Opinions wanted - 4003 on my band's new CD

[4stringnosing]

"Uh, Fred? Email came back to me with a failure notice?"

Hmm, not sure why but try me at [email protected]. Sorry about that!

[4stringnosing]

"I'd like it if you share how you recorded your Ric. There's a billion ways to do it, and your way worked...so just some details would be great."

Thanks for the comments, Mike. The number one secret is to get an engineer (who is also a bassist, btw) that really likes Rics! For a guy who sees more Fenders than the Windsor GM plant, he gets really excited to work with a Ric every 10 years or so. He worked hard to get a good sound and I certainly appreciated it. I know he spent a lot of time playing with the compression to get it "just so".

In terms of setup, I used a 2005 MID 4003 (yeah that colour sounds better, lol!) with a Behringer V-amp going direct to a board that was originally owned by Leon Redbone (important for that much-needed mojo). The setup I use on the V-amp is really a guitar setting for the most part, emulating a Marshall amp and cabinet. You could get the pretty much the same effect with a Line 6 PoD XT or similar device. My strings were fresh Dean Markley Fretmasters (groundwounds, surprisingly, considering how bright they sound) and, as previously mentioned, I used a pick for most of the songs. (.73 mm for Runnin and 1.0 mm for the others.)

I pluck as close as possible to the bridge for more control and brighter sound, but play over the neck pickup whilst using my fingers. We tune down a semi-tone and I do find that makes the strings a little floppier than I would like but also seems to add a bit to the trademark Ric growl, as does having action so low that you can't avoid a little fret buzz, even with a pick.

Hope that helps and good luck with your recording!