new 4003FG

[Johntheson]

Greetings to everyone. I've been lurking here, as a non posting member, trying to gain as much information as I could, knowing that I was going to be getting a new Ric soon. I just got my 2010 4003 yesterday. I let it acclimate for about 36 hours before unboxing it, and taking a peek at it. Absolutely beautiful bass. I've been playing guitar for just shy of 50 years, but have never owned my own bass. About 6 months ago I bought a new Hofner CT, and I've really enjoyed it quite a lot, but I knew in my heart I wanted a Ric also.I played the Ric for a while, and it seemed setup pretty well from the factory, except for the fact that I've gotten used to the LaBella flats on the Hofner, and the strings on the Ric feel kind of strange. I've since fallen in love with the bass, and really haven't even broke the 6 strings out lately. My question is; is it ok to have my Ric setup by a qualified luthier, that is only a Fender,Martin,Taylor, and Gibson certified warrenty tech; or does it have to be done by a certified Ric repair center? I'm asking because I'll probably end up with flats on the guitar, and it may need the new setup. Thanks for all the great info. I've already learned here.
John Sr.

[rickenbrother]

Welcome to the forum, John! Congrats and enjoy your new 4003! What finish does it have? Don't be shy. Join in the conversations and post some photos of your 4003.
Be sure the tech that works on your Rick is very familiar with them. Don't bring it to just anyone. Many of the RIC authorized dealers can help you,

[s4001]

Congrats! Enjoy your bass. While I've set up countless basses, I've done no guitars, but I can imagine it would be about the same. However, I'm sure a more suited answer will be along shortly....

[rickenbrother]

John, if you're lucky enough to be in the NJ area, bring it to Chris at Pick Of The Ricks. Definitely worth the drive, even if it takes you a few hours each way.

Link:
Pick Of The Ricks

[johnallg]

Welcome John. Yeah, pics are always a must with new members and instruments.

Setting up your new bass is not hard at all. Learn to do it yourself, it really is not difficult. Peruse Joey's site and then change the strings and try your hand at setting it up.

http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/Rick%20maint.htm

[Johntheson]

Thank you all very much. Pics will certainly follow soon. I'm in the Tidewater Virginia area, between Va.Beach, and Williamsburg. When I search for Ric dealers online; the closest I come to is right up near Washington, DC, about 200+ miles from me. The luthier I speak of near me, is owner of Fret Not guitar repairs. She's an award winning full service Martin, Gib, Fen, tech, and does work along the same vein as Dan Erlewine. I haven't even asked her about her experienced with Rics yet, so I'm not sure what level that will be. She would not undertake anything that she couldn't do, and didn't feel knowledgable enough to do it. I just want to make sure I don't violate any of Ric's rules, as since I've been researching Rics, I've noticed the the company kind of marches to it's own drum. I'll post some pics within a day or two at most. Thanks again to you all, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge here, and maybe soon being of some help to others.
John

[aceonbass]

The 4003 bridge can be a real hassle to set intonation on without sctraching the chrome with the small Phillips required to adjust it. I recomend having your tech replace the intonation screws with stainless Allen screws. These are easily adjustable without the wrench coming in contact with your tailpiece. Also, the springs RIC's been putting in the bridge with the screws often end up in coil bind, restricting saddle movement. Given the relatively steep angle that the strings enter the saddles at, I don't see how the screws can back out, so I remove the springs. Your tech sounds like she's pretty well qualified, but while most guitars and basses usually have some amount of relief in the neck, Ricks are best adjusted flat. This alone goes a long way to having the bass intonate correctly with very low action.

[teeder]

Congrats and welcome, John!

[rickenbrother]

There are a couple of formites in your area that might be able to help you, John.

[Johntheson]

Hey guys. Here's a picture of the new bass.
John

[teeder]

Sweet!

[aceonbass]

The full width inlays and walnut headstock wings really make you do a double take on the new basses. The first impression is of a vintage instrument. Now if RIC would just redsign that double hump pickguard.

[rickenbrother]

It's very pretty! I love the way the latest fireglo finish looks!

[Johntheson]

You folks are very kind. The picture had to be taken down to 800x600, so it looks a bit different than I intended. I had my first extended session with the Ric today, and man what a machine it is. It offers so many options for the individual tastes of the musician. I pretty much know one thing already though; I'm not really a roundwound fan. I play a very limited style, and with the Hofner CT I've been playing with the LaBella flats on it, it leads me to believe that flats provide the sound, and feel that I'm after. Do most flats feel the same, regardless of manufacturer? I play 75% Beatles/british invasion type music. Would the LaBella flats be a good string for this, or should I get another company's flatwound? Thanks to you all again.
John

[scotty]

Congrats nice bass.