Trashing Rics

lucky · Post by **lucky** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:59 pm

Do you think that part of the problem is how some interviews have judged the Rickenbacker bass,with comments like "clanky treble sound".Those people who read comments like this, have that thought often put that comment and maybe,how my bass hero Mr.Squire makes his bass sound and drawn their conclusion before trying a 4001/4003 first.

gray · Post by **gray** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:49 am

Thanks, John!

Shawn, I think that's been a big part of it, simply because they are so capable of making that sound, unlike most other instruments, and because that sound is so popular.

And, anyone who makes these claims about Ricks probably has no idea 4004's even exist at all.

peter_sillery · Post by **peter_sillery** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:06 am

Hi guys. I'm not as experienced as most of you lot so bare with me.

Maybe its the way I set my amp up but I really do feel my G&L ASAT has a lot more bottom than my Ric 4003. Now the 4003 is not timid at all with the bottom end, but the G&L makes the windows rattle. Although the G&L is an active bass and that might have an effect.

I play through an Ashdown ABM 1x15" combo that drives a 2x10" extension cab. Its an excellent amp.

As I said I'm not as experienced as you lot but that is my experience with both basses. I love the Ric because it gives me enough low end for what I do and I find it is a lot clearer in the mix than many other basses. Just my tuppence worth.......

D Silbag!

s4001 · Post by **s4001** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:44 am

The G&L active basses really do put out some serious phat lows. It's not to say that Rics have the most potent lows out there - they certainly don't. But on the flipside, it's not like they are lacking in that deptartment.

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 4:47 am

Rics often have less low end. but certainly not always! It really depends on the particular bass, & it's not hard to compensate for, so I really don't get why it's such an issue with some people.
There are people who just can't be positive, something in their nature, but it is annoying.

Welcome grendel...er, Mitchell! It's good to see you here. It's nice to know you have an ETA for your bass!

peter_sillery · Post by **peter_sillery** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:01 am

Yeah. Well as I said the 4003 has enough low end for what I do in my band (mainly rock) and when I switch to the G&L I just dial back the bass knob on my amp a little and hit the active/passive button on the amp so it doesnt clip in the red on the VU meter.

Thanks for not attacking me like a bunch of fanatics who treat me like I havent a clue what I'm talking about. Most of the time I dont by the way......

D Silbag!

kcole4001 · Post by **kcole4001** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:04 am

Everyone's got something to contribute here!

peter_sillery · Post by **peter_sillery** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:07 am

Cheers. On some sites (e.g. Dudepit) if you say something that someone disagrees with you are public enemy No 1!

D Silbag!

s4001 · Post by **s4001** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:13 am

We would never attack someone who plays those other silly instruments.

peter_sillery · Post by **peter_sillery** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:17 am

....well I'm a Ric owner too. I think that qualifies my to try out some of the other basses out there dont it? Just to compare you understand. God I feel so dirty after telling everyone I'm a G&L owner.

Dont look at me......

D Silbag!

s4001 · Post by **s4001** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:21 am

mgrendel2 · Post by **mgrendel2** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 6:54 am

Hey John, All I can do is wait, Lord knows I have raised enough hell in the past, somethings you cannot change. I'm just looking forward to getting THAT CALL. LOL
As far as RIC's having no bottom, I had an Acoustic 301 bottom in the past which I played my Ric thru, the low end would rattle your teeth.
When I played in the band ELI about three years ago, the manager/keyboard player would not let my order a RIC because he felt the same way, no bottom. I ordered a MM bass and was never happy. I no longer play with Eli and have a new Ric on order. Case closed.

icabod · Post by **icabod** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 7:22 am

Rics have plenty bottom end, Rics have plenty bottom end, and in case I did not mention it before..Rics have plenty bottom end...my own personal opinion....R

lars · Post by **lars** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:35 am

Silbag:
You are not the only one to play different brands. This forum is generous enough to have a whole section to discuss them. It's called "The others"

beefandbones · Post by **beefandbones** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:40 am

Rickenbacker basses, at their best, are capable of producing the most mind-meltingly awesome bass tone of all time. But there's also the matter of the player, the style, the amp, etc. Bottom end is only part of the tone story, of course, but if someone doesn't want to listen to their own bass and learn how the knobs work, then no wonder they won't like the sound. I tells ya...