItMoving]

A '74 4001 is the first bass I ever bought, about 30 years ago, and I still love it. As others have noted, there seems to be quite a bit of variation among individual instruments, and I probably played 6 or 8 Rics before finding the one that clicked for me. It has a pretty lean neck; whoever had it before me wore off most of the finish on the back between the 3rd and 7th frets, so clearly they enjoyed spending time with it too!

When I first got it I was in a trio with a sax player and drummer, and did a lot of multi-note chordal-type playing using mostly the bridge pickup. A somewhat unusual use case, but the Ric sounded great doing it. I've also used it for recording techno-style material and playing live rock & roll and a little bit of more jazzy stuff, and have always been able to get a suitable sound.

All that said, getting a Ric is probably as much of an emotional decision as a logical one. Part of it for me was that when I was first getting started several of the local bass players who I really admired played Rics, and I think they're very cool visually. A few years back I bought my second bass, an Ibanez PJ type, and have to admit that it's a super-comfortable and versatile instrument that probably does most of what the Ric can sonically. But there are definitely still times when I crave the extra bit of snarl and the tactile experience of all that nice heavy maple.

 

[bobyoung53]

I have a 1992 4003S with factory high output pickups (even hotter than the current pickups). I've tried dozens of other Ricks to find a backup for it, but none of them played or sounded like this one. The others all had chunky necks and sounded anemic compared to the one that I own.

Try before you buy or make sure you can return it if you don't like it.

I've had a couple of early 90's 4003's, great necks and yes hot pickups wish I'd kept them.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Definitely a "try before you buy" bass

^^^This.

When I was in high school I was enamored of the Ric 4001 -- mostly due to Chris Squire and Jon Camp -- and I desperately wanted one. But out of the dozen or more 4001's I played over a ~6 year period (mid-1970s through early-1980s) only one was all I hoped it would be ...and that one belonged to a friend who would not sell it. Every single other 4001 I played sounded so unlike Chris Squire that it may as well have been a completely different instrument -- like, a euphonium instead of an electric bass.

 

[john_g]

Alot of people saying try before you buy but for me, that was not possible. And hasnt been for almost all of the current basses i own. So, take that with a grain of salt. Rics hold their value so as long as you dont overpay and if you buy a used one, you can get most if not all of your money back if you decide to sell. The ergonomics are something that are not for everyone. Before I got my first Ric i played a "kinda sorta similar" bass for 22 years, so the shape and ergonomics werent a big shock. I sold my first Ric because I immediately thought I would plug in and sound exactly like Squire or Geddy. I didnt. I eventually sold it (actually made money on it) and got the itch a few years later. I have a FireGlo 4003 and its my main bass. Just love it. Has some flaws for sure. The clear coat is already wearing off in two small spots on the back of the neck, and it shouldnt be which is a bummer. The bridge stinks but I dont have to adjust it very often so its not a huge deal. Overall, i love my Ric but my suggestion is to buy used if you can, get an "S" model with slightly more rounded edges, and give it some time to get used to it.