4004 visibility

[bluewhale]

I've read posts on this forum asking why the 4004L and 4004Cii models aren't more popular than they are. Enthusiasts here sometimes refer to them as RIC's best kept secret, or as sleepers, etc. Lots of major retailers don't list them in their inventory, so potential buyers might not be aware of them.

If a high profile bassist were to be seen using one as his/her main bass, maybe that would change. As far as I know, Paul McCartney received one from RIC but doesn't perform with it. Other than him, who do you see as a good fit, musically, for that role?


bluewhale

[sloop_john_b]

They're arguably more versatile than their 4003 counterpart - I can't really see a situation where they wouldn't fit, tonally speaking.

[rickenbrother]

I've read posts on this forum asking why the 4004L and 4004Cii models aren't more popular than they are. Enthusiasts here sometimes refer to them as RIC's best kept secret, or as sleepers, etc. If a high profile bassist were to be seen using one as his/her main bass, maybe that would change. As far as I know, Paul McCartney received one from RIC but doesn't perform with it. Other than him, who do you see as a good fit, musically, for that role?

At least one high profile bassist using a 4004 would be the game changer for those models. There are several bassists who would be a good fit for that role.

[jps]

Okay, so RIC needs to make a cream 4004 Laredo for Chris to play with Yes once in a while.

[bassduke49]

One who comes to mind is Andy Lewis, bass player for Paul Weller. He plays several Ricks, including a couple of 4004Cii. Maybe not "prominent" though.

While promotion is a good thing, you have to remember that RIC doesn't need to sell gobs more instruments. It appears they are barely keeping up with orders as it is. I even fear that the release of my book may increase demand!

[RIC_FACTORY]

One who comes to mind is Andy Lewis, bass player for Paul Weller. He plays several Ricks, including a couple of 4004Cii. Maybe not "prominent" though.

Andy Lewis is a class-act, through and through. Just wanted to say that!

[rickyfricky]

Of the 13 tracks my band has laid down for our new album, 12 feature my 4004 cii RBY.

The other track features "The Cream Puff" - my '70 4001 WHT.

I think Jack White's new project would be an awesome fit, or Mumford & Sons, to showcase the 4004.

Young, fresh, and hip -- with scrote!

[vulcan_creedler]

Alan Davey (bassist with Hawkwind from 1984-1997 and 2000-2006) has just started playing a red 4004, with his new band Gunslinger! I know he used to modify his old 4003 basses with a Frishman pre-amp (aka the "Motorhead" switch), but don'y know if his 4004 is similarly modded!

Talking of mods, (and I only comment as a complete outsider) I reckon there should be a couple of push/pull pots on the 4004, each one as a coil tap for the HB1s. Pull 'em out, and you're back in classic 4001/4003 territory! I have an HB1 on both my 4003 basses, in the bridge position, and have equipped both with the push/pull. - Incredibly useful!

Dane has the perfect V V T after market wiring loom (complete with coil taps) for the 4004 basses!

So - YES (pardon the pun) it is a bit intriguing that no major artist uses a 4004, other than the Lord God Lemmy, and his 4004LK is hardly a typical 4004!

[Kopfjaeger]

Talking of mods, (and I only comment as a complete outsider) I reckon there should be a couple of push/pull pots on the 4004, each one as a coil tap for the HB1s. Pull 'em out, and you're back in classic 4001/4003 territory! I have an HB1 on both my 4003 basses, in the bridge position, and have equipped both with the push/pull. - Incredibly useful!

Dane has the perfect V V T after market wiring loom (complete with coil taps) for the 4004 basses!

So - YES (pardon the pun) it is a bit intriguing that no major artist uses a 4004, other than the Lord God Lemmy, and his 4004LK is hardly a typical 4004!

Yup, I have Dane's push/pull pot mod in my 4004. I'm in love with that bass all over again, because of it.!!

Sepp

[woodyng]

4004's Rock! I can get clank or buttery smoothosity out of my 2. The 500k coil taps are an easy inexpensive way to give you the ultimate passive bass tonal options,IMO.
I think Chris Squire maybe already has a 4004? i have never seen him use one,though. I would try to get one to another prominent Chris for more exposure. (I'm talking about Muse's bassist,a guy that switches instruments onstage as much as Tom Petty/Mike Campbell)

[spongebob]

In the UK they are very hard to find indeed.

I sold one a few years back - really regret letting it go.

Official distributor prices are off the scale - a Cheyenne at £2680 ($4231) and a Laredo at £2410 ($3804).

Second hand is very rarely seen indeed, so they remain a very elusive bass.

[partime]

First Rick, 3000, play it all the time, then got a 4003, so unique, just saw a 4004 MG, couldn't resist, on layaway. Need to study this mod thing, you would think Rick would do it that way anyway if everyone else is changing them. Would like a 4005 but need to win the lotto.

[ajish4]

I'm actually, on a selfish note, glad they are "the best kept secret". Keeps the prices lower for the rest of us who know!

[aceonbass]

Okay, so RIC needs to make a cream 4004 Laredo for Chris to play with Yes once in a while.

I actually did one like this for a customer a couple years ago. It was a new 4004L MG to begin with. I routed it for a RIHS, added a Toaster in the neck, did VVT wiring under one of my "RCA model" styled guards in white back painted clear plexi with vintage knobs, and replaced the tuners with Hipshot Ultralites with vintage style keys. The truss rod cover was swapped out for a white plexi one. I had Pat Wilkins do the refin in cream like my "4008CS". Although the owner's very happy with it, he wasn't a regular here and never posted pics. This is one I'd like to do again, but with the full 4001S treatment including C64 tailpiece assembly and guard.

[aceonbass]

I'm actually, on a selfish note, glad they are "the best kept secret". Keeps the prices lower for the rest of us who know!

Actually, I'll bet prices of these would drop significantly if they sold in large numbers. Given their less expensive content of parts, and the fact that they now share the 4003 neck, it seems they'd have to.