I would like to try a 5-string Rick but am wondering if the sound is the same as a traditional 4-string Rick. Back in 1979 I bought a new jetglo 4001 (Sam Ash - $490.00 delivered!!!) and loved the sound. I sold it later to get $$ for my wife's wedding ring. (Ya GOTTA know I LOVE that woman!) Does the 5-string have the same sustain & awesome harmonics of an older 4001? Also is there anyone out there who has a 5-string for sale??
Thanks
Todd Mason
partsbook@dodgenet.com
Rick 4003S/5 Sound? Any for sale?
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
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bassman
The 4003/S5 has more of a fatter sound than that of a 70's 4001. I own a early 70's 4001 which is a little thinner sounding than my mid 80's 4001v63. And the 4003/S5 which was made last year is much fuller sounding than either of my 4001's.
You will find the string spacing on the 4003/S5 to be very tight, but you'll get use to it in a while. If the 4003/S5 is your first 5-string then it might take a little longer to get use to it.
One thing I do really like about the 4003/S5 is the 115 gauge of the low B string. Every other 5-string i've ever owned or played used a minimum of 130 gauge B string. A 115 gauge string projects much better than a 130 gauge, and has more tension on it as well making it nicer to play.
I guess RIC use a 115 gauge to help overcome the shorter scale of the bass (33.25").
I found the neck of the 4003/S5 to be very chunky compared to my 4001. It's not wider but it is much thicker than any other 4001 or 4003 neck.
There have been a number of 4003/S5's for sale on Ebay over the past six months. Keep your eyes open there and you'll probably beable to get a good deal on one. Good luck.
Cheers
You will find the string spacing on the 4003/S5 to be very tight, but you'll get use to it in a while. If the 4003/S5 is your first 5-string then it might take a little longer to get use to it.
One thing I do really like about the 4003/S5 is the 115 gauge of the low B string. Every other 5-string i've ever owned or played used a minimum of 130 gauge B string. A 115 gauge string projects much better than a 130 gauge, and has more tension on it as well making it nicer to play.
I guess RIC use a 115 gauge to help overcome the shorter scale of the bass (33.25").
I found the neck of the 4003/S5 to be very chunky compared to my 4001. It's not wider but it is much thicker than any other 4001 or 4003 neck.
There have been a number of 4003/S5's for sale on Ebay over the past six months. Keep your eyes open there and you'll probably beable to get a good deal on one. Good luck.
Cheers
I also have a '79 4001 FG that I bought new, and a 2000 4003S/5. Bassman is corect when he says that the 5 string delivers a much fuller, bassier sound than the 4001.Dare I say almost a Fender sound. My 4003S/5 came with the "Toaster" pups,while the 4001 has the basic high gains. I LOVE the sound of my 4001, and the only way to replicate the sound with the 5 string is to use the bridge pick-up at full treble & volume while cutting back the bridge pick-up. It's really a matter of getting used to a new guitar after 22 years of using the 4001.I do love the 4003S/5. The string spacing is a little tight, but I think that RIC did the right thing by using the lighter gauge strings compared to other 5 string basses that I've played.I highly recommend this beautiful bass.