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Rickenbacker?
- Thread starter Greenantgods
- Start date
Good enough that I'm more or less continually on the verge of getting one.
The stereo outputs, the totally rockin' sound... I might end up having to spring for one here in the future. I'm in need of a B string, usually, and I'd totally be up for stringing one of my axes BEAD if nessicary (don't use the G string that much in metal); but, but, I'd rather just have a 5 string Rick out the door.
They've got the new 5ers out, but I've yet to hear anything about the quality of them, and if they've improved on the old 5s (which were by all acounts rather dreary).
I'd settle for a regular ol' Jetglo or Mapleglo in a minute, though.
The stereo outputs, the totally rockin' sound... I might end up having to spring for one here in the future. I'm in need of a B string, usually, and I'd totally be up for stringing one of my axes BEAD if nessicary (don't use the G string that much in metal); but, but, I'd rather just have a 5 string Rick out the door.
They've got the new 5ers out, but I've yet to hear anything about the quality of them, and if they've improved on the old 5s (which were by all acounts rather dreary).
I'd settle for a regular ol' Jetglo or Mapleglo in a minute, though.
very well made bass with a very distinct sound. I do not prefer them for what i do. Everyone has their own tone so just AB it against a bunch of other bassists. Def not a well rounded bass in my opinion. What it does it does very well. It does have dual truss rods and the craftsmanship is impecable. As always try before you buy.
Rics are all I have and they do everything I need them to very well......I don't buy the "one trick pony" angle. The only legitimate gripe might be trouble slapping (some people can and some can't on a Ric).....other than that it is no more limited than any other passive bass. The fit and finish are top notch and the few dealings I have had with their customer service have gone better than expected.
BTW....one of my 4003's is strung BEAD and I couldn't be happier with it. I had a 4003s5 and found the string spacing way too tight so I had to find another solution. Plus it gives me a legitimate reason to have another Ric
BTW....one of my 4003's is strung BEAD and I couldn't be happier with it. I had a 4003s5 and found the string spacing way too tight so I had to find another solution. Plus it gives me a legitimate reason to have another Ric
I used a Ric in the studio and it was a very well rounded instrument. Just the 5 track ep we did covered a wide range of sounds that I never thought I would hear myself play. It was a great experience, and although it did feel a bit goofy in my arms at first, as soon as I heard the playback I knew we shared an unspoken bond. The bass tone covered a wide range of sounds including a distorted funk, full yet punchy alt rock/post hardcore stuff, and a more vintage twangy sound that reminded me of Op Ivy. All out of that same Ric. I think they're stupendous and would absolutely love to get one. If only I wasn't Gasing for a new head and 2 more cabs.
I've been playing Rics for a little over 30 years now. It is the one staple that I won't do without. Period. Granted, I also use a variety of other basses as well, i.e., American Deluxe, etc etc...but I would feel rather "nekkid" without the 'ol Ricky...
Is it that good? To me, yes.
Is it that good? To me, yes.
IMO, one of the all time best bass sounds is Geddy Lee's live sound on Exit Stage Left. If you can find a copy of this album, you'll hear what I call the "hide the children" bass growl that I haven't found from any other bass. Rics have a distinctive sound, but it's not only one sound. You can play reggae and funk as well as rock with a Ric.
The stereo output does give you tremendous tonal flexibility if you have a stereo rig or two rigs, because you can EQ each pickup separately.
I love mine, but their looks and sound aren't for everyone. As far as neck feel, playability, build quality, etc., they're at least on par with any of your major mid-level basses (Stingray, Fender American Jazz, etc.).
The stereo output does give you tremendous tonal flexibility if you have a stereo rig or two rigs, because you can EQ each pickup separately.
I love mine, but their looks and sound aren't for everyone. As far as neck feel, playability, build quality, etc., they're at least on par with any of your major mid-level basses (Stingray, Fender American Jazz, etc.).
I personally don't like that type of sound whenever I play one, but I've heard (both live and on recordings) very good Ric sounds. I guess it's more of an EQ/effects kinda thing. In Geddy's case, no doubt.
-Eric.
-Eric.
Geddy's tone sounds pretty much like a Rick to me, when he plays one (eg, "Red Barchetta"). If you like 'em, they're very, very good basses. Quality of build wise they are as good as anything else I have ever played. It's really down to whether you like "that" sound, and the look and feel. I love 'em.
And..... Randall, those are two very cool looking basses you have there. I love the blue Rick and the quilted top on the J is just gorgeous.
I have never played one but i know they have a good reputation!
I still think they are ugly tho (Some of you may remember my "rickenbacker - beauty or beast" thread
I still think they are ugly tho (Some of you may remember my "rickenbacker - beauty or beast" thread
Rickenbackers... yes they is good. 
Regarding the 5-strings though: the old 4003S/5's were indeed wacky (I didn't like the tight string spacing, though some players like it), and though the new 4004 5-strings are an improvement in that area, they've just been pulled off production, according to John Hall, because he wants to make some changes to the design. So those of you waiting to get your hands on a new Rick 5-string may be waiting a while.
Regarding the 5-strings though: the old 4003S/5's were indeed wacky (I didn't like the tight string spacing, though some players like it), and though the new 4004 5-strings are an improvement in that area, they've just been pulled off production, according to John Hall, because he wants to make some changes to the design. So those of you waiting to get your hands on a new Rick 5-string may be waiting a while.
I decided I wanted to be an electric bass player the day I heard a radio broadcast of the world premier of "Permament Waves" co-hosted by Geddy Lee.
I'd bought an el cheapo starter basss but I new someday I would have a Rickenbacker like Geddy.
When I was in position to buy one, I was very disappointed as I didn't like it.
This is not to disparge Ric's or their users. It is to tell you not to buy a bass becuase it looks cool or becuase your favorite bass player uses one. Buy a bass becuase you like how it sounds and feels in your hands.
I'd bought an el cheapo starter basss but I new someday I would have a Rickenbacker like Geddy.
When I was in position to buy one, I was very disappointed as I didn't like it.
This is not to disparge Ric's or their users. It is to tell you not to buy a bass becuase it looks cool or becuase your favorite bass player uses one. Buy a bass becuase you like how it sounds and feels in your hands.
I really like my 4001, and want to try a 4004. If the 4004 doesn't fit me, I would give serious thought to picking up a used 4003 and stringing it BEAD.
