Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
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Can't decide between Rickenbacker 4003 vs. 4001
- Thread starter EliasMessiah
- Start date
Ive had two Rics and played a bunch more from various years. The necks were completely different on each. My 09 4003 has the best neck of all of them. Im not sure you can just pick a year and depend on the neck to be a certain size, they all seem to be a bit different.
If it were me, I would choose playing comfort every time. I had a jazz bass deluxe 4 string that looked and sounded great but, had horrible neck dive. I always have to sing lead and backup. Having to deal with neck dive is just one too many.
I agree in that a Ric is definitely a try before you buy bass, but I do think that most of the very early 4003s and most of the 4001s have thinner necks. I had a 2010 that was a baseball bat. I never got used to it and wound up selling it. My favorites were a '72 which I foolishly sold and an '81 which I foolishly sold.
Don’t listen to the enjoyer. They’re just regurgitating what they’ve heard from other enjoyers.
Hit a nerve did i?
You have earned an honored place on my ignore list. Thanks for helping me avoid wasting time on TB.
Apparently I did. Sounds good if you got that thin of skin good buddyHit a nerve did i?
You have earned an honored place on my ignore list. Thanks for helping me avoid wasting time on TB.
I did not like the chunkiness of the more recent years either. I have both a ‘72 and an ‘86 and the necks are slimmer and fast.
The only consistency about Rics is the inconsistency.
- Oct 26, 2014
- 3,824
- 10,228
- 4,871
- Disclosures
- Don't create no problem, won't be no problem.
My 2019 4003 plays pretty sweet. As far as comfort I use an Stretch Wristband/Armband on my forearm, comfort issue solved.
The blue one is an Azureglo, I had a '78 Azureglo, those are not common and are worth some money, if had the choice I'd go for the Azureglo in a NY minute, it will only increase in value and WILL last a lifetime, there is a lot of Ric bashing here for some reason, every time someone like you starts a thread like yours there is always a chorus of people bashing them, worst bass made, bla bla bla, just ignore that stuff., they're usually disgruntled players who never took the time to get used to them or didn't try to set them up or something like that, or even are just regurgitating stuff they read. As far as a lot of dogs out there go, same with any bass, and it's usually just down to poor set up. That Azureglo looks to be in nice shape. I wouldn't touch a vintage bass neck, it will ruin the value.
My '79 4001:
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Yes, I had several early 80's 4001's and 4003's (they were available concurrently) and they had slim necks, my 85 does too. The early 4003's have split pickguards as the truss rod adjusters are at the body end, they're the same hairpin truss rods just reversed with bigger nuts and individual blocks, they're pretty rare nowadays for some reason.
Of the 5 I've owned, my 77 4001 was the most comfortable. As long as you get one with a stable bridge and little to no fretboard separation, it should be solid for a very long time. Mine was. Its only real flaw was that it was noticeably quieter than my other basses. If I were going to get another 4001, though, I'd look for an 80. The ones I've played had slightly narrower and more rounded necks than my 77 did, which I found more comfortable.
- Oct 26, 2014
- 3,824
- 10,228
- 4,871
- Disclosures
- Don't create no problem, won't be no problem.
Later models are constructed with CNC machines, and seem to have a little better quality control.
My first Ric was a '77 mapleglo 4001 I bought brand new for 429.00 in Boston at E. U. Wurlitzer, was the best shop around until GC drove it out of business.
Suit up! You know you can't rock a Ric in shorts and sandals. Dress like a pro because you'll mean business!
Also, I voted for the 4001 because my friend Chris has one and he's a cool guy. Can't dispute my logic. Best case is you play what you can and choose the best feel.
Also, I voted for the 4001 because my friend Chris has one and he's a cool guy. Can't dispute my logic. Best case is you play what you can and choose the best feel.
I had a ‘68 4001s burgundy glo and it had a very slim neck. It played like a dream and I don’t remember any appreciable neck dive. I don’t have any experience with any other Rics. People either love them or hate them. Their doesn’t seem to be any middle ground.
