The wrong brand?

[jwr2]

I'm not feeling picked on ... it is more I feel out of place.

[edski]

I'm not feeling picked on ... it is more I feel out of place.

I'm one of the "purists" in most senses of that word - and even I modded a Ric recently!

Jeff, your work gets raves and looks top notch. I guess from a collectors point of view your 4-2-5 conversion may not be a benefit. By for you (and apparently many others) it's a playing benefit. I feel the same way about the dual concentrics I put in my Laredo. It was a great bass before, it's just better now. If someone thinks I ruined the value, too bad. I'm not selling anyway.

And there's nothing wrong with liking other basses/guitars. My favorite 6 strings are my Fenders; my Dakota is nice, but it's nowhere near my 66 Fender Mustang . Yes, there are some good 'Stangs. I have one. And it is A LOT better since I had to have the PU cavities routed out for the DiMarzio Fast Tracs I sunk into it. Screw "vintange". Modern technology is far better.

And if it's your instrument do what you like. But it is good to be aware that if you do make serious mods, the "collectors" are going to shun the axe. Players might like it...but you basically should want to keep the axe for a while. It's just like sinking $1300 into some top notch aftermarket parts at someplace like Warmoth - you'll have in all probability a fabulous instrument, but to some it will alway be a "parts" bass. It's not likely you could get the $$ you put into the parts and assembly if you decide 2 months later it's not the bass for you...

[jingle_jangle]

I see no reason why players' or collectors' viewpoints should be offered up, as one being preferable or superior to another.

Unmodified instruments are fun as a trip down memory lane, and useful as an historical reference. It's when prices start being quoted that people start taking sides, and once again it's none other than the vintage dealers who are behind this. It's their own version of "divide and conquer", with the soundtrack being cash jingling in somebody's pocket (or, in the case of vintage Strats and Les Pauls, in somebody's Swiss bank account).

[admin]

Jeff: You have posted here more than 8500 times over a period of almost six years.

You have freely voiced your opinion regarding many aspects of Rickenbacker basses and have shown us how to make make four strings out of five. This is a modification that was not discussed much before you arrival if at all. So bravo.

You have mentioned throughout your time here that others should be able to express themselves freey, within tolerable limits, and that it is sometimes better to calm down before posting in anger or haste.

It seems to me your comments are more about your perception of belongingness than they are about a brand of instrument.

I would argue that part and parcel of freely discussing one's views is that others may not agree. I hope you have not interpreted this as not belonging or feeling out of place here.

At the end of the day, your contributions are appreciated. You think about Rickenbackers therefore you belong.

[jdogric12]

Please keep hanging out, Rath dude!

[johnallg]

Please keep hanging out, Rath dude!

+1 - Just think, Jeff, in just the last year how many 5er players have shown up or converted to your mantra.

And I do believe Peter meant you've shown us how to make five strings out of fours.

[antipodean]

I'm not feeling picked on ... it is more I feel out of place.

G'day Jeff,

I join the chorus of those who appreciate your input - particularly on the 4-2-5 mods.

The criticism that crops up every now and then is really a badge of honour. You're daring to be different and that makes you stand out from the crowd. More power to you!

[dean712]

Jeff, you most definitely add to and belong on this forum. You've brought some practical techniques and advice that have helped me in my bass playing, like when I was learning to use the BassPOD for direct recording a couple of years ago in preparation for recording our band's 2nd CD. I always like reading your posts. My personal preferences sometimes differ, as you'd gather if you played my unmodified 4003 with pickup cover still on.... but I also agree that these instruments are tools to use to achieve your musical goals and if that means using a pick, changing things, or getting adventurous with effects and whatnot, that's great. And that modern 4003's are some of the best basses ever built. The mods are more interesting to me than anything. I think there are many sides or angles to the issue you've raised; it's not black and white, and the details make the Forum more interesting.

[jingle_jangle]

Jeff, you build fabulous basses, share the wealth of information that is in your head, and can always be counted upon for straight talk.

Three reasons to stick around!

[jwr2]

Please keep hanging out, Rath dude!

I'm not leaving but I will be exploring using other brands ... my mm 5 string active bass and my 5 string active jazz bass are both wonderful basses that have really grabbed my attention ... 60% of my basses are non-Rics ... I am not a purist or a collector ... I am somewhat progressive and a little bit retro at the same time. I like the shape of a Ric bass, and I like their sound. But when I am home I play non rics a lot more than Rics, but I do like to gig with a Ric.

[deaconblues]

FWIW, I always found the 4-2-5 mod to be one of the most tasteful Ric mods out there.

[dean712]

I'm not leaving but I will be exploring using other brands ... my mm 5 string active bass and my 5 string active jazz bass are both wonderful basses that have really grabbed my attention ...

If you get a chance, check out the 2-pickup MM's. The second pickup completely opens up the available tones. I have an HS that is a great alternative to my Ric's.

[jwr2]

I love those basses ... I just don't have one right now ...

[bassduke49]

Jeff, don't forget, you were the host of the very first, the original, Rickenbacker Confluence. (I really should trademark that word pair.)

[jps]

Too late!

Rickenbacker Confluence™ Jeffrey Scott.