So, what are my pickup options?

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 5:27 pm

I'm really GASing for a new 4003. A Blue Boy, to be exact. But here's the problem: I need all my guitars/basses to be different. What I mean is, I don't like to have 2 guitars with the same pickup configuration. If I got a BB Rick, i'd be neglecting one of them, because they'ed both pretty much be the same.

So if I wanted one of my Ricks to sound different then the other, what are my replacement pickup options? All I ask is that it doesn't severely alter the look of the bass.

rickinroma · Post by **rickinroma** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:33 pm

a 4003BB with toaster neck PU might be a solution...?

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:28 pm

different colour!

jocke · Post by **jocke** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:36 pm

You could try the Rickenbacker humbuckers as the 4004 sounds a bit different.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:27 pm

For what its worth, my '04 4003 BB doesnt sound at all like my '01 4003 FG.

The Fireglow is punchier with more mids, whereas my Blueboy has a very rich low end snarl and seems very defined in the higher registers.

They both play and sound the same acoustically. and both share D'Addario XL-170 nickle roundwounds .45 .65 .80 .100

And above all have the same PU config.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 11:32 pm

Thats the nice thing about Ricks. They all sound, play and feel just a little different from the next one in line.

henny · Post by **henny** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:26 am

Sounds like you need a Laredo.

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:35 am

Can I buy new replacement Toasters for bass? I've only seen the guitar ones around.

Also, i've heard Bartolini's mentioned often around here, what's the deal with them?

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:42 am

For toasters go check out www.the-music-connection.com and ask for Mike Parks.

If you must go the bartolini route, try www.basspartsresource.com

rhampshire · Post by **rhampshire** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:00 am

John, the "bass toaster" and "guitar toaster" are the same pickup...

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:16 am

They are? Hah!

Well, is there a major tonal difference between the toaster and the hi-gains on bass? One of my ricks would be strung with flats and one with rounds, so I assume the toasters would respond better with the flats?

Sorry for asking so many questions!

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:29 am

The last time I checked with www.basspartsresource.com they were selling the last of their Barts on ebay and said that they would no longer be stocking them.
I bought a set recently from
http://www.bestbassgear.com/bartolini-ric-pickups.htm and was quite happy with the service/price.
I have all three of my Rics equipped with Bartolini p/u's and can't imagine changing them back. The best way that I can think of to describe them is to say that they retain the Ric's overall tone but add more lowend. Looks wise they are a direct replacement with no cutting of the pickguard or routing of the body. Here's my favorite pic of my 4003MID with Barts so you can see the look

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:32 am

I get sick to my stomach every time I see this pic. And the blood is gross too.

henny · Post by **henny** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:58 am

lol... good one!

grayk · Post by **grayk** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:32 am

Thats not a nice sight ! The medi wipes would have to come out for sure....but they might be harmful to the finish eh ?? Mind you, a melted finish might be preferable to the blood !