Ric tone late appreciation

[Phaidrus]

Have always been a Pbass person and never owned or even played a Ric, in fact I used to think Rics were the ugly ducklings of the bass world.

But through bands like GOAT I've come to appreciate the looks and sound of Rics, fat and aggressive. And very different to a Pbass and Jbass.

The bass player in this vid looks like he's playing through an Ampeg SVT PRO + 8x10 cab. His tone is fat and full although he's playing with a pick. I'm quite impressed.

 

[GIBrat51]

Yes, I quite like both of mine ('73 4001 and '01 4003.) Depending on the strings; the pickup you prefer - or if both, which one you emphasize; where you play; and, yes, pick or fingers? A Rick will give you all kinds of tones. I generally play both of mine like they were (apparently) intended to be played. The bridge cover is installed; the mute works; and I play between the pickups - with a thick rubber, or a felt, pick. Both of mine wear flats; as close to the original factory Maxima Flats as I can get. I run both pickups; neck pickup dimed, and the bridge pickup just for a little flavor. The 4001 is set up for "vintage " bridge pickup tone; the 4003? "modern/bright" about half the time... For the Vintage stuff I play? That vintage bridge p/u tone is the one that works... But, other Rick players set theirs up in about as many ways as there are Rick players...

 

[Phaidrus]

Yes, I quite like both of mine ('73 4001 and '01 4003.) Depending on the strings; the pickup you prefer - or if both, which one you emphasize; where you play; and, yes, pick or fingers? A Rick will give you all kinds of tones. I generally play both of mine like they were (apparently) intended to be played. The bridge cover is installed; the mute works; and I play between the pickups - with a thick rubber, or a felt, pick. Both of mine wear flats; as close to the original factory Maxima Flats as I can get. I run both pickups; neck pickup dimed, and the bridge pickup just for a little flavor. The 4001 is set up for "vintage " bridge pickup tone; the 4003? "modern/bright" about half the time... For the Vintage stuff I play? That vintage bridge p/u tone is the one that works... But, other Rick players set theirs up in about as many ways as there are Rick players...

The versatility and the character of the Ric is quite impressive.

 

[Warpeg]

The last few 4003 basses I've owned and my current 4003S bass have all had the same sound: Aggressive, angry, articulate, and full of character. I cannot think of a more pissed-off sounding bass that is perfect for rock!

 

[Qlanq]

I love everything about the Rick apart from the sharp body and the too-wide for me neck.
Beautiful looking machine.
The Rick sound can be had with a decent Fender Jazz- Neck pup 100%, Bridge 30-70%, A bit of overdrive and a touch of Delay.
Or you could use a P and channel some Geddy and use a bit of Terry Brown magic: