A 4004 is great right out of the box, no mods required.
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Yes indeed, but Ric is not accepting any orders for 4004 basses until further notice.
He would have no choice but to buy a used one.
I encourage buying used. You could literally wait years to get a new 4004, when they were being produced.
Speaking as the previous owner of four pre '73 checkerboard bound Ric's, I can unabashedly address this issue.
It's all about size.
There, now its out on the table, for all to see.
In a society where "size matters", that 33 3/4" scale just can't compete with the 34" of Fender shaped goodness.
God knows, I always felt more confident with a full load of Leo's Lumber in my hands.
I never really understood why they seemed SO offended by any criticism of a Rics' features, til I considered this. Just extremely hypersensitive!
You and I both know it's only a quarter of an inch!!!!!!
So close!!!!!
But close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and thermonuclear detonation.
If we could just get them to understand there's no reason for this envy, then we could make this (bass)world a little.....sniff.....better.
C'mon people, show the love.
Geddy already did his best to blur the lines, let's get with the times!!!!
Bring it in........group hug!!!
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Ric5
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I prefer a 4003 to a 4001 any day, and the jazz bass is a classic design ...
but if you already have 2 basses maybe look for a 5 string ... get one with a 3 or 4 band preamp then you can dial in a Ric tone or a jazz tone.
Go to a music store and try out a few basses.
Right, because there's nothing to bash about Fenders, like dead spots, headstock lift, ski jumps, and the need to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod, assuming there's no back bow, in which case you'll need to put on heavier strings. Skunk stripe separation, fret sprout, jeez, the list goes on...
Don't get me wrong, I play both Fender and Rickenbacker basses. They *all* have their little issues.
Ricks are awesome. I don’t care if anyone buys one or not.
The best part about a Ricky is that id DOESN'T sound like a Fender or a Gibson, it sounds distinctly like a Ricky... and then it all comes down to personal preferences and aural familiarity... Kudos to those who walk down their own path.
For ME, I started out with a Ricky but found my way through a pseudo Fenderish Custom made bass. For over 30 years my personal style has taken me to a Fender Jazz, but not the clanky Jazz bass but the warm ash/rosewood combo. Hey, that's just my thing and who know, if a Ricky comes calling, I may jhave to accept the charges.
Ok I was a bit harsh. Was referring to “ standard”Jazz Bridge pup soloed tone like Jaco was known for. Love Jaco but so tired of That tone
John Paul Jones used a Jazz and never sounded like Jacoshen they both used Acoustic 371 amps.
My 72 Ric could nail any tone I wanted from McCartney to Squire and all points in between . Can do pinch harmonics like any Jazz can do ; only with toggle switch for rapid pup selection and stereo standard to boot
With flats and neck pup chosen it was deeper than my Precision because neck pup is closer to neck without being humbucker muddy
With rounds and neck pup soloed it was brighter than any other
Again I my statement about J basses having one tone was not meant to be litteraly
I just tire of That J Tone all the time and so few opt for the variety that a J Can produce
However I maintain with No mods a Ric is more versatile .
With 2 truss rods and neck thru ? Set it and forget it for years and years .
Oh and Ric produced a fretless version as well as 5 stringers which are overlooked
Again I apologize for offense
I own a Squier Jazz5 and A Ric As well as Precision and Zon.
Different basses have different voices which is why owning more basses is like painting with more colors
I am blessed to have what I have
Apologies again
John Paul Jones used a Jazz and never sounded like Jacoshen they both used Acoustic 371 amps.
My 72 Ric could nail any tone I wanted from McCartney to Squire and all points in between . Can do pinch harmonics like any Jazz can do ; only with toggle switch for rapid pup selection and stereo standard to boot
With flats and neck pup chosen it was deeper than my Precision because neck pup is closer to neck without being humbucker muddy
With rounds and neck pup soloed it was brighter than any other
Again I my statement about J basses having one tone was not meant to be litteraly
I just tire of That J Tone all the time and so few opt for the variety that a J Can produce
However I maintain with No mods a Ric is more versatile .
With 2 truss rods and neck thru ? Set it and forget it for years and years .
Oh and Ric produced a fretless version as well as 5 stringers which are overlooked
Again I apologize for offense
I own a Squier Jazz5 and A Ric As well as Precision and Zon.
Different basses have different voices which is why owning more basses is like painting with more colors
I am blessed to have what I have
Apologies again
I love Rickenbacker's, but honestly the jazz bass tone wise will cover more territory.
OP mentioned Smithereens. That was a Ric
Also I prefer separate V&T controls on Ric. “Blend “ on Ric is accomplished with Volume control adjustments to taste as well as descrete choices/ tones via 3-way toggle
Have we frightened the OP away?
It’s just opinions and I’m more interested in OPs choice/ decision than our opinions regardless
Also I prefer separate V&T controls on Ric. “Blend “ on Ric is accomplished with Volume control adjustments to taste as well as descrete choices/ tones via 3-way toggle
Have we frightened the OP away?
It’s just opinions and I’m more interested in OPs choice/ decision than our opinions regardless
Nearly everything mentioned there is a repair, not a mod done to achieve a special tone or make the instrument more "versatile". The bass was in bad shape at that point.
Not at all. I’m getting so much good information from this post. I’m starting to feel the way a lot of the posters on here do where I almost need to get both! I’d also like to try out a Stingray too. I’ve become a huge Joe Dart fan and love that bass tone on Daddy He Got A Tesla. Fat and spicy. Nobody sells Rics here in Maine so that part is gonna be hard.
Love only one mate ... love many basses n amps
I own 5 basses 5 rigs and want more !
Sure you can have one go to bass but you’ll always be thinking I can do so much more if only...
Ric & Jazz will only get you so far
You’ll be wanting 2 fretless one each string flats / rounds and 5ers
The tone quest is infinite
There are much worse things we could do !
Enjoy the palette
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
If your budget can swing, find a Stingray used and fast. EBMM QC is one of the best and most consistent in the business. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one sight unseen, it's pretty rare to find a turd from them. You can find them in the great condition for $900~ right now. EBMM just raised their prices after NAMM. I wouldn't be shocked if their used prices went up as well. You should be able to easily re-coup your investment, should you hate it. Just remember to keep the shipping box.