4003 versus 4004

[spongebob]

My 4004 is totally stock - and TBH, it sounds amazing as it is. I wouldn't change anything.

I also leave my amp settings the same for both my 4003 and 4004 - maybe just add or take a little gain, and that's it. There's no boosting any trebles, etc, to make it brighter. I don't find it dark at all.

For me, the 4004 tone is 100% Ric, but with a slight difference to the 4003 - slightly less mids, more 'grunt'.

[dricard]

I don't have a 4004, however I built a Fenderbird in 2006 using 2ea 4004 HB2 pickups, in V-V-T configuration, 500K CTS pots for the V and 250K for the tone, and tha value which an AM Std Jazz bass would use for the chicklet (.050uf?)

Anyway, perhaps the pots are matched, perhaps I was lucky, but this think has a dark shimmer that is unmistakable. I run Roto Swing 66 stainless rounds, and there is no issue of darkness to the tone. Is it dark relative to my 75 4001, yes, but on the whole, these are awesome pickups, quiet, and no compression needed going into the board. One of these days, I might have to try an actualy 4004.

[edski]

I will chime in - have had a Laredo since 2005, and in about 2009 (I think) I replaced the wiring harness with concentric pots to have vvtts...

The Laredo is a far different sounding/playing bass than my 75 4001, it's definitely a deeper sound and benefits far more from having fresh RW's on it. The 4001 can be a deep sounding bass too, if I use flats, but it has a lot more clank to it in normal circumstances. The 4004 is a chunky neck, but I really have no preference for thin vs chunky.

With fresh stings and my amp eq flat, the Laredo has plenty of clank, but the added dimension of body feel lows (my drummer has remarked a few times about that when I've played on the neck PU with the tone rolled off a bit). When the strings are not as fresh I have to boost the mids and mid highs to get the typical RIC clank.

[weemac]

The difference between a 4003 and a 4004?
The 4003 is ledgendary and the 4004 is awesome!

Eden.

[Oz_Greg]

.

I put together two You Tube videos detailing the tone differences a few years back. Take a look here.

I love your videos Sepp!
I've seen 'em all.

[Kopfjaeger]

.

I put together two You Tube videos detailing the tone differences a few years back. Take a look here.

I love your videos Sepp!
I've seen 'em all.

Thanks Greg!

Sepp

[guitfiddle]

It all depends on the venue and room size. Also my mood plays into it too. It's generally a very intangible decision.

[henry5]

The 4004 I sold recently sounded fantastic. Through my Kickback (which has a very useful shape control) I got the nearest sound I've ever had to Chris Squire. It sounded somewhat stringier than either of my 4001 basses, with bigger bottom. I'll add that every 4004 I've played sounds different though, just like the majority of 4001 and 4003 basses. I've played literally hundreds of Ric basses and I've heard very few that sound more or less the same.

[guitfiddle]

Through my Kickback (which has a very useful shape control) I got the nearest sound I've ever had to Chris Squire.

Interesting. Was that a Hartke Kickback 15 you had your 4004 going through by any chance?

[jon]

The 4004 I sold recently sounded fantastic.

It still sounds great! It's seen a lot of use over the past couple of weeks.

I'm running it through a TC Electronic rig (RH750 & RS210/RS212 cabs). It's different to my other Rickenbackers - perhaps a little less zing at the very top end, but with a strong upper mid range that seems to allow it to effortlessly carve its own space in a mix. I would describe its sound as more 'modern' than a 4001/4003. It feels great to play - it's very light & I love the neck on it too. Oh & it looks great as well.

I won't be selling any of my others, but this is a welcome addition & I should probably have bought one years ago. If a 5 string version ever re-appears I'll be straight out to try one.

Anyone who is remotely curious about one of these should definitely try one for themselves.

[ricnbacker]

I am thinking about getting a 4004. I have a 4003. What differences will I notice with regard to tone and playability between these two models?

I got so lucky getting one within 2 weeks of actually tracking one down.I had it for a couple of weeks about the only thing I liked about it was the neck. it was "normal" to me as compared to my 4003.

I was really disappointed with it and very surprised. I jonesed for one for years before actually deciding to try to get one without ever having one in my hands or seeing one in real life.

I believe it was discussed at length here in a thread last year.

[aceonbass]

I read your review Christopher, and other than your opinion about the knobs feeling like plastic (they're actually quite heavy and very metal) I agree completely. I've had about half a dozen 4004's, and when plugged into my amp (which was already adjusted for a single coil RIC, I didn't care for the stock sound. It did indeed sound kinda lifeless. These are actually great basses with great pickups, only held back by what I feel are mismatched electronics. I also don't care for the Schaller M4 tuners. These are adapted 12:1 guitar tuners. I prefer Gotoh GB7 tuners with a 20:1 ratio.

[ricnbacker]

I read your review Christopher, and other than your opinion about the knobs feeling like plastic (they're actually quite heavy and very metal) I agree completely. I've had about half a dozen 4004's, and when plugged into my amp (which was already adjusted for a single coil RIC, I didn't care for the stock sound. It did indeed sound kinda lifeless. These are actually great basses with great pickups, only held back by what I feel are mismatched electronics. I also don't care for the Schaller M4 tuners. These are adapted 12:1 guitar tuners. I prefer Gotoh GB7 tuners with a 20:1 ratio.

thanks dane, I thought for sure I would have to run and hide after my comments. I may still have to but at least I know I'll have company

lol

[henry5]

Through my Kickback (which has a very useful shape control) I got the nearest sound I've ever had to Chris Squire.

Interesting. Was that a Hartke Kickback 15 you had your 4004 going through by any chance?

Would you believe a 1x10? My current band is all-acoustic (except me) - acoustic guitar, mandolin and cajon - so I sold all my big gear. The Kickback is easily loud enough for what I need.

BTW, great to hear it's worked out ok for you Jon! TBH, I watched the little footage I shot prior to selling again before and mine was easily one of the best-sounding basses I've ever had and completely blew most of the other Rics I've had - including the 2 CSs I owned - into the dust. Of course the player and the amp will have a big effect too; no two players playing the same bass are going to sound the same.

[vulcan_creedler]

I also don't care for the Schaller M4 tuners. These are adapted 12:1 guitar tuners. I prefer Gotoh GB7 tuners with a 20:1 ratio.

Dane - all being well, I'll be getting a 4004 from a fellow RRF member shortly. I was thinking of changing to Ric Schaller (4003 style) tuners on it, rather than the standard M4 tuners. I'd welcome your opinion on the 4003 Schallers vs the Gotoh GB7, since fitting the Gotoh would require a bit less surgery to the headstock!

Guy