A few years ago I purchased a brand new Gibson Thunderbird. It’s an awesome looking rig and has pretty good meaty tone but I just don’t find myself grabbing for it when it time to R’N’R. My other ride is an American Standard P. I’m seriously considering trading the T-bird and a rare Marshall in for a brand new American Jazz Bass. Also in the back of my mind is a Ric 4001. Any recommendations between the two? I play in a classic rock cover band that does 70s, 90s pop and Smithereens and a power trio. I’m just wondering is the Ric more of a one trick pony? I also dig playing funk every now and then and I know a J can nail that.
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Yes,
If you like the familiar shape, a nicer than Fender boutique jazz copy will cost less than the Fender probably.
Jazz Bass or a Ric? — Yes.
Seriously, of the two, I would go with a Jazz. Outside those, a StingRay, actually. But get the one you like, not the one I like.
Seriously, of the two, I would go with a Jazz. Outside those, a StingRay, actually. But get the one you like, not the one I like.
How does the neck pu on a J compare to sound of a P? It’s been about 16 years since I played a real American J. It wasn’t mine so I really didn’t get much time with it. I owned two Mexican J basses about five years ago but I don’t recall them feeling quite as nice as that American did.
Nothing sounds quite like a Ric.
I humbly suggest getting an oil-finished walnut model.
Why?
Well, a quick visit to the Ric Club thread may prove to be quite informative....
I humbly suggest getting an oil-finished walnut model.
Why?
Well, a quick visit to the Ric Club thread may prove to be quite informative....
Yes, the walnut models are great. They're light, and I totally dig the maple fretboards. For more comfy ergonomics, the 4003S is the way to go. Coming from G&Ls and Fenders, I find the traditional 4003 Ric bodies extremely uncomfortable, so even though I love the tone I wouldn't want to deal with one.
But, for the OP's purposes, a good ol' J-bass is probably the better choice. The neck pickup won't duplicate a P-bass tone, but will at least boost low mids to get near that neighborhood. Problem is, favoring the neck pickup (as I usually do) will bring single coil hum. So you might want to consider hum-canceling pickups. If you really want a P-bass vibe, the Lace Man o' War pickups are great. They're true single coils with reduced noise, and their thick tone allows my G&L JB to sit in a mix almost like a P-bass.
Ok that’s what I was wondering - if the sound is a little different with the J’s neck pickup. I’m fine with it not sounding like the P. Even if it sounds a little more punchy and defined that’s the sound I’m looking for.
The P handles that stuff like a pro. But I’ve been watching alotta Vulfpeck videos lately and Joe Dart sells a J bass like crazy. I guess I’m looking more for a J bass to satisfy my funk craving.
Yeah I’m selling a solid USA Gibson so I’m gonna get the most I can for it and either save a little more or be able to trade for the American J. There’s nothing like the feel of the American necks.
Jazz basses can get a nice tone, think John Paul Jones. You kinda have to find a good one etc. Ricks on the other hand have a nice snarl that works great in a rock setting. They are pretty different basses. I would go with a 4001 or 4003 personally.
I have both. A '75 Jazz that I bought new and a '15 Ric 4003 that I bought new. I am more familiar with my Jazz bass than my Ric. As such, my opinion may be colored by that fact.
My Jazz bass is more versatile than my Ric. I can play almost anything including R&R, funk, nice ballads, and even Jazz!
The Ric has a wonderful tone, but you won't find my playing Green Dolphin Street with it.
They are both great basses. If you play with your fingers on use all 4 on your right hand (playing righty), you will need to mod a Ric 4001/4003 to remove the fairly awkward pickup cover. I should note that I removed the forward pickup cover from my Jazz bass the day I brought it home.
My Jazz bass is more versatile than my Ric. I can play almost anything including R&R, funk, nice ballads, and even Jazz!
The Ric has a wonderful tone, but you won't find my playing Green Dolphin Street with it.
They are both great basses. If you play with your fingers on use all 4 on your right hand (playing righty), you will need to mod a Ric 4001/4003 to remove the fairly awkward pickup cover. I should note that I removed the forward pickup cover from my Jazz bass the day I brought it home.
It comes down to YOUR personal style first, then followed by the specifics of individual qualities of each bass.
It's nice to have versatility and choices but all manufactures seem to fall in these broad categories. Generally speaking and a general tone quality although all have variations of tone due to materials etc. but all seem to have a ballpark tone.
So, IMHO, the style of music and your style will dictate what basses you should have in your arsenal.
Good luck!
It's nice to have versatility and choices but all manufactures seem to fall in these broad categories. Generally speaking and a general tone quality although all have variations of tone due to materials etc. but all seem to have a ballpark tone.
- Fender P-Bass
- Fender Jazz Bass
- Rickenbacker
- Gibson Thunderbird
So, IMHO, the style of music and your style will dictate what basses you should have in your arsenal.
Good luck!