The Rickenbacker Club Part Nine

[thiocyclist]

Here's a recording I did with my GL Jazz Bass wired in stereo....

That sounds like Geddy for sure, and a little more Ric-ish than most Jazzes but it's still very obviously a Jazz based on my experience (the give-away for me is the upper mids/highs). For whatever reason you are getting more low end that I would associate more with a Ric but on the other hand the top end sounds just like a Jazz. So what was your signal chain and how did you EQ it? Either way it's a really good Rush-style tone. Also what's the wiring modification you did to make it stereo? Are the knobs stacked and then you did a switching mono pair of jacks like a Ric, or...?

Recordings like that make me wonder how a 34'' scale Ric would sound because there's just something more articulate about the upper range on a Jazz. Then again maybe it's all about the pickup position.

EDIT: By the way you sure learned that bass line something fierce. Good job.

 

[4001]

That sounds like Geddy for sure, and a little more Ric-ish than most Jazzes but it's still very obviously a Jazz based on my experience (the give-away for me is the upper mids/highs). For whatever reason you are getting more low end that I would associate more with a Ric but on the other hand the top end sounds just like a Jazz. So what was your signal chain and how did you EQ it? Either way it's a really good Rush-style tone. Also what's the wiring modification you did to make it stereo? Are the knobs stacked and then you did a switching mono pair of jacks like a Ric, or...?

Recordings like that make me wonder how a 34'' scale Ric would sound because there's just something more articulate about the upper range on a Jazz. Then again maybe it's all about the pickup position.

EDIT: By the way you sure learned that bass line something fierce. Good job.

Hey, thanks for watching and the kind words.

I ran that bass through two GK Microbass combos. I cannot remember how I EQ'd it but I did use the post EQ signal direct out. The mixer I use only has a bass and treble adjustment on each channel that I usually set pretty much flat.
I had the bass wired by a pro and it is based on the same wiring as a Rickenbacker with both the mono and stereo outs. The only difference is that I had the tone pots removed so it is just two seperate volume pots.

 

[Aceonbass]

I have my 4003 wired in a very similar way, except I have just the two tone controls. I leave a little in reserve on my volume pedal if I think I might need to turn up a bit.

 

[Splods]

When sitting, how do you guys get around the uncomfortable edge of the body?

 

[Korladis]

By not finding it uncomfortable.

 

[beobass]

Last night I played a'78 4001 at GC. It was the best Ric I've ever touched. Amazing cherry finish with some light flaming.... if I only had 2 grand. ....

 

[Dave W]

By not finding it uncomfortable.

+1

I find Ric's to be quite comfortable.

 

[BassGen]

By not finding it uncomfortable.

Same here actually.

 

[Ric5]

Last night I played a'78 4001 at GC. It was the best Ric I've ever touched. Amazing cherry finish with some light flaming.... if I only had 2 grand. ....

$2000 for a 78 4001??? too much ...

You can get a brand new one for $1600.

 

[thiocyclist]

By not finding it uncomfortable.

+3...

A lot of people hate that binding but it has never bothered me. Technique differences or maybe it's even physiology, who knows.

 

[4001]

Same here actually.

Same here too. I've never had a problem with that.

 

[Webtroll]

By not finding it uncomfortable.

Another +1. The edge is what I hated about the 3 4001s I previously owned. I now have a 4000 which is much better; good enough to get used to it. Who knows, once I'm fully used to it maybe I'll try another one with binding.

Just kidding No Rics with binding for me!

 

[woodyng]

Another +1. The edge is what I hated about the 3 4001s I previously owned. I now have a 4000 which is much better; good enough to get used to it. Who knows, once I'm fully used to it maybe I'll try another one with binding.

Just kidding No Rics with binding for me!

Yes,same here,by not buying the models with binding.....
I have a 4000,a laredo,and a cii,and the body contouring as well as the unbound necks are what make a big difference for me. I also prefer the dot neck look to the triangles....not that that has any bearing on feel...

 

[kcole4001]

I always found it to be too hard to see the position markers on dark stages with the dot necks.
The big shark fins and the black dot in white neck binding is far easier to see clearly at a brief glance.

 

[Tarrbot]

I always found it to be too hard to see the position markers on dark stages with the dot necks.
The big shark fins and the black dot in white neck binding is far easier to see clearly at a brief glance.

I have that perfect bass then. 4003S body with the sharkfin inlays. Toaster and RIHS to round it out.

 

[woodyng]

I have that perfect bass then. 4003S body with the sharkfin inlays. Toaster and RIHS to round it out.

Pics,please!
Sounds like a nice combo actually. Bound neck?

 

[Gbass75]

+1

I find Ric's to be quite comfortable.

SUPER COMFORTABLE!!!

 

[Gbass75]

Still waiting for my number! :-D

 

[Tarrbot]

Pics,please!
Sounds like a nice combo actually. Bound neck?

Yes, bound neck.

Oddly, I haven't taken any pics of this so I will have to use the pics that were shown when it was resurrected. I will try to get more current pics.

It was a butchered restoration that Jason Mendelson had done.

Basically, the lower wing at some point was "fixed" with one of pine and screwed together. Jason had it taken apart, stripped and refined in a Matte JG.

Here's a before pic...

Because the original binding on the body was abused, it was ultimately removed and contoured like a 4003S would be.

He labeled it a 4003v63.

Unfortunately, these pics are still in the incomplete stage but you get the general idea of it.

All I've done with it is put flats on it and new tuners.

As mentioned, I need to take some pics of it but every time I touch it I'm all, "No time for pics. Must put maximum play time in today... " and then do so.



Interestingly, I originally bought a Gibson SG Robot from Jason a year or so prior with the intention of having the kidlet play. She never took to it, since she adored a Les Paul more.

Jason put this up on the market and we just swapped even for the Robot.

Best trade I've ever made. Bar none.

 

[8MilesHigher]

I would buy another 4003 tomorrow if I could get one with that checked binding on it.

There are guys who can put that binding on a bass for you.

Really? Do tell!

There's Larry Davis (Davis Guitar Works) in Florida; [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And Paul Wilcyznski in Northern Calif
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And Dale Fortune in Aloha, Oregon (Fortune Guitars)

and several more luthiers who have a good reputation for restoration work on Rics