The Rickenbacker Dilemma

[Mastermold]

My Rics are very comfortable to me, they feel like "home." But I've been playing them for a long time.

 

[Btone]

It sounds like what you're looking for is a 4001S or a 4003S. No body binding which means contoured edges.

What I was thinking.

I couldn't get used to the binding on the 4003, and the 4003 neck felt a little chuncky - but I wanted a rick, because I dig that sound and love the look of them. The 4001v63 was my solution; the ones from the '80s and '90s have some VERY nice, slender necks - and no body/neck binding.

Interestingly so, I've been feeling like I really want a P these days

Of course you will need a '70s Precision to go with the Rick. You may need some time to hunt one down, but IMO, there's some well playing, well built, relatively lightweight ash Ps out there.

 

[johnk_10]

yeah, that's why i always preffered the V63's too ( i have a '91), but, i'm really diggin' the slim neck and the new pickups on my '09 4003 now too (and for some reason, the binding isn't bothering me the way that it used to on the bound ones):

 

[Farfetched]

I had serious GAS from a Rick about a year ago. Pretty much same deal as you. Had a geddy, but the rick was keeping up at night. Well eventually the right one came around. Not saying the Rick is bad, but still play the geddy more albeit 60/40. But hey, I can sleep at night.

 

[poorbassist15]

I want a ric soooo bad. I may have to build my own knock off to do it, but I will get a Ric-ish.

 

[kcole4001]

If anyone would like to try a 4004, there's a nice used one for sale reasonably here:
http://www.pickofthericks.com/

They're a great shop to deal with, also.

 

[G On Bass]

I had a similar thing. I wanted one for 20+ years. I finally got one. Ended up selling it less than a year later. IMHO it is a fantastic looking and sounding bass with historically siginificant contributions to music, but I could never find a comfortable place for my thumb.

 

[SHWAG]

My school band director has a 70's Rick and when he allows me to play it I sit and it doesn't feel too uncomfortable.

PS: I love when he lets me play it

 

[Rick N Backer]

I have played alot of bass guitars in my career , I always go to my 72 Rickenbacker for the sound. You can always tell the sound of a Rick. I use light gage strings. I also have a Ibanze fretless for its sound,and a Yamaha for the slap and tap style. For that Prog. Rock sound of the 70's, it's the Rick that makes it. I use Moog Taurus pedals and I've been told that at times the sound hits you right in the chest. I am currently looking at a Fender Jazz to complete my arsenal . As for the fatigue of playing a Rick on a gig all night. I guess I got used to it, cause it never bothered me. It is a long scale guitar, so you stretch to get to those low F and B notes, but O those tones.

 

[bommer]

My cheap parts bass here sounds like a Ric and has no binding so it is comfortable to play.

Invalid Link Removed

Is the B-string gonna stay on the neck while your playing

 

[jackajesusfreak]

not sure what the 'uncomfortableness' is but I bought a new 2010 4003 Fireglo in April and I find nothing about it that's uncomfortable.

 

[s4001]

My Rics are very comfortable to me, they feel like "home." But I've been playing them for a long time.

Me, too. Twenty years or so...

 

[Ric5]

Is the B-string gonna stay on the neck while your playing

Yes ... but it is close.

 

[bommer]

ahh alright.
i have to say though, i Really do like that bass, especially that headstock, never seen anything like it before.