To Rick or Not to Rick

[Skybone]

The heart says yes, but the bank account says "dream on!".

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Now that I'm back in the Ric business, been listening to Squire isolated bass tracks again. When I got my first Ric, I had to do this by cranking the bass or using one headphone earpiece, my how times have changed! This is about the most convincing example of why a Ric tone is so unique. I can't think of another bass that really sounds like this. It's hard to tell if its the string buzz or overdriven amp sound at some points, but in my mind, THIS is why you buy a Ric:

 

[JMacBass65]

Now that I'm back in the Ric business, been listening to Squire isolated bass tracks again. When I got my first Ric, I had to do this by cranking the bass or using one headphone earpiece, my how times have changed! This is about the most convincing example of why a Ric tone is so unique. I can't think of another bass that really sounds like this. It's hard to tell if its the string buzz or overdriven amp sound at some points, but in my mind, THIS is why you buy a Ric:

That's just such an amazing sound. Yes, there are basses that can mimic it, and in the context of a mix, could fool many on casual listen. That said, nothing really sounds like THAT! FWIW - I think it's a bit of string/fret buzz and overdriven amp. I can actually get close by going direct into this crappy Peavey mixer I use at home with headphones, and overdriving the initial gain stage on the channel.

 

[rickdog]

The heart says yes, but the bank account says "dream on!".

Feed your bank account a little bit every day, and it will grow sooner than you think

And listen to Siberian Khatru to remind yourself why you're doing it!

 

[Fight4Bottom]

It does take Schaller strap locks (why don't they supply the strap end locks as part of the case candy?).

I got the Schallers. And as to why they don't provide them...probably a deal between the two companies. People like me buying a Rickenbacker immediately go buy Schaller strap locks. Brilliant.

The scale says my 4001 weighs within 2% of my Jazz. But the Rick feels much lighter to me.

Indeed. I just weighed them:
Jazz - 9 lbs 4 oz
4003 - 9 lbs 3 oz

It just feels more than an ounce lighter to me.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I like how my Rick sounds in this recording.

 

[Spidey2112]

I like how my Rick sounds in this recording.

Agreed... not my genre, Manti, but I respect your playing, brother!

Rock on!

 

[GreyBeard]

I often joke with my wife about getting a Rickenbacker bass. She'll say, "You know what I want for Christmas?" And I'll say, "A Rickenbacker bass, right?" She's heard me joke enough that she understands what it is and how neat it would be to get one. But because of the cost, I've seriously never been serious about it.

But we've just gone through a major change in our lives, the details of which I'll spare you, suffice it to say she's extremely grateful for the sacrifices I've made. So much so that last night she told me she wants me to buy a Rickenbacker.

Now, I don't earn money gigging, so it won't pay for itself. But I do have enough money to buy one. Thus, as much as I'd love to have one, I have a hard time justifying it. So with apologies for creating yet another Ricky thread, what should I do? Pros and cons?

Think of like golf, hunting or photography. How many people have thousands of dollars worth of golf or hunting and or photography equipment and never make a dime with any of it. I've got a $2500 Nikon D750 that I've never made any money with but, I sure enjoy it.

 

[rickpascual]

Congratulations! I enjoyed this entire thread and didn't know you actually got the bass until I picked through it again tonight! I hope you have many years of enjoyment! Your wife is a treasure and I enjoyed her post very much. I know what it's like to wait for you your first RIC. I waited 46 years before I finally got mine! Lifelong PBass player, I always wanted one and never ever played one or had one in my hands until I ordered mine from Andy Babiuk in NY. Opening the box was a thrill I'll never forget. I fell in love immediately and all I can say to myself is why did I wait so long? I have made a few tweaks to make it mine but I mod everything I own so I knew I would do that when I bought it! Cheers!

 

[Wolfhound32]

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.

First off, congrats on a beautiful bass!

Now that it's been about 6-months since delivery, what do you think?
Often when the "new" wears off of things, strengths & weaknesses are easier to identify.

Mainly asking as I've been in a very similar situation as your original post described-- occasionally reminding my wife how much I'd like to own a Rickenbacker (followed by her reminding me that my vocation is not "professional bass player"). She's right of course, though with my 50th birthday on the horizon, she may be more inclined to indulge my 4003 jetglo dream

 

[Fight4Bottom]

First off, congrats on a beautiful bass!

Now that it's been about 6-months since delivery, what do you think?
Often when the "new" wears off of things, strengths & weaknesses are easier to identify

I still love it. It's very comfortable in my hands, and the neck thickness doesn't bother me, though it makes for a strange feeling when I pick up my Jazz Bass. I love the tone, though I should say "tones", as I really enjoy the variety of sound I can get. And for purely superficial reasons, I still enjoy the admiration I get from friends and bandmates for such a beautiful instrument.

Mainly asking as I've been in a very similar situation as your original post described-- occasionally reminding my wife how much I'd like to own a Rickenbacker (followed by her reminding me that my vocation is not "professional bass player"). She's right of course, though with my 50th birthday on the horizon, she may be more inclined to indulge my 4003 jetglo dream

I am sending positive thoughts your way, that this may happen for you!

 

[Skybone]

Feed your bank account a little bit every day, and it will grow sooner than you think

And listen to Siberian Khatru to remind yourself why you're doing it!

If only the Tax Man hadn't got there first...

and the family...

and the mortgage...

and.....

I can dream eh?

 

[Element Zero]

My vote? Not to Ric. I would've picked up something else for the money. That being said, congratulations on acquiring an instrument you've had your eye on for quite some time I'm sure. I have no doubt you love playing it and it helps evoke emotions left unstirred deep within. I know and love that feeling all to well. Rock on brotha!