Thunderbird Club

[dukeorock]

The 4005 used to be the other bass I wanted (apart from the 4001/3). Rare and expensive and no longer on my list. I left Ric Land and I'm never going back.

But you gotta admit, they’re cool looking!

Want rarer still, go all out on a double bound

Rickenbacker 4005WB 1967 Fireglo Pro Refin. w/OHSC Rickenbacker 4005WB 1967 Fireglo Pro Refin. w/OHSC

 

[Gaolee]

... fools seldom differ.

Spoken like my twin.

What?

 

[JIO]

@dukeorock - great sound clips! Just got a chance to run them through my GK 210 practice rig. Surprising how similar the first two sound. All three sound great but the third (with the BB strings) is noticeably more laid back in the mix and slightly more mid focused where as the other two seem to have a broader tone with more top and slightly more bottom end (at least to my ears).

With that in mind I would think the Cataldo and older bird would be perfect for songs where you want the bassline to stand out a bit more, the BB strung bird may be a better fit for a more supportive background and less flash role.

Here's my golden standard for a very forward bassline. Keep in mind this is a David Gilmour song, which means people typically tune into it to hear David (not the bass player). The first time I heard it my initial thought was the bass is walking all over Gilmour, I'm surprised he let that happen - but I like it.

Would love to hear the Cataldo or your early bird on this song.

Well stated - to me that's how I want to sound in a mix. (level) As Jerry Wexler (the man who coined the term "R&B" and produced hits with Aretha Franklin and countless others) said when asked what he wanted written on his grave-stone, he replied; "more bass". I have a feeling if anyone would know where and how bass sits in a mix - it would be him.

 

[kat888]

But you gotta admit, they’re cool looking!
View attachment 2897976
Want rarer still, go all out on a double bound

Rickenbacker 4005WB 1967 Fireglo Pro Refin. w/OHSC Rickenbacker 4005WB 1967 Fireglo Pro Refin. w/OHSC

They're as sexy as all fvck and I wish nothing but happiness to those who play then.

 

[Gaolee]

But you gotta admit, they’re cool looking!
View attachment 2897976
Want rarer still, go all out on a double bound

Rickenbacker 4005WB 1967 Fireglo Pro Refin. w/OHSC Rickenbacker 4005WB 1967 Fireglo Pro Refin. w/OHSC

Yes, they are. If I wanted a bass guitar to hang on the wall and look at, that would be the one. Probably not that one, since I think putting binding on the back side is silly and I'm not a fan of Mapleglo. But, I would happily take a Fireglo 4005 and hang it up somewhere to look at. It could be an unplayable Chinese copy, since it would never get played. The only flaw in this plan, aside from real cash dollars, is the lack of enthusiasm my wife has for guitars of any kind as a decorative theme through the house. She thinks they should all stay in the music room instead of leaking out to occupy every room. Sheesh! She doesn't have any bad habits I could use as leverage, either. It's the downside of marrying the perfect woman. So, no 4005 for me. Not even a fake.

 

[JJR58]

Wondering...how many ‘Bird owners also own Rics?
In this era of scooped mids, those seem like two bassses where the mids are very aggressive. A Ric 4005 is one of the coolest looking basses of all time, IMO

I like Rics, a lot!!!

 

[kat888]

I have actually seen a 4005 in the flesh, but never played it.

 

[dukeorock]

I like Rics, a lot!!!

You do not!!!

I have actually seen a 4005 in the flesh, but never played it.

I think they sound pretty great, personally. Very odd, but cool

 

[JJR58]

You do not!!!

But I do!!!!

I think they sound pretty great, personally. Very odd, but cool

Their oddity is part of the attraction for me. But love the tone even more.

 

[Klondike]

Been playing around with the VP(that might become her name,VP, not sure yet) this thing has some serious tone that I havent heard from my other basses. Im really diggin her sonic abilities.

Side point:
I also ordered a epi bird cage for VP, the new design with the head a couple inches narrower that the tail. VP hits the end with the headstock! I sure wish when they designed this case they made the bleepimg thing one imce longer!

 

[dukeorock]

This is one of the strangest basses ever. The Ric 4005 LightShow

 

[JIO]

This is one of the strangest basses ever. The Ric 4005 LightShow

It was the first "light-show" guitar/bass but nothing compared to some of the crazy new LED versions out there now!

 

[dukeorock]

Cool article with lots of ‘Bird content

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[Gaolee]

I have actually seen a 4005 in the flesh, but never played it.

You are one up on most of us even with that.

 

[veebass]

Wondering...how many ‘Bird owners also own Rics?
In this era of scooped mids, those seem like two bassses where the mids are very aggressive. A Ric 4005 is one of the coolest looking basses of all time, IMO

I do. The Gibson G3 RI is similar to a Ric as well.

 

[TBird1958]

Or having to be in a Nickelback tribute band. Thanks for that little gift, Canadia

I think they're still P.O.'d that we have William Shatner........

 

[dukeorock]

I do. The Gibson G3 RI is similar to a Ric as well.

I love G3’s...Sorry, Scot!
There’s one song on the Prayer Flags record that I used an ‘81 G3 on. Also used an ‘84 Peavey T-40 on some tunes, which can sound a lot like a Ric. Great tone for recording if you want the bass to be heard

 

[Gaolee]

Cool article with lots of ‘Bird content

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Interesting to see early EB-2s on the list. I didn't realize the early ones were more valuable, but that makes sense. Mine has an unbroken neck, but the wiring is modified and the pickguard is long gone, so it's no collector's item. It's got a wonderful warm thump that is backed off from what it would sound like with a mudbucker. It sounds like red-brown mahogany with a just sanded, unpolished quality. It's a more tactile sound than just about anything else.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

Cool article with lots of ‘Bird content

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One thing to take into consideration, that article is 6.5 years old, so the prices probably went up considerably on most, if not all those basses.

Cool article nonetheless.

 

[Dr_Feelgoood212]

I think they're still P.O.'d that we have William Shatner........

Quite possibly. We'll trade you for Geddy Lee... minus his basses.