4003FL and its 'upright' tone

[Rickenhands]

You're too kind, CJ. Thanks very much! I'm humbled by the folks on this forum.

[cassius987]

Good tones there Joshua. Where did you get a 4002 pickup?

Thanks John. The 4002 pickup belongs to Scott Pope, I am loaning it from him and probably buying it. He wanted me to experiment with it before I decided to buy it. It's a NOS spare he got direct from RIC back in the day, when he thought his 4002 bridge pup died--but it was just a solder lead that popped out of place in the harness so I guess this pickup has been in his parts box for many years now! I'm really grateful that he's letting me take it for a spin, as well as giving me a shot at buying it.

His logic was that since it runs at around 8.4 kΩ as a "4-coil double humbucker" (I'm running the two 'buckers inside of the pickup in series), it makes a good neck pickup like the very low-Z Toaster on my 4001FL. Scott is encouraging me to try running the buckers in parallel as well. I'm not sure how much difference I will hear because the low-Z bucker is only 800 Ω.

http://www.ultratoneonline.com/LovelydayLIVE.mov

I'd call that "supportive bass" (with some tastefully placed fills!) and IMHO that is the best kind of bass playing there is. It actually reminds me of a couple of bass lines I have worked out for similar tunes. Groove comes first. Good job man!! The tone is thick and juicy with the occasional growl. By the way, great vocal arrangement.

[Rickenhands]

Wow! Thanks for the very kind words, Joshua! That's a heck of a compliment coming from you, as I've heard your playing.

I agree 110% with your statement about the groove coming first, as it truly must. I really enjoy just being part of a good song--regardless of the bass line. Though, the occasional well-placed fill certainly doesn't hurt, does it?

RE: the vocals, that's my boy Joe (he's the songwriter). I've been one of his biggest fans for quite some time, so it's tons of fun to play his music (plus, I get to write my own bass parts!).

[sloop_john_b]

http://www.ultratoneonline.com/LovelydayLIVE.mov

John, I really enjoyed that tune, as well as your playing. A unique sound all around.

[Rickenhands]

Hi John,

Thanks so much, I'm very glad you enjoyed it. It's also one of my favorites from our first album, and in general. Thanks again for the kind words, brother.

Peace.