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Guys- I don't own one but might like to. Possible dumb question: what's the deal with the enormous, elaborate 'cover' over the 'bridge' pickup? 
I cannot imagine why such a thing is needed.
I cannot imagine why such a thing is needed.
Guys- I don't own one but might like to. Possible dumb question: what's the deal with the enormous, elaborate 'cover' over the 'bridge' pickup?
I cannot imagine why such a thing is needed.
It looks cool, but it isn't needed and is easily removed.
Guys- I don't own one but might like to. Possible dumb question: what's the deal with the enormous, elaborate 'cover' over the 'bridge' pickup?
I cannot imagine why such a thing is needed.
The original Ric pickup from the 1930's was called the Horseshoe, as there were two arced pieces of magnetized flat steel wrapped over the top of the bobbin/pole pieces. Over time, the shoes had to be remagnetized, and it had problems getting high enough output for the demands of rock. So in the late 60's I believe, the pup was redesigned a few times.The plastic cover was designed to maintain the look of the original horseshoe, but with a standard bobbin laying across a flat magnet underneath, more like a traditional pickup design.
Ric has re-issued variations of the horseshoe through the release of several vintage issues, and now sells a re-issue horseshoe pup all by itself in their boutique. However, the steel 'shoes' are no longer the primary magnet, but according to Ric, are integral to the pups sound.
The plastic cover on their modern bridge pup is designed to be removeable. Some people remove it to be able to play right on top of the pup. An aftermarket bezel is available to cover the opening and make for a more flush playing surface. Lemmy of Motorhead added the plastic cover merely as a handrest, no pups on his Ric are underneath it.
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The new 4003's are pretty awesome. Probably the only time I've ever encountered a current model bass that's not only as good as any vintage model I've played, but actually better. Although I have yet to play anything earlier than a mid-70's 4001.
I still love my 4001, but the 4003 is just gorgeous, and through an amp the thing has some serious power with both pickups at full range. Even with the capacitor active, it's still a bit tougher sounding than my 4001, but both have their own character and don't sound identical by any means.
I still love my 4001, but the 4003 is just gorgeous, and through an amp the thing has some serious power with both pickups at full range. Even with the capacitor active, it's still a bit tougher sounding than my 4001, but both have their own character and don't sound identical by any means.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Absolutely ...
That is what I am doing to the one in my house now. Except it is not mine.
Very smart move for a 15 year old! Kudos to you and your parents for instilling the work-for-it ethic.
Beautiful basses, BTW, and cool stage pic.
Another 3 hour jam with my 4003 last night. Sounds fantastic! Very comfortable too. Two weeks away from using it in a gig for the first time. Ladies, prepare to throw your underwear at the stage....
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I had an 09' Ric and I thought the neck was quite nice, but my 97' seems to have a way thinner neck, front to back. I've played a bunch of Ric's over the years but this one has to have the best neck I've ever felt. Just super comfortable.
My 2011 Mapleglo has a really nice feeling neck profile, but my 2008 Jetglo has the best neck of all my Rics. My 4001C64 is the thinnest, but it feels flat on the back, and not quite as natural & comfy feeling as the Jetglo. My 4004Cii basses have baseball bat necks, but they sound fantastic, & you get used to their neck feel after a few minutes of playing.
I don't think I've posted pics of my 4003 yet:
its a little small but you can see how it looks in this pic..
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if I took the covering off my rick's pup also but i got a pick guard at this place.... Pickguardian Custom Pickguards
and it looks good and I don't cut my fingers on those sharp edges..
pretty cheap too
edit:.... some pics right from the site of the before and after...
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I like the look of the stock bridge pickup surround, so I went with a bezel from Tube Ampology. The bezel sits flush with the edge on the metal surround, so it not only fills the unsightly space, it also allows you to rest your thumb by the pickup without feeling any sharp edges. I went with the standard model, but you can also get one with either a thumb rest or a notched-out thumb cove.
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I like the stock surround as well. I'll be picking up one of those Bezel's shortly, though. I use the floating thumb technique when I play my Ric, so the hole isn't a huge issue for me.
I float the thumb as well, thus my choice of the "standard" bezel. That, and I just didn't like the look of the cove or the thumb rest. Be careful not to scratch your great looking Fireglo finish on the install - I taped four pieces of heavy paper around the hole after I removed the surround in case I butter fingered it on the install.
btw, lol at your new sig. - beats your old "pot stirrer" sig.
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