Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Nice bass Joey. I've never played any RIC except for 4001/3 how does the neck compare to these. Also is the tone a bit more, dare I say, Fender Jazzish?

I ask this because I really miss my Fender Jazz, but have got totally used to my 4001 necks, shorter scale, profile etc. So I would not get another Fender J, but would love some of that tone on a RIC

I don't find the Laredo's tone similar to my J Bass at all...but...

The J Bass is fretless and has flats. So it *should* sound different...

The neck is similar to the new 4003's, but a little wider at the nut. The extra width cariies up the neck...

Nice bass! The 4004's are interesting.

I have a 4004Cii in Transparent Blue that I'm considering moving out since I also have a 4004C that I like more. The walnut/maple/gold combination of the 4004C is visually striking and I like its sound.

Andy, I think this bass is gonna be a keeper. The neck fits my left hand like I had it custom made for me. I am so impressed with the sound and playability of this bass, I wish I got a 4004 much sooner (not counting the Cii5s). I think I also slightly prefer this pickup placement, but I could see myself eventually getting another 4004 with the current pickup placement for a different sounding 4004. Mine might have been one of the last ones made with this pickup placement since it is an '04 and the fingerboard is unfinished.

Bob, this bass gets the J-bass like growl from the bridge pickup, though in my opinion, it sounds much better than a J-bass. My mapleglo 4004Cii5 gets that growl from the bridge pickup also since it has the same pickup placement.

I think the current pickup placement (closer to the neck) makes the 4004 sound a bit more like the 4001/3, just my opinion from A/Bing my two Cii5's. What do you guys think about that?

I think my 4004's sound pretty close to my ex-4003's with Bart pickups. That along with how much more comfortable they are to play and the streamlined looks is why I became a 4004 convert.

My '05 Laredo came with a finished fretboard and my '05 Cii has an unfinished. For playability I slightly prefer the unfinished.

I'm a fan of the current p/u placement. Initially it was due to my need for an occasional thumbrest but now it is simply for aesthetic reasons.

...now to 4-2-5 it or not!

not

No! B-E-A-D it.

4-2-5!!!!

You guys have no idea how much I'd love a Jetglo 5 string Rick bass.

I wouldn't do the conversion unless you have the headstock plugged and redrilled with 3 over 2 tuners with a partial refinish. You could probably get the headstock upper lengthened and reshaped a tad (if needed) by one of the fine Forum craftsmen for a reasonable sum.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

I can't believe people can't abide the 2 over three of Jeff's mod! Look at all of the different headstocks out there. Who is to say they "belong" on the top? Musicman fours and Fender fives put one on the bottom and 4(3 for MM) on the top. I doubt if that will be the difference in a hit record or not!

It doesnt bother me a bit. Still plays great!

OK, let me offer a more "in depth" reason. It is not the 2 over 3 that bothers me....it is the crowding/tilting of the three tuners. I realize this is the simplest solution and it works fine for Jeff (and you apparently)....that is really all that matters.

You offered your opinion that Joey should do it and I offered my opinion that he shouldn't.....both of our opinions are meaningless since it is only Joey's that matters in this instance.

And for the record I think that the Musicman 4's and Fender 5's look rediculous as well. It has nothing to do with how many hit records they may or may not be used on......I'll never own one since to me they look like ****.

I feel like I'm in a cartoon and have and angel on one side and an imp on the other side...one saying 4-2-5 it, the other saying don't do it!! LOL
If I 4-2-5 it, it will not be an easy decision, but I'll enjoy it the way it is for a while anyway.