New 4001C64

[bluewhale]

Forumites, please join me in celebrating the arrival of my new 4001C64 MG. I also would like to share my early impressions of this bass.

My first impression on plugging in, and using the factory roundwound strings, was that the C64 is very trebly. I cut the hi-mid on my amp, and that takes care of it. But the big impression is that the C64 gets me closer than I've ever been to Chris Squire's old sound, like in "Long Distance Runaround," where I think his bass's unaltered sound really comes through. I roll the neck pickup volume back a little, but then I pick right over it, which I think gives a nice balance.

The neck is the thinnest I've ever played on a Ric. The fingerboard makes up such a large part of the neck that I wonder if it partly explains the difference in sound with other basses I've played.

As an owner of a '97 4001V63, I hadn't intended to buy a C64, but my defenses fell. I was opposed to the reverse headstock, and in design terms, I still think it's a loser. On the other hand, when I play the C64, there is that homage to Paul McCartney and a palpable connection with the Beatles. In that way the reverse headstock on my bass is something I can be proud of. I also like the looks of that horseshoe pickup cover. It makes a direct link to Rickenbacker's oldest instruments like no other guitar in the current catalog.

Thanks for reading. I will try to post pics shortly.


bluewhale

[RobRick]

I have a 2009 Rick C64 in FG, and I really love this bass! I agree with what you have written, except I actually like the reverse headstock. I think it gives the bass "character" and distinction. Which I guess you kind of said, in so many words! I know a lot of folks disdain the reverse headstock, but I dig it!

I love the tone, I have TI flats on mine, and use the neck PU exclusively. I love the body sans binding, and the craftmenship of the instrument is excellent.

I mainly play heavy pop, Beatles, Cheap Trick, and 50s rock, so this bass is very useful for what I like to do.

[chucksimms]

For me, I love the reverse headstock as well. As a kid I wanted a bass exactly like Macca's, not realizing the futility of this desire. I had both the C64S and C64 (sold the C64S last year to acquire a vintage Rick guitar) and they are cool basses. I did remove the cap and horseshoes but what a bass. A little too 'pink' on the fireglo but a keeper. We'll love them all the more now that they're discontinued!

[RobRick]

For me, I love the reverse headstock as well. As a kid I wanted a bass exactly like Macca's, not realizing the futility of this desire. I had both the C64S and C64 (sold the C64S last year to acquire a vintage Rick guitar) and they are cool basses. I did remove the cap and horseshoes but what a bass. A little too 'pink' on the fireglo but a keeper. We'll love them all the more now that they're discontinued!

Agreed! I have quite a few basses, and am selling some to "thin out the herd" but the C64 is staying!

[Peter Lack]

I don't blame you, if I had one of these, it'd be a keeper!

[bluewhale]

... I did remove the cap and horseshoes but what a bass. A little too 'pink' on the fireglo but a keeper. We'll love them all the more now that they're discontinued!

I had planned on trying the 4001C64 without the cap, but I liked the sound as it was. Less powerful, but a sound quality that I prefer. I think forumite jps installed the cap in his 4001V63, which is certainly opposite the trend.

[bluewhale]

... I love the tone, I have TI flats on mine, and use the neck PU exclusively. I love the body sans binding, and the craftmenship of the instrument is excellent ...

Yes, the tone is fantastic. I knew it would sound good, but I was still very pleasantly surprised when it arrived and after I made some adjustments to my amp.

[congerz83]

... I did remove the cap and horseshoes but what a bass. A little too 'pink' on the fireglo but a keeper. We'll love them all the more now that they're discontinued!

I had planned on trying the 4001C64 without the cap, but I liked the sound as it was. Less powerful, but a sound quality that I prefer. I think forumite jps installed the cap in his 4001V63, which is certainly opposite the trend.

On my 4001C64S I not only bypassed the cap, I installed a modern PUSH/PULL switch to get the
"vintage" tone whenever I want. Can't say I've ever used the "vintage" setting, but it's nice to know it's there. ........I also the OOOOHHHH & AHHHHH reaction from friends and fellow bassists.

[harrek]

... I did remove the cap and horseshoes but what a bass. A little too 'pink' on the fireglo but a keeper. We'll love them all the more now that they're discontinued!

I had planned on trying the 4001C64 without the cap, but I liked the sound as it was. Less powerful, but a sound quality that I prefer. I think forumite jps installed the cap in his 4001V63, which is certainly opposite the trend.

On my 4001C64S I not only bypassed the cap, I installed a modern PUSH/PULL switch to get the
"vintage" tone whenever I want. Can't say I've ever used the "vintage" setting, but it's nice to know it's there. ........I also the OOOOHHHH & AHHHHH reaction from friends and fellow bassists.

As well as the 4001C64S I for from Richard in trade for a C64 Fire Glo. I liked the fact that it had the push/pull
switch installed on it and I can change the sound. And it does quite a bit. It was one of the items that got me
to do the swap with him. I use it both settings depending on what I might be playing.

[simer4001]

I haven't made any changes to my C64's or C64s. Except cosmetically. One C64 received the MMT paint and a C64S receieved the RRS artwork.

[Peter Lack]

I am in the market for a C64 and am not sure whether to go Fireglo or the C64S - anyway what are the main differences and do you guys have any pictures you'd care to share of your C64s?

Am new round here by the way!

[simer4001]

I don't think there is any difference in tone, but I really like the matte finish on the 64S. I think it makes for a faster neck.

[harrek]

I also don't think the tone is different between the two. But for some reason I like playing the C64s better than
the C64 so far. Not sure if it's the matte finish as Brian pointed out, the zero fret, or just some sort of intangible
I can't put my finger on. But I haven't had the C64s for very long, so it will require more testing I am sure.

[bartyclue]

What does the C64 actually designate? I presume the C64S is in reference to the dotted fret board??

[RobRick]

What does the C64 actually designate? I presume the C64S is in reference to the dotted fret board??

This has been asked many times and speculated upon by minds much more in the know than mine.

I believe the 64 refers to the year of 4001 bass the model is based on, since that was the same year of make of McCartney's, and the C? Who knows? "Classic?"