Curly Mapleglo 4003

[finlover]

I've always loved the retro look of Rick basses but was under the outdated impression that they had a thin, bright tone, which is not what I'm after. Then I borrowed my neighbor's '07 4003 and was blown away by the deep, punchy bass on tap! I set out to find a new Mapleglo model for myself and was thrilled to find this one with a fairly flame-y body. I'm loving the full-width inlays and especially the Caribbean Rosewood fretboard--mine has lots of wavy figuring that looks great under stage lights.

Of course the bass had to be set up and the nut slots needed a little work. At first I thought something might be wrong with my bass pickup because the output was so much lower than the treble pickup, but it was just a matter of adjustment. I had to lower the A and D pole pieces on the treble pickup and raise the whole thing to get the string balance where I wanted it. Curiously, the pole pieces on the bass pickup seem to be stuck, as though they're glued in place. I know there are a lot of pickup cover haters out there but I opted to leave mine on and play in front of it because it just looks so great (I also have a '65 Jazz Bass that has pu covers on for the same reason).

I wasn't expecting this bass to be as comfortable, lightweight and balanced as it is. I was worried that the squared-off front edge of the body would dig into my forearm but it doesn't. Overall I'm just blown away by the craftsmanship, sound and playability of the 4003--why didn't I get one sooner?

[thx1955]

Welcome to the Forums Greg, lovely 4003, with a gorgeous fretboard.

Go over to the "Register" and add your new baby to the database.

[jps]

Nice wood!

[rickaddict]

Beautiful wood, Greg!

Welcome!

[bassduke49]

Beautiful! Welcome to the Forum!

[finlover]

Thanks for making me feel welcome, everyone! I absolutely love your book, Paul! Great writing and beautiful photos too--we're so lucky to have it for a resource!
From what you've seen, does RIC purposely use straight grain maple for their basses, saving the figured stuff for guitars?

[Ashgray]

Hi Greg, and welcome!

Here's your answer, re RIC's use of fancy grained maple:

OK, the 4002 is no longer available, but I tend to think that RIC keep the best of their wood for the specials or limited editions.

Ash

[finlover]

WOW! Gorgeous birdseye and bookmatched to boot, and the burst is breathtaking! I'd bet 4003 customers would be willing to pay an upcharge for figured maple if it were an option. With the checkerboard binding and multi-ply pickguard I think the 4002 is just too beautiful for words. I know this has probably been covered a gazillion times on this forum, but how does it sound compared to a 4001/4003?

[finlover]

Here I am in bass heaven last Sunday. Our band, 3 Chord Rodeo, plays vintage country here in Austin, TX. I'm usually on lead vocal but in this shot our lead guitarist is on the mic. Here's a link to our webpage: http://www.3chordrodeo.com/music.html

[Ashgray]

WOW! Gorgeous birdseye and bookmatched to boot, and the burst is breathtaking! I'd bet 4003 customers would be willing to pay an upcharge for figured maple if it were an option. With the checkerboard binding and multi-ply pickguard I think the 4002 is just too beautiful for words. I know this has probably been covered a gazillion times on this forum, but how does it sound compared to a 4001/4003?

The 4002 sounds very different from a 4001/4003, mainly due to the different pickups and the ebony fingerboard, and the fact that the pups are located in different locations to a 4001, in similar positions as those on a Fender Jazz. I feel it's a more versatile bass, maybe a little more refined in tone. The bass end is huge and it'll roar and growl if you dig in. I mostly use my 4001V63 and 4001 fretless for live work but my 4002 would be the last I'd ever sell. The closest bass comparable bass, in terms of sound, would be a Gibson Thunderbird on steroids, I'd say!

Ash

[finlover]

Nice! I'm a big Thunderbird fan. I have a white one and a 2013 Les Paul goldtop bass which uses the same pickups.

[Ashgray]

Back on topic though, that new 4003 of yours truly is a superb-looking bass, one of the nicest I've seen. The headstock and fingerboard are as beautiful as the body! Congrats - may she serve you well for a long time to come.

Ash

[finlover]

Thanks for saying so, Ash,

I really lucked out! The ebay seller I bought it from just had a single stock photo for the listing. I asked him to send me a few shots of the actual bass for sale and as soon as I saw the figuring I knew it was the one. Pretty shallow I know, but it has turned out to be a terrific bass in every respect.

The listing said that he had taken it out of the case once just to make sure it worked. That's probably b.s. but it was in new, perfect shape. The serial number indicates it was built in July of last year.

[jps]

Here I am in bass heaven last Sunday. Our band, 3 Chord Rodeo, plays vintage country here in Austin, TX. I'm usually on lead vocal but in this shot our lead guitarist is on the mic. Here's a link to our webpage: http://www.3chordrodeo.com/music.html

Don't you know, you can't play country music on a Rick, that is a well known fact.

[finlover]

Strung with FLATS, no less! Oh, the humanity!!