Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

They're hard to find most anywhere, Jeff. I'm waiting in a 4004L BBR that was ordered almost two years ago.

Last I checked, Chris at Pick of the Ricks had a 4004Cii in Monty Brown available. I generally ain't much for gold hardware, but it does look good on this one:

http://www.pickofthericks.com/2006_4004cii_montezuma_brown_103.htm

the 4004 is an unknown to most bass players ... someday a famous player will make a 4004 his main bass and then young players will want one and dealers will order more of them ...

I enjoyed the sound clip, Mike. You get some nice tone out of that 4004.

I have 4004 pups in my Frickenbird. They sound dark, absolutely quiet and sound great qith distortion.

This bass has an identity crisis ... it has a tbird body, it has a fender neck, and it has Ric pickups ...

"My 4003 covers the "balls out" sound. The 4004 looks like a good compliment. It's just so hard to find one around Milwaukee."

Exactly why I got my 4004Ci. To add about tone, you will definately know it is a Rick, complete with growl, but with a stronger, deeper, fuller tone structure.

Thanks, Jeff T. Between that and my '06 4003, I think I have all the tonal variety I could ever need.

Which is not to suggest that I'm cured of R.A.S., of course.....

Michael, I just listened to the tunes on your myspace, very cool. I dig your tone also.

I wish I got my 4004Cii sooner than I did. The one I have has the pickups closer to the bridge, now I want another with the pickups closer to the neck.
I have chronic R.A.S.

Thanks, Joey. Much appreciated.

I look forward to the day when my Laredo gets here, so I can A-B the 4004's with the different pickup placements.

[quote]They're hard to find most anywhere, Jeff. I'm waiting in a 4004L BBR that was ordered almost two years ago.

Last I checked, Chris at Pick of the Ricks had a 4004Cii in Monty Brown available. I generally ain't much for gold hardware, but it does look good on this one: [/qoute]

Thanks Vito, I dropped them an email. I could order one from Wade's Guitar Center. That's where I purchased my 4003JG.

I found this on Talkbass.com

edit:oops pick post didn't work

I agree with the "darker/deeper tone" comments but I would add that it is a more versatile sound. Mind you, I don't have a 4003 so I am comparing it to my 4001. A buddy began "borrowing" my CII when gigging with his raggae band which led to him borrowing it to record his own music which led to my 4004 living at his house. Now I have to go by there once a week to play it. You can hear various styles of it at his website at:
http://www.primogaleria.com/basscultureproductions/
and, yes, that is my CII at the top of his website. It is also the only bass on any of the recordings. Someday I'll probably buy him a 4004/5 so that I can get my baby home.

I need another bass like I need a hole in the head but I am considering (CONSIDERING!) looking into getting a 4004. Please excuse the following dumb questions.
1. I assume the 4004 is back-ordered forever and is one of those wait two years kind of thing?
2. What is the difference between an "L" and a "Cii?"
3. I prefer (usually) warm full tones in my playing rather than punchy piercing Squires sounds. (Think Casady and Lesh ... I wish.) I assume from the earlier J and P descriptions that the 4004 can do that?
4. Mark Gilbert - love the look of your instrument. Is that natural color original?

Thanks!!!

I think I can help ya a bit, Mark.

1. Generally, you'll be waiting a while. Though I think the monty brown Cii is amazingly still up at POTR. At the RIC forum, BH said some were on the line but who knows if they are already spoken for.

2. A Laredo has an all maple body, while the Cheyenne has a maple-walnut-maple sandwich. Laredo has chrome hardware, Cheyenne gold.

3. I think the 4004 can get you the sounds you're looking for.

You're in No.Va, right? If you're ever in the Richmond area, you're welcome to try my 4004 out sometime.

1. I just ordered a Laredo last month and was told it could take up to 18 months.

2. Laredos are all maple construction and usually come in all standard(solid) colors w/ chrome hardware. Cheyennes(Cii) are a maple/walnut/maple sandwich and take advantage of transparent finishes to show off the figuring in the wood. Cii's have gold hardware.

3. 4004's do warm tones with their hb1 pickups, Cheyenne a little warmer due to the walnut. A 4004 is capable of punchy though, depending on string and amp selection. No matter what you do, they still sound like a rick, just a little different.

4. The bass in question is an 03 Cii with the original mapleglo finish which shows off the flamed maple. Jeff Scott(original owner) changed it over to chrome hardware and toaster pups, I added the fifth string.

Be forewarned that the width of a 4004 fretboard is slightly wider than a 4001/4003 and this is great for somebody with big hands. Mine aren't, so I took advantage of the extra width to put a fifth string on both of my 4004's. The back of a 4004 neck has a very flat profile so the extra width is not a problem in either string configuration.