Cap Bypass Mod

[LB75]

Finally bypassed the cap in my 4001, I hate that I waited so long, it sounds great! This was to be temporary until I could get the push/pull pot but I can't see ever going back. It's interesting how it seems to PLAY better even though nothing else changed.

[johnallg]

Finally bypassed the cap in my 4001, I hate that I waited so long, it sounds great! This was to be temporary until I could get the push/pull pot but I can't see ever going back. It's interesting how it seems to PLAY better even though nothing else changed.

Funny how that happens. I actually put the switch/pot in my 4001 and now never use it in the cap-in position. Like it full without the cap.

[RicOSoundMan]

Agreed,,,,, I Love the change in mine (Thanks again John) Yet I am still in the 50% catagory. I like the tonal variations so I like to play around with the tones, haven't settled on either or yet. Gives it a whole new mojo

[dminer]

Good on ya!!! I bypased the cap on both my 76 4001 and my 66 4005....HUGE DIFFERENCE and I would never go back!!!! Maybe todays more modern amps can do the cap version justice but I love the "more BASS" version without the cap. I still contend that the cap was responsible for more pup replacements in 70's Rick basses than anything else.

[johnallg]

Agreed David.

Andy - isn't it great to have the old 4001 reliable again?! No cutting out anymore.

[LB75]

Ricosoundman: How does bypassing the cap effect your stereo setup?

dminer: I notice you're in Atlanta. Is there anybody around here you would recommend for a fret leveling or refret? I've used a guy down in Jackson named Tom Dodson but not for any Rick work. I've gotten a quote from him and he seems reasonable but I'd rather go to a Rick expert if there is one around.

Thanks

[ilan]

EVIL CAP BE GONE!

[Baker69]

The very first Ric I bought was a 70's 4001 that I bought back in the late 80's and I took it back to the store I bought it from as I thought there was something wrong with the treble pickup as it didn't seem to have much output and was very tinny sounding. I didn't realise at the time it was supposed to be like that - and neither did the store as they got a technician to strip it own and check it out. I ended up swapping it for another 4001 and guess what - that sounded the same as well!

I did eventually by-pass the cap on this bass but pretty much discovered this by myself (these were the pre-internet days!)

I agree the 4001's do sound good without the cap but then you haven't got that classic Ric growl. The best option therefore is to have the push-pull switch so you can have the best of both worlds!

[dminer]

Ricosoundman: How does bypassing the cap effect your stereo setup?

dminer: I notice you're in Atlanta. Is there anybody around here you would recommend for a fret leveling or refret? I've used a guy down in Jackson named Tom Dodson but not for any Rick work. I've gotten a quote from him and he seems reasonable but I'd rather go to a Rick expert if there is one around.

Thanks

Don...yes I'm in Atlanta but I've always worked on my Ricks myself...never done a fret leveling but I would recomend David Boling at Maple street guitars for the leveling....great set up guy but probably not that familiar with ricks....but leveling is leveling...fret replacement might be a different story...anyway if you talk to him tell him I sent ya...great guy and fantastic guitarist...I've known him since we were kids...David Miner

[LB75]

Thanks David, I do all the work on my guitars too to a point. The frets I'll leave to a luthier. My 4001 is a '77 with original frets so they are pretty worn and I don't know if they can be leveled. It's not something I have to get done right away but sometime in the future. I took guitar lessons at Maple Street Guitars from a guy named Sam McPherson back in the '90s. Same location anyway it may have been called something else back then. I'll take it in and let him look at and see what he thinks.

[RicOSoundMan]

Don, I have never run it 2 amps at the same time to know how it effects stero set-up. I want to try it but I don't have a Ric-O-Sound cable or box, let alone another amp. Some day I will give it a try but I bet it really doesn't affect it in a bad way.

John, I love it even more than before definatly be the one that goes in the casket when I pass to greener pastures

[LB75]

Ahh...Your screen name threw me, I figured you were big into it.