New Ric - New Member

beacon · Post by **beacon** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 1:36 pm

Hello,

Took delivery of the new 4003 JG in February and just joined the forum. Very appropriate as reading hours of posts here helped in the decision to buy the new Ric. I bought at the local dealer because I believe in supporting the local business, the price was about the same as on-line, and included a free setup.

Love the bass, and am now dealing with the decisions I have been reading about here; remove the pup cover or not, what strings to use......

Cover is on for now, I find resting my thumb on the pick-guard seems to work. If I do remove it, do the strings have to come off first? I reviewed the diagram at the Ric page and it looks like maybe not.

My free setup included strings (I really sort of liked the factory strings and setup). I had them put on a set of Elixirs...I use them on my other bass. Then I had fret buzz, took it back and he raised the action a little. Thinking I'll put Ric strings back on actually....and so much for the free setup.

One of my bass playing friends couldn't believe it wasn't active...."man this thing has got some pups on it!"

At any rate, great forum...looking forward to the next Ric.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 1:47 pm

Hi Mark,
Welcome to the Forums. As you've already seen there's a wealth of information and knowledge here, and a great group of owners more than happy to assist.

jaybic · Post by **jaybic** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 2:54 pm

Welcome Mark. When I got my 4003, I struggled with those exact same questions. I have at different times taken the cover off, then back on. I too use Elixer strings as well. Really, really love them. These are a great group and have been very patient with me as far as my questions about the dreaded mechanical mute and sticky necks. Enjoy your new bass!

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 3:49 pm

Hi Mark, welcome aboard! Remember the unwritten rule: You can't just tell us about your bass or just ask questions about it...you must post a picture so we can drool over it.

Hey, do we now have more forumites named Mark or Jeff?

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 3:52 pm

yo Mark-

Welcome to da 'pit'.

it would be WAY easier to take the strings off when removing the p'up cover.

It can be done with much swearing and fustration-but hey life's too short!

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 4:31 pm

All you have to do is unscrew the bolts all the way keeping the springs on the bolts and let the pickup fall inside, then squeeze the cover until it can come out, it won't break, screw the bolts back into the two holes in the bottom pickup and you're in business, takes about 5 minutes. This is also from JH, so you know it works.

phlemmy · Post by **phlemmy** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 4:50 pm

welcome! taking off the pup cover is the first thing i did on both of mine. i can see why many want to keep it, but it gets in the way of my picking position.

lots of knowledge around here, just watch out for the loons...jaymi, crisman, me etc... hahaha

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:37 pm

I took all of the strings off when I recently took the pickup cover off of my blue 4003. I took the cover off while I was setting the bass up myself for the first time - the metal straightedge I was using to check neck relief was just long enough that the cover was in the way. I have left it off for now.

On the pickups... a few years ago we were using a very experienced (30+ years) soundman for our bigger club gigs, and he said that my '94 4003 had the hottest, loudest direct signal of any bass he'd ever run a line to the board on... and that included my Stingray, so that is saying something.

Good choice on the Jetglo. It's a classic that is never out of style! And, welcome to the Forum.

bob_the_bass · Post by **bob_the_bass** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:21 am

Hi Mark ...
Bought my 4003 (Jetglow) new around 18 months ago. I played it 'as delivered for about six months, then took it to a Tech for a set-up. The Tech fitted a set of Ernie Balls - I ended up with fret buzz, dead spots, the works !! Got myself a set of Ric strings & got the shop I bought it from to do another set-up - perfect, plays like a dream.
Ric strings are a non-standard gauge, & for me, they are definitely the strings to use.

Enjoy !!

crazypink · Post by **crazypink** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:44 am

Hi Mark, a big warm welcome to the forum and congrats on your new 4003!

basshawk · Post by **basshawk** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:46 am

Welcome Mark,
I always leave the covers on, but that's just the style I play - thumb on the guard and pluck between the pickups. We're all different and you'll just have to find your 'comfort zone' and if it requires the cover to be removed, then go for it. I also own a 4003JG (Sept. 1987).

beacon · Post by **beacon** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:34 am

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Being a newbie and not wanting to vioate any rules, written or not, here is the pic of the Ric. She really looks much better without my mug in the picture.

Mark

henny · Post by **henny** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:38 am

Alright mate.

Welcome.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:45 am

now that you went thru all that fuss to take the cover off-ya gotta get one of these...

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:52 am

Jared,
Are you still maxed out on makinng shoes .... I'd love a set too add t omy Sergio pickup on my 4003 !!!!!