Well the thing is. At this time i only have enough cash for one. I only got about 2k possible to spend. No job, so no cash coming in. One it is for now. I buy basses left and right anyways. Iv been playing a year and a half and i have 5. But anyways.
I want the Rush and Black Sabbath (never say die, when he used the ric) sound. I also like thinner necks. And i want the Stero output as well. FG too It grows on you alot.
I owned and played a single 4001, for 23 years, and then a single 4003 for 8 after that. I only changed to the 4003 because my 4001 was stolen.
It was only once I was under the evil influence of this lot that I started to get RAS, and added a 4001-v63, and then a 72-4001 to my collection.
If I had to choose only one, it'd be my 4001-v63, which in my mind combines the best aspects of both the modern 4003 construction, with the look feel, and sound of the older 4001's.
If you've got 2K to spend, you COULD get 2, if you shop right! If you want the Rush / Sabbath sound, look for a '75ish bass. No horseshoe, but they definitely have the 'Clank'!
"They make great f***'n basses". - Lemmy, NAMM 2009
Buy a GOOD 4001 first, then get a fretless. I'm tempted to sell my Steinberger transitional L-2 fretless, because to play it means ultimately to destroy it. I'd nearly say weigh up how much fretless you play, and if it's 10% of the time, buy a cheap bass for that purpose. I am a wolf-in-the-fold here, because I play 'Bergers ( my '79 Rick 4001 is a recording bass, really)mostly ( 4 l-2's, including serial number 11).
Playing fretless is a totally different game in terms of the classic 4001/3 playing style. Most play with a pick and with rounds, where the FL usually goes fingers and flats.
I spend more and more time on mine recently. The fretted basses haven't seen the light of day for a while now.
Does the 4001's have the stero output 2?
That and Ill probly gig with it and stuff. Well once i start. Hoping that is soon. Ill probly have to give into playing new stuff . But not the point.
I play my fretless some. Im wanting to get into it more then i have recently. I really like playing them but i dont know many tunes for fretless. I want to try some flats on my fretless.
I dont do the pick thing often. Unless im playing Kiss or something. I mainly play with my fingers.
I have a '76 4001 (Jetglo). Without the cut capasitor the sound is completely (sp?) Rush. Just perfect. If you want the thin neck go with a 4001. If you like more low end go with a 4003. I would say if you want to wait about 8 or 9 months go with this guy for a custom job. http://www.dpcustom.com/ (I had to plug him.)
You could order a custom bass for under 2k (I got everything I wanted for $1345) and you could still afford a good used Rick. Nothing wrong with two more basses!
I smash my strings on my Rick. I once broke an E string because I hit them so hard, but I do get Geddy's tone out of it.
1976 Rickenbacker 4001
2011/05 Fender Standard Fretless Jazz Bass
2005/11 Fender Standard Jazz Bass