Jazz Bass or a Ric?

#81
Although I have two Ricks - three if you count the 330 guitar - and like them an awful lot, I have to say that, sight unseen? Get the Jazz Bass. Why?
1. If ever the phrase "try before you buy" applied to any bass, it's a Rick. Not only do they just not fit a lot of people at all, Ricks - because of how they're made - are all slightly different. You need to play several of them - on a strap - for several minutes to find one that you like. Assuming a Rick feels like something you want, in the first place. The Jazz Bass? If you like your P-Bass, then a Jazz will almost certainly feel good, too.
2. Ricks can be every bit the pain in the butt that people will tell you they are. Both of mine are perfectly fine - now; but it took quite a while to set them up the way I like them. The one saving grace with Ricks is that once you do get them that way, most of them very seldom require you to fuss with them again. Most of them... The Jazz Bass? If you can set your P-Bass up, it's no different. It won't irritate you setting it up like the Rick probably will, either...
3. Ricks can be as versatile as lots of other basses, but... sometimes that can take a lot of work on your part. No, they aren't a One Trick Pony, but they aren't exactly a Herd O' Tricks, either.. From what you say you're playing, IMO the Jazz Bass will be a better fit... A Rick might do OK, but you might have to work at it...
But, if you do feel comfortable with a Rick; are willing to deal with its...foibles; and think you can get the tones you want out of it? Then, by all means... go for it. Try one, at least. I think everybody should do that; at least, then you'll know for sure...;)
 
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#85
mapleglo said:
I disagree with this statement. I love my P bass but do not like Jazz basses. At all. So there is that.
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'78 P-Bass-2.JPG Well, I did say "almost certainly", but probably should have said "more familiar". And, there are other components to "Feel" than the thickness of the neck; like width, taper, and contour. Also, I think you'd agree that a Rick's neck would most likely feel like neither a P or a J. But, I will admit to being influenced by my '78 P-Bass - which has the "A", Jazz width neck. Still feels more like a P-bass, contour and taper-wise, than either of my Ricks, though. Mine are very shallow, D contours; which, judging by the new Ricks I've handled lately, is what RIC's cranking out now. And, they're nothing like a Fender neck - of any description.
 
#87
Well, op - at least you know how to pick them...
Most distinctive sounding basses around in no particular order:-
P Bass
Jazz Bass
Rick
Stingray

Sorry, you've got to get them all. One cannot really replace the other, so you really have to pick the bass that you would likely be able to use more in your music. (and get the others later on down the road)
 
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#88
I own a Rickenbacker 4001, and although I don't currently own a Jazz Bass, I gigged one as my main bass for better than 10 years.

IMO the Jazz is more versatile of the two.
IMO the Rickenbacker has a unique sound(s), and it's pretty versatile in itself.

If it's possible, play both and really put them through the paces.

And, if possible, try a MM StingRay, -or my personal favorite, a MM Sterling, -the USA-made Sterling model.

Best regards!
 
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#90
Mantis Tobaggan said:
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.
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Come on Manti :)

We both know, that the only answer to the question "Ric or Jazz?" is: Get both! ;)

Wise
 
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#92
Owning both myself, I say —— wait for it....

Here it comes....

Both!

If yer gonna go with one though know that a Ric is not a one trick pony, and a 4003 is more versatile than any Jazz I ever played. A Ric is a Jazz to me, only with more thunder, the ability to go into that Chris Squire territory, and a different feel.

Fwiw, I’ve played Zep tribute gigs with my Ric and gotten compliments. Very easy to get a Ric into Jazz Bass territory, not as easy to get a Jazz into that Rick space. Although Geddy certainly tricked a lot of people :).
 
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#96
Alright I went and played a bunch of basses at a couple music stores the other day - 1 local, 1 Guitar Center. The Jazz’s felt ok but didn’t really stand out to me like they did years ago. The 1975 all original P-bass felt amazing. But nobody had Rics. Guitar Center said they can get me in Rics but it’s gonna be leftover stock of whatever they have in other stores and the 4003S would be about $1800. Sweetwater said they’d sell me the 4003S for $15-1600. That’s where I’m gonna go! Why is it they keep Ric prices hidden?
 
#100
Gaolee said:
I would go for the Ric over a Jazz. But, I may not be a reliable example of what anybody else should do.
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That’s what I did and I’m glad I did it. Played a few jazzes a couple weeks ago and nothing spoke to me. Right outta the box, not even plugged in, you can hear that ric tone. It’s not just the pickups. It’s the complete build and design of that bass.
 
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