I agree with most of the things posted. I'd always assumed that a 4000 would sound just like a 4001 on treble pickup only, but mine certainly doesn't. It's more aggressive than any 4001 I've ever played, and I've played a lot. It destroys the decapped azure 76 I'm currently babysitting, and makes my CS sound polite. I have to say that through the right amp/cab it sounds amazing. Obviously it does lack low end compared to a 4001, but it is easy to compensate, although you still won't get a "both pickups on" 4001 sound obviously.
I've also found it's very versatile to be honest. I never touch the tone controls on my 4001s but with a quick tweak I can get a nice dubby thing going on with the 4000. The neck is fast and stable as hell too. It's a great, great bass; in fact I've only played a couple of Rics that have been in the same class IMHO.
A comparison between the 4000 and 4001?
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
Some examples of a given model just plain sound better than the others. This is especially true if they are made of wood. Wood is a variable material and you never really know what you are going to get. My Blackstar is noticeably more ballsy than my other Ricks including the identically constructed Tuxedo and Redneck. Everything on it is stock but it has something extra that must come from the wood itself.
As I said, mine is very light, so may differ somewhat from others.
Mine also has 'honest to goodness-been-playing it every day for 20 years' mojo: ie: some slight wear marks from my arm, & the usual scuffs on the headstock.
PS: our soundguy HATES my 4000, since it's very difficult to get it to sound like a Fender, but the guitarist & drummer love the clean definition I get from it.
With new strings it has that clear, ringing bell-like tone.
It won't grind like a 4001, but what it does do, it does very well.
I don't think you'll be disappointed, Bryce!
Mine also has 'honest to goodness-been-playing it every day for 20 years' mojo: ie: some slight wear marks from my arm, & the usual scuffs on the headstock.
PS: our soundguy HATES my 4000, since it's very difficult to get it to sound like a Fender, but the guitarist & drummer love the clean definition I get from it.
With new strings it has that clear, ringing bell-like tone.
It won't grind like a 4001, but what it does do, it does very well.
I don't think you'll be disappointed, Bryce!
Plus five minus five!
I'm a complete believer that the wood is the key. Don't get me wrong, the pickups and electronics can make a big difference, but if it hasn't already got it, it's difficult to get. Oh, and mine's light too John, almost as light as my 72 4001, which is the lightest Ric I've ever played.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
have had 2 4001's,and 2 differently made 4000's.my current and only rickbass is a a 75 4000 set-neck,totally stock,and is my most favorite yet...the necks on these seem almost 60's thin..probably an illusion due to the lack of neck binding,but they do feel much better to me than the bound necks (and bodies for that matter) it's light,and seems to have all the bass you would need,just not as boomy as having that neck pickup added in.i have had pyramids flats on it for the last 3 years,and recently broke the g string,decided to try dr sunbeams to lighten up the tension on the neck (mr hall's suggestion that the pyramids were killing the neck w/tension made me nervous...)and so now have a very different sound. (zingy w/o the clank...)would love to hear one with the hi-gain replaced with a horseshoe....such has been done by mr garrett...sorry for the ramblin'-the main sentiment i offer is "GET IT!"-it is a much better instrument than it seems to get credit for...
'74 4000 White
'98 4004Ci
'04 4004Cii MG Fretless conversion
'04 4004 Laredo FG 4002v57 Custom
'98 4004Ci
'04 4004Cii MG Fretless conversion
'04 4004 Laredo FG 4002v57 Custom