Rick for the blues

[marc61]

Marc, you jamming in NYC or Westchester?

Every Tuesday night in Pleasantville.

[peewee]

Still one gig where they prefer a Pbass though .

Yup that or an URB. Having played Blues for nearly 30 years and held a house gig at a weekly DC jam for nearly 3 years, that's the opinion of most *ahem* "purists". I used to argue with folks about this all the time and tried to dispel the myth that a Rick was "all treble and lacked enough bottom" until I finally gave up trying to change people's preconceived ideas. Obviously that's not the case and anyone that ever owned or played one would know that the neck pickup of a 4001 or 4003 can deliver -- big time, especially with a set of flats.

My personal favorite bass for a Blues jam? An old Danelectro/Silvertone 1444 like this one --

A thumpin' machine if there ever was one and just enough of a junky look to appease the most hard core of Blues geeks.

[jps]

Every Tuesday night in Pleasantville.

Isn't that where they have constant bar fights?

[peewee]

Every Tuesday night in Pleasantville.

Isn't that where they have constant bar fights?

Hence the name of Pleasantville.

[cassius987]

occasionally [my Rics] do raise eyebrows, however, they are imho more versatile than anything other than an upright.

I totally agree and here is some proof: I took my 2007 4003 with me not only to many blues jams where it was a hit, but also to big band swing shows where I traded out with an upright player between songs. It was about 25 people. Anyways, my tone with the neck pickup soloed and the tone knob rolled all the way off (plucking over the neck pickup) really did the trick way better than I've ever heard other basses do--lots of basses that emphasize a more growl-y sound are a lot less appropriate for that pure, round tone. One night the upright player borrowed my Ric for two songs and he said he never thought he would, but he utterly loved it. This guy was a great jazz player and I think he was very surprised to come the same conclusion I have: that Rics are some of the best basses you can have for the smooth, warm tones needed for good blues and jazz.

[JakeK]

If I were a bass player, and I owned a Ric bass, I wouldn't hesitate to use it for Blues or Jazz.

[teeder]

If I were a bass player, and I owned a Ric bass, I wouldn't hesitate to use it for Blues or Jazz.

Me too!

[jps]

If I were a bass player, and I owned a Ric bass, I wouldn't hesitate to use it for Blues or Jazz.

Me too!

Me three!

[rickenbrother]

Joey,
Work and life have been horrendously hectic, but is always nice to be here.

I know the feeling. Nice to have you here!

[johnallg]

Joey,
Work and life have been horrendously hectic, but is always nice to be here.

I know the feeling. Nice to have you here!

+ 1, Jim! Glad to see you're still kicking life around. I hope you get to check into the Bass forum a little more regularly. We've had quite a few new FGs showing up and they all look spectacular.

[FretlessOnly]

Break out a 4003FL at a blues jam and kick it! Naysayers will eat more than words.

[cassius987]

Break out a 4003FL at a blues jam and kick it! Naysayers will eat more than words.

Amen brother.

[rickenbrother]

Break out a 4003FL at a blues jam and kick it! Naysayers will eat more than words.

Amen brother.

1+! I love silencing the naysayers. They try coming up with some of lame excuse for their nonsense, but they wind up staying quiet or giving well deserved props to you.

[jmceachern36]

I use mine for blues, jazz, pop, and reggae. With flatwounds of course. The guys in my bands all absolutely love the Ric! They have all said that they like the sound of the Ric over the Fenders that I have. The drummer in my reggae band said he likes the sound but he doesn't care about that, it just looks the coolest.

[marc61]

Finally got the bass out. Unfortunately my kid led the set, singing and playing guitar. People took too much notice of that, and had nothing to say about the bass . Darn stage hogging kid!