Do you think Ric should introduce a budget range bass?

[FretlessOnly]

It should be noted that the question, while seemingly quite specific, results in statistically vague results because of the varied perspective from which the question could be viewed. For example, the question could be viewed from the following perspectives:

1. That of the Rick owner who might not want the RIckenbacker brand to be associated with a lesser-quality bass;
2. That of RIC management, who would need to assess whether a budget bass fits into their current business model (and we all have a pretty good idea as to the answer to that);
3. That of the bassist who perhaps does not yet own a Rick, and can't afford a 4003 or 4004 (or 4001, for that matter).
4. That of the completely objective respondent.

Given the nature of this site, the number of respondents that fall into category 3 or 4 is naturally quite small, but it seems to me that #2 is by far the driving factor. If it fit into RIC's plan, they'd be doing it. Given the backlog, it doesn't and likely won't for a long time to come.

[RicOSoundMan]

Nope, I think it not be a good idea. Besides they are not really that expensive. Granted I am still saving for a newer one myself. I have always wanted a FG 4001 yet 4003 FG will be awsome too. So I am saving up and one day i will get one. That being said the other Bass that I have always wanted is a Alembic and well 12,000 is way to long to save. I saw a Sig 4 on their sight that was listed at 12,000 ....

I will be able to save the 2,000 faster than 12,000

[rickfan63]

Back in the early 80's I also wanted an Alembic real bad.....until I got to play one at an audition I was at. Another player trying out had one, and let me play it on a few tunes. It was a Series 1 with LED's on the neck. Very nice looking bass I might add. It sounded OK too, but the neck dive on that bass was HORRIBLE to the extreme. If you let go of that neck for a second, that big headstock dove to the ground like a lead weight. That cured me of that GAS real quick! The Series 1 went for around $2500 new then, at 12 grand and up now, they can keep it. No bass IMHO, I don't care how nice it is, should cost as much as a car. Unless you are a very wealthy player like Entwistle was, and cost is no issue.

The Entwistle Buzzard like basses they are making now are around 7 grand street price and higher. Comapred to that. RIC basses are a blue light bargain special!

[FretlessOnly]

How often do you play your bass without holding the neck?

I understand the concept of neck/body balance, but my Ken Smith 6-string FL has an extremely heavy neck (it's designed as a sit-down studio bass) and it's never bothered me one bit. I just increase the angle of the neck with the floor, which helps with parallax issues and provides a more neutral wrist position.

[scott_s]

Personally, I like it when my fretting hand can focus on playing, rather than holding up the instrument, but that's just me.

And I agree with JH and most of the others here that as long as sales keep up with production, there is no need to seek out more demand through cheaper models. That said, the successful company is one that looks ahead, and the future Ric player is a consideration. At the risk of sounding like a tobacco executive, will there be enough young people in 10-20+ years that will desire Rics to replace those of us with the interest (and cash) to buy them now? Thankfully, at the moment, it seems that there are enough prominent guitar and bass players using Rics that the desire is being passed along, but it's something they'll need to keep an eye on. If nothing else, Rickenbacker knows that the "loss leader" models have worked to get some new players in the door, so it's a card they can play should they need to again.

For the record, my enjoyment of my 330 isn't enhanced by knowing that other people can't afford them, but perhaps that's a bass-player thing?

- Scott

[FretlessOnly]

I don't focus on anything when I'm playing. The dynamics of what's going on sound-wise is the only thing that exists, so there's no need to focus.

[12stringbassist]

I'm very glad to see that there is the exact overwhelming NO that I expected when I started
this topic. The percentage saying yes has surprised me, though.

I'm personally reassured that Ric won't dumb down their operation by putting out a 'Squier bass
equivalent'. That's not to knock Squiers, but Ric don't really need to do that.

BTW, I own 3 4003's and a 620/12.

[jps]

I'm personally reassured that Ric won't dumb down their operation by putting out a 'Squier bass
equivalent'.

Well, RIC did put out a Squire, does that count?

[cassius987]

How often do you play your bass without holding the neck?

I've always found the concept of neck dive hilarious too.

[antipodean]

How often do you play your bass without holding the neck?

I've always found the concept of neck dive hilarious too.

Not so funny when you need to make a quick adjustment to your mike stand with both hands and your Gibson Thunderbird neck dives down, the peghead smacks against the piano, making a nasty cracking noise, and then shears right off..... the combination of neck dive and a fragile peghead is downright dangerous. Of course, with an Alembic, the keyboard would break in two and the bass would be unmarked...

[FretlessOnly]

From what I've read (and your story is no exception), Gibson Thunderbirds, while quite nice to look at and listen to, have headstocks like balsa wood. My simple solution to your problem is that I don't sing. Bass is a full time job, contrary to what many guitarists may think.

[ilan]

if they produced a low priced model could it really be the Rick experience?

I think it could be. Was the 4000 less Rick-ish with its set neck and no binding, fancy inlays or ric-o-sound? Was the 4080 (bass side) inferior to a 4001 because it had a bolt-on neck? Are the 4004Ci or 4001C64S flawed because they don't have a glossy conversion varnish coat?

I think that a bass can be made that has all the necessary ingredients for a 4000 Series Ric, and still has a significantly lower price tag.

[RicOSoundMan]

I love that Post>>>>>> "RIC did put out a Squire Bass"

I would love to get one of those too

[ricaddic]

Personally, I wouldnt have a problem with it, let somebody that cant afford a ric, now be able to have one more in thier price range to satisfy there desire to own and play a ric, lets not be selfish because we were able to acquire a ric, not everybody can afford one and for various reasons may not ever be able too, everyone deserves to play what they desire, so if that means makeing a more affordable line, im ok with that.

[harley]

I wouldn't necessarily like to see a budget bass but I would like to see a short scale bass. Yes, they do not sell as well as the full scale ones but that may be because there aren't that many good ones out there.

Harley (a prodigal poster returns)