4003s

[Martin]

Hi all,

Firstly, thank you for accepting me to the forum

I'm about to buy my first 'proper' bass and I've been looking at the 4003s. I've been playing bass for around 4 years and am definitely a P Bass man and own a couple of MIJ models which are great and there's one in particular that I'd never part with, however I've always fancied a Rick and I'm really fancying the 4003s, so I'd welcome any information, advice etc you could give me on the model as unfortunately, there's nowhere in my area that stocks Ricks so I can't go and play one at a store somewhere - there's a couple of things I would like to find out:

- How does the neck compare to a P Bass - I don't like Jazz basses as the necks are way too thin for my hands, but I my 57 P Bass and the neck is quite chunky, which I love

- How easy is it to play finger style with the bridge cover being on? I do see that some take these off


I would appreciate any other information at all that you can give me

Thanks in advance
Martin

[RickyBubba]

Welcome to the fun, and I'm sure you'll get some answers soon.

I would recommend playing one in person to be sure. More than likely you'll like it, but you might discover minor things that can guide you in your selection. Some folks don't like the binding on the deluxe models as it can be uncomfortable on the forearm depending on your playing style and stance. So that could lead you toward an unbound version as an example.

You might also find somebody on here that lives near you? Up to you if you want to advertise your general location etc.....or not. Folks will understand either way!

Prices can vary a bunch, so start shopping around online to get some ideas. Many folks have certain places they "like" more than others as far as authorized dealers go.

[Gilmourisgod]

The neck profiles vary from model to model, year to year, and even month to month depending on the touch of the person doing the final sanding. In general terms, the nut width will feel similar to a P, around 1-5/8", so that should feel familiar, but it has very little taper as it proceeds up the neck, it doesn't flare out as you get higher up, which makes it easier to play in the higher registers for most people. Most describe the current 4003 and 4003s necks as "chunky". The bridge pup cover is positioned right over the theoretical 36th fret location, a "sweet spot" in tone and string tension, so a lot of people remove it to get at that area. It has no audible effect on shielding or tone, so take it off it it bugs you. A company called Tubeampology makes an insert that goes around the bridge pup to prevent catching your fingers on the sharp pup surround if you go that route.

http://www.tubeampology.com/


The 4003 models have a bound body edge some people find uncomfortable, never bugged me personally, but the rounded edges on the 4003s make it more comfortable for many. The 4003 has the Ric-O-Sound "stereo" output, 4003s is mono only. These are unique, quirky basses, the ergonomics aren't for everyone, which is why everybody recommends you play one in person if you can.

[woodyng]

I'm about to buy my first 'proper' bass and I've been looking at the 4003s.
- How does the neck compare to a P Bass - I don't like Jazz basses as the necks are way too thin for my hands, but I my 57 P Bass and the neck is quite chunky, which I love.Martin

I love my AVRI 58 P bass for the overall feel,especially the neck. If you like that neck,you'll probably be very happy with a current Rick bass. You may also want to consider checking out a 4004 model,but the 4003S is a great bass.

[Isaac]

My first Ric was a Mapleglo 4001. Back then, I played with a pick, and the binding was rough on my right arm. So I got a white 4000 in 1978, which I still have.

This year, I got a new 4003W, and the edge of the binding was really sharp. A few passes with fine sandpaper took care of that, but I imagine that if I still played mostly with a pick, it would be an issue. Of course, that wouldn't be an issue with a 4003S. I tried keeping the pickup cover on for a while, but found that I wanted to pluck close enough to it that it occasionally got in the way, so I took it off.

The neck on my 4003W is thin, which I prefer. Same with my 4001s and 4000. My older 4003 is really thin. Feels like a Jazz to me, though Ric never made necks that narrow. But my 3001 and 4004Cii have rather chunky necks, so, as Gilmourisgod said, it's a good idea to actually play one before you buy it. It might help to know that my 4004Cii was made in 2005, probably the first week of October. Or so. Or maybe not, I dunno.

[rickenbastard]

The newest Ric I have (from 2014) has a neck that's similar to a P thickness but the back feels a little flatter. It's chunky but comfortable. I have another from 1995 with a similar curve to a p-bass but fatter...
Everyone will agree they vary a bit. I play with my fingers. My preferred spot is resting my thumb on the pickguard and plucking immediately behind the neck pickup. I dig in hard so I prefer not being close to the bridge, I don't like plucking where there is so much tension. For my style the pickup surround doesn't interfere at all. I wish the used ones I've bought still had the surround because I like the looks of it. If you have always wanted a Ric, no amount of Fenders will stop the desire so I say go for it.