I had my CII out this afternoon for some serious benchwork with my new Ampeg B200R. I've come to the conclusion that what works for a 4001/4003, will not work (in my opinion), for a 4004.
A 4001/4003 sound has a lot of highs and lows, so you kindof have to work at getting the mids.
The 4004 sound has more of a low, low-mid tone. and you have to coaxe out the highs.
I dont think the same amp settings work well for both basses, hence the reason some people think their to "dark" sounding.
As I said, I spent quite a bit of time with it this afternoon along with a Sansamp, and WOW!! Great tone, punch, and growl. You just have to break away from the 4001/4003 frame of mind. They are truely great basses with unique tone.
In the near future my equation will be: 4004 + toasters + B-200R + sansamp RBI = ???
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001 04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
Scott, I agree - I found that out a long time ago and so has Brian C. The 4004 is an unbelievable bass. And as I said a long time ago - I'm simply amazed that you just don't see these things on the big stage. The two Cii 5's listed as ordered on Mike P's site are for Elton John's bassist. I guess Mike can't bring himself to tell the guy that it's going to be awhile...
Jared – if one of those things pops up you better move quickly because I’ll be right there!
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001 04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
Hmmmm,,,, It looks like the hipshot bridge has alot more vertical adjustment than the stock item. Thats one thing I dont like about mine. My E string is adjusted all the way down. Its low enough, but I hate not having anymore adjustability.
Not anymore Scott. I was checking into it a few months ago and while I was on the fence they said it sold to someone else.
Also it has been my contention all along that the 4004's sound killer with the right amp settings. My issue was the same as yours....either my 4003's sounded great or my 4004's did depending on how my rig was adjusted. To get the best out of either one short changes the other. I just decided the 4004's were better all around basses for my needs and sold my 4003's.
I would imagine that anyone that buys a 4004 would tinker with their amp to dial in a good tone but maybe it sounds like mud initially and some people give up and dismiss it thinking that if the amp sounds good with one Ric it should sound good for all of 'em. I agree fully with Andy....I really don't know why more Ric enthusiasts aren't campaigning them
I have a spare ABM bridge and I'll check it against the Hipshot and see which one goes lower. I think it may be the ABM if memory serves.
When I got the bass pictured above, the strings were way off the fretboard ala Jamerson. My hats off to Mr. Papas if he can play that way, but I brought the strings way down and tweaked the neck a little. Now I can get it right on the verge of a little fretbuzz ala Geddy/Squire and get some real nasty clanky sounds out of it. The spirit of the 4001/4003 lives on in this 4004.
73 Feb 4001, 73 March 4001, 73 April 4001, 73 May 4001, 73 June 4001, 73 July 4001 04 MM Bongo 5HSp, 07 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5HS, 09 MM Bongo 5Hp, 11 MM Bongo 5H
I found the Hipshot bridge went lower than the ABM. I coudn't get the G low enough with the stock bridge, but the Hipshot got me to where I wanted it with room to spare.