Funk: A place for Rickenbacker basses?

[henny]

Since I joined this forum many years ago, I've matured and developed from a young, technically mediocre raging prog-fan who idolised Chris (Squire), Wetton and Lee into a rather decent funk-rock-pop player, (particularly slap and fingers) - a style I thought I'd never play. Today, I perform sessions on a near-constant basis, (paid and unpaid) and my band, The Heat Engine, is going from strength to strength this year. We're playing some pretty big gigs.

My old Jazz and StingRay are go-to's at the moment and have been for some time, but recently I harked back to the days of my Rics. I've always been told that Rics are not very flexible in the slap/pop department and, (from my own experience) are somewhat awkward to play with fingers if the treble pickup cover is in place. (Note - I don't like the gaping-hole look of an uncovered treble pickup.) - Anyway, I took this for granted, and always reverted to a pick.

Just recently for old time's sake I tried a couple of 4003 basses, one of which was my old fave, the 4003S. The action + intonation were both perfect and I cranked her up, with treble pickup cover in place and played the guitar as I would if it were my Stingray or Jazz.

I'll say this once - yowzah. Myth dispelled.

These basses are fantastic to play funk with. Absolutely no trouble whatsoever slapping and popping that bad girl, and playing fast fingerstyle I had absolutely no trouble if I just angled my thumb slightly, leaning on the edge of the treble pickup assembly, my fingers making contact just below the pickup. The raw power of the tone, that super thump of bass and that trademark trebly growl. Simply gorgeous.

I love my Jazz dearly, it will always stay with me like an old friend - but my 3EQ StingRay will be leaving soon, making way for a 'Funkenbacker!!

[coolhandjjl]

My teacher has me working on some Red Hot Chili Peppers stuff. I've been using my 4004/2/v57. Works superbly!

[coolingitdown]

I love all those old Rickenmyths. "You can't slap it." "You can't play blues with a Rick." "You can't play fingerstyle with a Rick." "Ricks have no bottom end." The list goes on and on!

As posted on the corporate forum, here's a response to the slapping myth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_FAQteWySc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnplwyJzxxw

Les Claypool. Playing a Rick. Check it out!

[dbriggy]

I gotta say when I'm needing the thumb I usually head straight for my Status Kingbass, but that Les Playcool vid has got me all excited! Cheers guys for that. I'm gonna try my 4003 out right now. What a cool 4001 as well with the MOP & the chequerboard, 1973 or earlier do you reckon?

[dbriggy]

By the way Henny, just noticed your this side of the pond, let me know when the band plays a London gig, I'd love to check it out.

[teeder]

Cool vids! I love me some Mule! Oh, and Les is cool too!

Looks like a '72 Burg from where I'm sitting.

[ram]

As has been said 'if you can't play it on a Ric then you aint playin it right...!'

I had forgotten about that video - thanks for posting!

[RicOshea]

Henny, ifyou don't like the gaping hole, just add a trebel bezel. As for slapping my 4003, well the tone is amazing. I do find it alot harder on my 4004 due to the placement of the neck pup.

[jps]

Okay, does anybody here know who's sig this is on the pickguard?

Claypool 4001 PG detail.jpg

And, how much the bass is selling for? I can't read the price tag very well!

Claypool 4001 headstock tag.jpg

[08 Ric 4003]

Too blurry there to tell, but as Spinal Tap says "Still got the old tagger on it"

[cheyenne]

Thats John Entwistle's sig on the pickguard.

[cheyenne]

I always liked this little groove here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_evMBRIm2rY

[Lefty4001]

this was a fun show

[loendmaestro]

Cordell "Boogie" Mosson used to play a 4001 with Parliament. It doesn't get much funkier than that!

[cassius987]

I know this isn't a popular belief but I honestly feel that my 4003 run flat with both pickups on full can cop Marcus Miller's tone with relative ease.