• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

To Rick or Not to Rick

#182
On the earlier versions that piece was actually part of the pick up, nowadays it's just a string guard.
I wish somebody would make a chrome cover to replace that piece that closes up the gap around the pick up so you could put your thumb on it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fight4Bottom
#185
IMG_4205.jpg found this treble pickup bezel at pick of the ricks
 
  • Like
Reactions: ScottTunes, Fight4Bottom and superdick2112
#187
No issues removing the cover, it's just a bit of a PitA (take the strings off, remove the pickup mount before trying to take it off).

It does take Schaller strap locks (why don't they supply the strap end locks as part of the case candy?). Swapping them over to your preferred strap lock shouldn't take long though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fight4Bottom
#188
Fight4Bottom said:
Saturday night. A knock at the door. A UPS driver carrying a box as big as herself. I had to play it cool, stifling the excitement I was feeling out of fear that she would pepper spray me.

From behind me, a voice breathless with glee: "Honey, is that...? Oh my god!" I had not told my wife I already ordered the bass. Since it was going to be down to me to order the thing, I figured one of us should feel the joy of sudden surprise. Why not the one who made this possible?

We took the case out of the box together, grinning like it was Christmas morning. I popped each latch slowly, dramatically. I lifted the lid and we both gasped at how beautiful it was. As happy as I was for myself, I believe she was even more so.

View attachment 2870299

But that's enough prose. Let's get down to it. This is a remarkable instrument. I plugged into my Ampeg BA-115v2, set the EQ flat, and had a go. The guys at Wildwood Guitars did a nice setup on it. The action was low, like I had asked for. I've never played a neck like it. It's amazing how the width and thickness are pretty much the same right the way up the neck. It played very comfortably. Not quite as comfortably as my Jazz neck, but the things I play well on my Jazz, I played equally well on the Rick. Conversely, things I play poorly on the Jazz did not improve on the Rick. (it's obviously me!)

It's not as heavy as I expected it to be. I guess it just looks heavy. Speaking of expectations, I got some nice sounding sort of "Rick-y" tones, but I'm impressed with its versatility. Between switches, volume and tone knobs, I can go from a bright, cutting sound down to a thick, bassy tone and lots of places in between.

I love it. Imma keep it.

A couple of questions for you Rick vets:
1. Is there any issue with removing the bridge pickup cover? I may want to try plucking right over that pickup.
2. Do I understand correctly that the preferred strap lock for this bass is the Schaller version? I have Dunlop Straplocks on my other basses, but if this is strap lock-ready, I'm fine with another product.
Click to expand...
Very nice, congrats!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fight4Bottom
#193
funkmaster p said:
Someone in my area has one for sale in the classifieds (BTW, I live about an hour north of you). [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

It is a 2013, and they are asking $1450. Not much less than what paid for a new one last year.
Click to expand...

I saw that listing. I was ready to take some cash and get it if I liked it, but I never heard back from the guy. And yeah, not much price difference at all.
 
  • Like
Reactions: funkmaster p
#197
Fight4Bottom said:
...
I've never played a neck like it. It's amazing how the width and thickness are pretty much the same right the way up the neck. It played very comfortably. Not quite as comfortably as my Jazz neck, but the things I play well on my Jazz, I played equally well on the Rick. Conversely, things I play poorly on the Jazz did not improve on the Rick. (it's obviously me!)

It's not as heavy as I expected it to be. I guess it just looks heavy. Speaking of expectations, I got some nice sounding sort of "Rick-y" tones, but I'm impressed with its versatility. Between switches, volume and tone knobs, I can go from a bright, cutting sound down to a thick, bassy tone and lots of places in between.

I love it. Imma keep it.

A couple of questions for you Rick vets:
1. Is there any issue with removing the bridge pickup cover? I may want to try plucking right over that pickup.
...
Click to expand...

Congrats. The thing with the shape of the neck - I think that's one of the things that throws some people off - I love it personally. That's one of the barriers to crossing the threshold into Ric-understanding & -appreciation. Another is finding an anchor for your thumb if you play fingerstyle. I had to develop a slightly different technique, resting my thumb gently on the pickguard.

Mine came to me without the pickup cover, I have had one that had it installed and I took it off pretty quick so I would never put one back on a Ric personally. Someone else mentioned the bezels, I would put one of those on, just haven't made the effort because I don't really need it. I can see how it increases your options though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: woodyng2 and Fight4Bottom
#198
I had a white Rick 4001 with black pickguard and solid black binding back in the 90's. Bought it with a Yamaha that I still have. Both Basses in hard shell cases for $350!!!!! Dude just wanted to get rid of them I think.

Got rid of the Rick. Why? I still - still - ask myself that!!!!!! :rollno: Stupid stupid stupid. There's about 4 Basses in my past that I'd like to reclaim. And that's one. But what can you do?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fight4Bottom

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back