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Why do you play a Rickenbacker?
- Thread starter lfmn16
- Start date
My Ric is:
The second bass I ever purchased.
The first "nice" bass I ever owned.
My current go-to for rock.
I originally bought it (as a teen) because of some of the famous users: Lemmy, Kira, Cliff Burton, etc. I played it for about two months and then went back to my first bass. I spent about 20 years trying to like that bass. I recently switched from DR Sunbeams to Rotosound Jazz flats on it. Then I brought it to a rehearsal one day when my P-bass was in the shop. For some reason, that bass finally clicked with me. I fell in love after all of those years, and I haven't been able to put it down since. The neck is so slim it feels effortless to play, and the stiff Rotos allow me to really dig in on the 16th notes without rattling. The tone really cuts, too. Plus, it looks completely badass:
Do I seriously have 20 years to wait? I thought I clicked, but no.............I am still waiting.
I am glad I am not the only Rick player like this.
If I didn't own a Thumb, I'd have a Rick.
Similar low-mid growl and high end zing that cuts like a knife through heavy guitar distortion.
Every time I hear a Rick I think 'that's how I want my bass to sound'!
Since my Thumb does sound like that, I'm not shopping for a Rick (currently).
But I'd love to have one.
Wish my bass budget allowed for it.
When I think of how I want a bass to sound, two companies come to mind immediately.
Warwick and Rickenbacker.
Actually I just heard a band last night and the bassist had a 4003.
Sounded awesome, especially when I yelled at the stage to turn up the bass.
They did, and it was even more awesome!
Similar low-mid growl and high end zing that cuts like a knife through heavy guitar distortion.
Every time I hear a Rick I think 'that's how I want my bass to sound'!
Since my Thumb does sound like that, I'm not shopping for a Rick (currently).
But I'd love to have one.
Wish my bass budget allowed for it.
When I think of how I want a bass to sound, two companies come to mind immediately.
Warwick and Rickenbacker.
Actually I just heard a band last night and the bassist had a 4003.
Sounded awesome, especially when I yelled at the stage to turn up the bass.
They did, and it was even more awesome!
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Go ahead and roll your eyes- but I constantly envision the ric sound when Im playing mid range on sousa- and with the right amount/kind of overdrive and maybe a GK amp - I sometimes get close enough... then I pee a little... and as my face flushes with shame and the drool drips off my red face I remember every sound mans opening sound check question: You guys dont have a bass player? feels bad bro. Rickenbacker gutsy sound is the most opposite timbre bass horn can play- makes it irresistible to try and imitate.
When I tested my first Ric, I was simply blown away by two factors:
1.) The tone is impressive and perfect for what I play (mostly post-punk). However, I also walked through the changes for "Autumn Leaves," and even though the sound would never be mistaken for a classic jazz sound, I found that I could dial in a really solid and unique electric tone that worked extremely well.
2.) The instrument's "dexterity" is personally very comfortable. I've found that the 33 1/4" scale length works quite well for my technique. I started playing bass on a short scale Gibson knockoff, so 34" has never felt quite on my hands, especially below the fifth fret. However, the slightly shorter scale allows me a consistent technique (such as one finger to one fret) that ultimately produces a great sound.
Anyway, after a lengthy test drive, I purchased the bass immediately. Months upon months of practice have confirmed that this was the right decision.
Best,
~Nick "Klaus" G.
1.) The tone is impressive and perfect for what I play (mostly post-punk). However, I also walked through the changes for "Autumn Leaves," and even though the sound would never be mistaken for a classic jazz sound, I found that I could dial in a really solid and unique electric tone that worked extremely well.
2.) The instrument's "dexterity" is personally very comfortable. I've found that the 33 1/4" scale length works quite well for my technique. I started playing bass on a short scale Gibson knockoff, so 34" has never felt quite on my hands, especially below the fifth fret. However, the slightly shorter scale allows me a consistent technique (such as one finger to one fret) that ultimately produces a great sound.
Anyway, after a lengthy test drive, I purchased the bass immediately. Months upon months of practice have confirmed that this was the right decision.
Best,
~Nick "Klaus" G.
Yep, Rickys do sound unique and they erm play unique too. I've never liked their handling or playing feel. But their tone is specific and unique. If one want's THAT sound, it can't be gotten from anything in the Fender portfolio.
the question is:
Why do you play NOT a Rickenbacker ?
A rick belongs into every bassplayers arsenal - no question!!!
More important to know: do you play with bezel or not?
I prefer to keep the bezel because of the original look and because it does not harm my playing
Why do you play NOT a Rickenbacker ?
A rick belongs into every bassplayers arsenal - no question!!!
More important to know: do you play with bezel or not?
I prefer to keep the bezel because of the original look and because it does not harm my playing
Took mine off. I like to play right over the bridge pole pieces. Bought a chrome tubeamplogy bezel to fill the void.
I have a Fireglo 4003S modded with a toaster routed in the 1/2" position, along with a RIHS for my classic looking Ric.
I have a Fireglo 4003S modded with a toaster routed in the 1/2" position, along with a RIHS for my classic looking Ric.
My 2nd bass was a Rick, bought it used in '83. Would still have it but it had neck issues that I could never get fixed properly and finally gave up and traded it for another bass (Hamer Blitz). Still love the look and sound of them but the price is just too steep for me these days. Would agree with the comments earlier, Roger Glover on the cover of Made In Japan caught my attention and I was hooked!
the chrome bezel was also my favorite one to go for, but i decided to keep the original look.
I mainly play pick style and sometimes even use the pickup cover to lay my hand on. very comfortable playing position when your rick hangs very low.
Growing up in Pittsburgh we had a Vox store on Liberty Ave where all the music stores were downtown, but you had to go to Cleveland to even look at a Rickenbacker. They were hung on the wall like art in (I believe) the May department store in Cleveland.
Our band couldn't afford those department store prices, so we never bought one, but always appreciated that display.
Our band couldn't afford those department store prices, so we never bought one, but always appreciated that display.
I saw a picture of a Ric when I was just begining to play bass at 14. I thought it was the coolest bass I'd ever seen. Then I saw Yes in 1971 and thought that Rics were the coolest bass I'd ever heard. After that, no other bass would do for my first 'pro' level bass and I started saving pennies from my Saturday and Summer jobs while I was at school, and walking about a mile each way to a music shop several times a week to drool at the only Ric for miles around (even though it was brown and behind glass in a display case). I finally got to buy my May 1973 4001 secondhand in 1976, with my savings topped up by Mum and Dad for my 21st birthday.
It was my only bass for years and still goes out on gigs quite regularly.
It was my only bass for years and still goes out on gigs quite regularly.
I like mine, I don't love mine. That being said it has been getting most of my play time. I am determined to get on with it.
