Tell me about Rickenbackers.

[Fishheadjoe]

After owning my Ric 4003 for only a short while my opinion is they are bright and punchy but lack the real low end boom that my Precision and Jazz Bass have. I can see playing my Ric in a lot of different situations, but I don't think it is a good fit for my current blues trio.

Try engaging the cap on the treble p/u tone knob, then back it off by 1/3. Pickup selector in centre position.
Fishheadjoe

 

[thisSNsucks]

Ricks are a lot different than most basses. Once you embrace them for what they are, they rock.

 

[Ric5]

After owning my Ric 4003 for only a short while my opinion is they are bright and punchy but lack the real low end boom that my Precision and Jazz Bass have. I can see playing my Ric in a lot of different situations, but I don't think it is a good fit for my current blues trio.

Here's a 60s 4001 with a blues band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU9X0A6IlK4&feature=youtu.be

Here's a 70s 4001 playing classic rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVZSU0WC7tQ&feature=youtu.be

Here's a 90s 4003 playing modern rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ma14_MtkP0&feature=youtu.be

Here's a 90s 4004 playing modern rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zStfKmFxElQ&feature=youtu.be

 

[rekesbass]

No, a 4001/3 does not sound like a P bass or a J bass, nor is it supposed too, but it seems many like to compare the three. It's like the same thread about tail lift being a problem that comes up every now an again. Rickenbacker basses have not had tail lift issues in a dogs age but that does not stop the topic from coming up.

If you are looking for serious thump, I suggest a 4004. That bass looks like a Rickenbacker but it's a low end and all around monster! A J bass? Try a 4002, you'll never look at your J bass the same way again. Both these basses have very powerful humbucking pups and they are configured differently than the 4001/3.

Yes, 4001/3's have more kick in the low mid low range and that is exactly where I prefer to be. Rickenbacker basses work for me and my sound. They are not for every one and that's a good thing. And this is coming from a guy who "cut his teeth" with fender P basses in my early days.

Sepp

actually,I was stating that the Ric has more true lows and the Fenders have the low mid bump.. I guess it's perception in regards to tone...Ric's seem to have those mid mids that make them growl the way they do...all I know is my Ric's always stay with me and Fenders come and go..right now I only have a 4003 and a Jazz and the 4003 goes on more gigs than the Jazz

 

[Medford Bassman]

Yeah, I don't get the "no lows" thing either. I own a 4003 and a MIA Jazz and frankly I can't get the lows out of the jazz that I can from the 4003. I work in a cover band and the 4003 is the main bass. I play a variety of music from the 50's to today and I find the 4003 is versatile enough to handle the job. It's definitely an instrument you must use often to bring its best qualities out of it. Plus the bridge and intonation is a pain but once it's set it hold its intonation.

My only real big complaint? The case that came with my 4003. I had it for almost 2 years and the case has a nice crack in it. I don't beat it but we do travel but the case isn't high quality. May have to invest in a better one.

 

[greggster59]

My 4003 shakes the room on the low end and has sustain for days.

 

[Whit Townsend]

I loved mine and regret selling it. Some love them, some don't.

Same here. I had a Fireglo 2003.
Im a guitar player that doubles on elec & upright bass a good bit.
The Ric had the fastest neck of any bass Ive ever owned. Not too thick, not too thin, very comfortable width to me. My fingers flew on the finished rosewood board. I loved it. It was not that heavy. I bought it used at a good deal and got my money back plus a good bit of change when I sold it.
Shoulda kept it.
I was playing mostly country music at the time and was not happy with the low end thump so I went back to a P/J.
In retrospect:
1. I shoulda had a bigger amp. More speakers & more power = more thump.
2. I shoulda put flats on it.

I still miss it badly and would buy another if a great deal came along.

 

[Gaolee]

Fer me, after playing a J for decades, I couldn't get sounds that drew me to bass in the first place. I'm not talking about Geddy, but more McCartney and Mike Mills. Luckily, once I got one I discovered that the neck suits me better than a J.

They also look killer and are unique.

The necks on the ones I tried so far have been thin in my hands, but not unpleasantly thin. The sound is what you make of it, and there are variables beyond the bass, strings and pickup. I have seen and heard Rics fitting right in with all kinds of music. The body feels fine to me, and I didn't have any issues with bindings. A Ric is more likely in my future than a Jazz. Whatever that means. The Judean People's Front needs better PR.