Sooo... if you were me.

[woodyng]

#1.

the 4004's are great,and and can be modded to have a more bright, (single coil) sound at your disposal with coil taps. And now the new ones have the same neck profile as new 4003's,so it really just depends on how much you like the classic features versus the sleeker look.

[scotty]

Ok be nice this might a stupid question im a skinny string player and ive only a 4003 ive had a play of Tonys Blue 4004 and it felt pretty nice and looked top but what i wanted to ask are there any RRF members that put either toasters or higains in place of the humbuckers on their 4004s?

[grygrx]

#1.

the 4004's are great,and and can be modded to have a more bright, (single coil) sound at your disposal with coil taps. And now the new ones have the same neck profile as new 4003's,so it really just depends on how much you like the classic features versus the sleeker look.

As my buy date approaches I'll have to continue to consider this. Thanks for the feedback everyone

[jps]

...(short scale) has the additional attraction, because I don't currently own a short scale bass...

Here ya' go!

viewtopic.php?f=69&t=403715

As far as Ricks go, in the end you will probably get a 4003 as that is what you wanted, initially.

[qwezirider]

I tend to like things that 'off the beaten path' and so the attraction is there.

The way I look at that in my circle of working in music is that the 4003 is off the beaten path. Certainly not for all of us here, and the other models you're thinking of would be nice as well. But in all my playing over the last six years in this town, I have yet to see anyone (doesn't mean they're not there) else working with a Ric. Which make sit somewhat off the beaten path.

[johnallg]

I'm biding my time and saving a bit of money to dive into the Ric pool. Forums and the internet being what they are I've managed to tangle my mind a little. My initial intent was to get a new 4003.

but...

Searching around here I found information about the 3000 and 2000 series which caught me eye. I tend to like things that 'off the beaten path' and so the attraction is there. The 3000 itself (short scale) has the additional attraction, because I don't currently own a short scale bass. So, am I just being drawn to the newest girl to catch me eye.... or could this be real love?

Adam, you could always post in the Rickenbacker Wanted forum that you'd like one or either of these bass models. You never know, someone might part with one. Doesn't cost a penny to try.

[RicOSoundMan]

Well Adam, I like off the beaten path too. There are a few of us 3000 series lovers here. I am one of em too!!!
I just love both of mine. Yet I love the 4000 series too I really don't think there is a bum in the lot. Just keep an eye out one will show up for sale man. MY next accquistion I really want is an El dorado, something sexy about those

IF you are drawn to it there is a reason I think, at least for me there is. And once ya get one Ric they have this amazing way increasing in numbers at your house. Before long you'll have 2 or 3 of em....lololol

[fatcat]

Re: 2000 series,my 2030's neck is thicker that my 4003s and it is neck heavy.Tends to neck dive.
The 4003s are more comfortable to wear.
It sounds really good,and is very quiet due to the pickups and control design.

[ram]

To Echo what Tony said... reminds me of a Pbass or Ripper on Rickenbacker steroids - the 4004 series is one of the best kept secrets in all of Ric-dom. Light weight, huge sound, with big tonal sweep... the fret board is a tad wider than the 4003s' which makes it a nice candidate for extra strings if so desired. when I get a little disposable cash I'm looking for another one (or two)...

[woodyng]

Scott-as Dane explained it when he redid the wiring on the laredo v574002,the tapped coil is similar to a scatter wound toaster in output. it probably may not sound EXACTLY the same,but it gets me in the ballpark,plus i love the combinations i'm able to get out of it. I've a new wiring harness with VVT for my cii that Dane put together for me,and am hoping to get it installed soon. Does it sound like a 4003? probably not,as the higains in the newer ones are much hotter. i've found i like the tone i get from the weaker pickups-the higain in my 4000 reads 7k. that's where a decent amp with a good amount of power makes up for lack of pickup hotness.
ps -surprised Jeffrey hasn't posted a pic of his 4004 with the two toasters yet......

[aceonbass]

If you like the classic 4001 look, then get a 4003. Otherwise, I'd get a new 4004 with the slimmer 4003 neck and wire it VVT with coil taps. The strings will tend to hit the poles if you install high-gains. I can't see any reason to spend $300.00 on a pair of Toasters when the HB1's will get you close enough when tapped. The 4004 is also a slightly more comfortable bass to play do to it's contoured edges and lack of binding.

[scotty]

Thanks woody and Dane i understand what your saying and Jeff where is that pic its not like you?

[JakeK]

With the last couple of bands I'd played in, if I didn't show up with a 4004, they were disappointed.

If you didn't play them at SoCal Jams, *I* would be disappointed, Joey!

Tony, Joey and anyone else who recommended it know what they speak of when they recommend the 4004. I'm not even a regular bass player, and I like the 4004! Very versatile instrument.

[cassius987]

I will probably buy a 4004 some day if I get the cash in hand, particularly now that the neck profile is like a two-piece 4003.

I wouldn't mess with the stock wiring right off the bat--I have demoed over a half dozen 4004Ciis at this point and I really like the spartan wiring these guys have. Sounds great with the humbuckers, keeps the impedance load on them fairly low so they still manage to sound bright and sizzly. The only thing you'll miss is unequal pickup blending, but I tend not to do that as much as I used to.

[rickenbrother]

With the last couple of bands I'd played in, if I didn't show up with a 4004, they were disappointed.

If you didn't play them at SoCal Jams, *I* would be disappointed, Joey!

Tony, Joey and anyone else who recommended it know what they speak of when they recommend the 4004. I'm not even a regular bass player, and I like the 4004! Very versatile instrument.

Just to add, these same bands I speak of, have heard my P-bass, my StingRay5 and Ibanez BTB. The 4004Cii 4 and 5 string have always the hands down favorites. The 4003 was second favorite.