The most versatile Ric bass?

[JakeK]

I don't own a Ric bass, or own a bass at all, really...

I just thought I'd ask the bass players here which Ric bass do they find the most versatile? I'm think that the 4001V63 or the 4001CS would win the spot, but that's just me...

Is there a Ric bass that can not only nail the Chris Squire twang or Paul McCartney thud, but also can nail the sound of John Entwistle's Alembics, Thunderbirds or Fenders or even Bill Wyman's Vox?

[sloop_john_b]

It's hard to say because the type of strings - flats or rounds - really comes into play with those bass players you mentioned.

My personal choice would be a 4003 with the push/pull, or the 4004L.

[weemac]

A great question Jake!
Without doubt if you were looking for the Macca or Squire sound the v63 is the way to do it. With flatwounds Sir Pauls sound is within reach. And setting up with rotosounds will get you a few knob twists closer to the Squire grind.
However if you are trying to get "The Ox" in all his different stages (Fender, Alembic, Thinderbird etc) A 4004 may be just the ticket. They are darker toned than the 4001 but have a growl of their own and probably better suited for fingerstyle playing.
I'm sure the other lads (and ladettes) will point you in the right direction...
Eden.

[rickenbrother]

A new 4003 with the push/pull pot would be about the most versatile of the Rick basses. However, I think much of the versatility of the instrument comes from it's player.

[VRICKY63]

There is a lot to do with fingers , picks , EQ etc . The 4004 is very versatile.

[JakeK]

John B -- here's my question to you. How is that CS of your's set up? With flats, rounds or Rotosounds? Is it similar in anyway to the V63 you sold off in April?

Here's a question for everyone...can a V63 nail John Entwistle tone from The High Numbers (1964) to "Pictures of Lily" (1967)? I'm also thinking that a V63 or CS can nail Bill Wyman's tone from 1963-1968...

[tmossman]

IMO any of the 4001/4003 variants can get any of the classic Ric sounds, given the right combination of strings, amplification, technique and talent. But based on the thread title however the 4004 is the most versatile Ric bass.

If you are looking for another windmill to chase Jake, I 'd suggest finding the cheapest, playable 4001/4003 you can find regardless of designation. Save the special one for your six or seventh bass.

[paul_yan]

A new 4003 with the push/pull pot would be about the most versatile of the Rick basses. However, I think much of the versatility of the instrument comes from it's player.

+1, well said, Joey!

[sloop_john_b]

John B -- here's my question to you. How is that CS of your's set up? With flats, rounds or Rotosounds? Is it similar in anyway to the V63 you sold off in April?

I dunno, whatever strings came on it (roundwounds). If I were keeping it I'd put flats on it. I'm really not even playing it though. Don't want to get attached.

Here's a question for everyone...can a V63 nail John Entwistle tone from The High Numbers (1964) to "Pictures of Lily" (1967)? I'm also thinking that a V63 or CS can nail Bill Wyman's tone from 1963-1968...

IMO you really don't need any particular bass to "nail" a lot of those sounds. Big flatwound strings (except for certain Entwistle stuff of that era) and a loud amp should suffice.

As Joey said, a lot of it is playing technique.

[sloop_john_b]

I've gotta add that I'd been doing the cover band thing for over two years (finally quit, ugh), and during that time I almost exclusively (95% of the gigs) used the '99 v68, bridge pickup only, with flatwounds.

It was seriously able to do anything we did, which really ran the gamut from funk to 80's pop to Beatles to 90's alternative stuff. Never, ever had a situation where I needed to bring in another bass because the Rick couldn't get it done.

[kiramdear]

It was seriously able to do anything we did, which really ran the gamut from funk to 80's pop to Beatles to 90's alternative stuff. Never, ever had a situation where I needed to bring in another bass because the Rick couldn't get it done.

I also feel strongly that you can take a rick anywhere. Just about any rick. I'd been playing with all kinds of people with my only guitar, a 320, for 25 years. Now I have a 4001 and no surprise, it also sweetens any kind of mix.

We have a lot more stomp boxes these days, which prudent selection there from will turn just about any bass into any other bass for as long as the battery lasts ... I'll suggest that if you have the right touch and sense of the part then, even with less than optimum choice of gear, you will convince your audience. And I find effectiveness in art is not so much about being correct as it its about being convincing. That's just my own experience, of course.

Finally, I'd say get the one that you feel gives the best results generally for your repertoire and then tweak it as necessary. Then practice like the Dickens.

[marc61]

hmmm...no votes for the 4002.

well, my vote has to go to my 73 4001 sg project (he states with modesty). You have the power of the reissue horseshoe pickup, surrounded with the warmth of magnetized shoes. There is also the HB1 in the neck pickup for a quiet deeper sound. Depending on whether one uses a pick, fingers, and where they place their hands, the tonal difference is amazing. MARF attendees next week will have the opportunity to check it out.

[sloop_john_b]

hmmm...no votes for the 4002.

That thought crossed my mind, but it's hard to say for sure, I've never gigged or recorded with one.

well, my vote has to go to my 73 4001 sg project (he states with modesty). You have the power of the reissue horseshoe pickup, surrounded with the warmth of magnetized shoes. There is also the HB1 in the neck pickup for a quiet deeper sound. Depending on whether one uses a pick, fingers, and where they place their hands, the tonal difference is amazing. MARF attendees next week will have the opportunity to check it out.

And check it out we will.

[seyesbass]

Both the V63 and CS have their own variations within that type making some sound very different from others.
I have a V63 (FG) with a thick neck.
I think that it gives a fatter tone at the neck pick up setting (very Macca) and a kind of "creamier" tone when driving the treble pick up flat out but with the tone rolled off half way.That treble setting is really similar to the sound Entwistle gets on the live version of Bargain on the 30 years Maximum R+B box set.
Its a kind of Jack Bruce sound too. So its fairly versatile.
The CS is a very lively bass with lots of tone options and when an Alembic player had a go he thought it was an active bass.
I have the neck pick up tone rolled back about three quarters and the treble pick up tone up to nearly full for the Squire sound. The neck pick up is perfectly set to swich over for Perpetual Change as the intro to the vocals and the same setting is used for Your move and the end section of The Gates Of Delirium..Soon.
The only snag I have with my V63 is when both pick ups are on there is a loss of volume and definition. Maybe one day I will sort that out.
At one time I thought of slimming down the neck but I have grown to love the feel of it so I am glad I left it as is.
These days with effects pedals you can get almost any sound out of any bass.
I have just set up a de-fretter sound which is interesting and I tried doing some Jaco pieces playing fingerstyle on the Rick with quite good results.
I had a go of the Line6 Variax Bass which has digital models of all the classic bass guitars including vintage and current Ricks and upright sounds as well as round and flat strings in its pre-sets.Its very nearly a great idea.
This bass should win hands down but at the end of the day its like any other bass and the feel of the instrument dictates whether its going to work for you or not.
In a studio I could see it working with some tweaks but its not got that "zing" like a real Rick so its not for me.If Line6 made the electronics available seperately to install in your own bass you could make a case for the most versatile Rick with that one!

All in all I would say rick got the most versatility with the V63 and its a pity it was discontinued.

[seyesbass]

I forgot to mention STRINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!