Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I thought it also makes an open note sound like a fretted one or is that just a myth?







I'm just a bass player what do I know ?

Yes, they are supposed to do that as well.

it would be nice to actually hear a clip of the bass being played with hearing a Macca line behind it

Prowl wrote:What does the satin finish on the neck feel like? They're a scarce commodity around where I live so I'm looking for someone to chime in and give me an idea as to what the neck's like. Does the satin finish have a sticky feel to it like most satin guitars do? Is it slightly shiny? I can't seem to find anything on here about them besides talks for pricing and bridge problems. Google Image pics are also few and far between. A little help would be great. I'm working on a refinish project on a 4003 and I'm thinking I may go the satin route if its not sticky like most are.

It feels very smooth and silky - different than the high-gloss finish. It's a nice feeling. However, over time, and if played frequently, it will begin to exhibit a glossy finish. I like it!

I also have a 2010 Fender American Precision Bass, which has the satin finish on the back of the neck. I believe it (this style finish) has become very popular.

I opted to just go with the raw wood finish. I topped it off with a 1500 grit rub down. I probably could have gone up to 2000 but I felt it wasn't really necessary. We'll see what happens. Thank you everyone for your awesome insight.

rickaddict wrote:

bigbajo60 wrote:I've found that the back of the neck on my C64S has "sheened up" with normal "play-wear". Good thing is that it feels much more "organic/player-friendly" than some glossy neck finishes I've encountered over the years.

FWIW, the area around the upper bout where my picking forearm rests (see my avatar) has also "glossed up" a bit.

Same here. Some spots on the fretboard have "glossed up" as well. And that's just something that happens with satin finishes... As your arm, hands, and fingers rub them, they buff them.

Yeah, I use my bass quite often, and i've caused a few glossy spots. I had 2 C64S at one point, until I traded the newer one for my FG C64. My old C64S also seems to have ambered quite a bit. I love it. Perhaps because it hung on the wall within inches of a 150W bulb in my living room.

out of curiosity did you notice any difference between both C64S basses and what is the contrast of playability between the C64 and the C64S sound wise?

Prowl wrote:out of curiosity did you notice any difference between both C64S basses and what is the contrast of playability between the C64 and the C64S sound wise?

I haven't really been able to A/B my C64S and a C64, Miles. But I have had a couple 4001V63's to A/B it with. And for what it's worth, I wouldn't worry about that zero fret too much. It's kinda cool since it is a unique feature to that one model, but if you have a set of nut files and some skill, you can get your action just as low without a zero fret. And the difference in tone that the zero fret provides on the open notes isn't enough for me to ever want to install one on one of my Ricks that were born without one.

rickaddict wrote:

Prowl wrote:out of curiosity did you notice any difference between both C64S basses and what is the contrast of playability between the C64 and the C64S sound wise?

I haven't really been able to A/B my C64S and a C64, Miles. But I have had a couple 4001V63's to A/B it with. And for what it's worth, I wouldn't worry about that zero fret too much. It's kinda cool since it is a unique feature to that one model, but if you have a set of nut files and some skill, you can get your action just as low without a zero fret. And the difference in tone that the zero fret provides on the open notes isn't enough for me to ever want to install one on one of my Ricks that were born without one.

And having both myself (a C64S and a C64 as well as a 4001CS) I can't say I notice the difference either at all.
I will say that I love the way the C64S plays though. Not sure if the zero fret is the difference or what. But
it just seems to be that much better. Maybe more like my 4001CS which also plays and feels right. I don't have
and have never played a V63 to compare. But I have been told the CS basses are pretty much the same.

Prowl wrote:it would be nice to actually hear a clip of the bass being played with hearing a Macca line behind it

one of these videos may be helpful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5pD8__L ... playnext=1

Prowl wrote:out of curiosity did you notice any difference between both C64S basses and what is the contrast of playability between the C64 and the C64S sound wise?

Well, my C64S is a ROYAL PAIN to keep set up. The action get's insanely high around the teth fret. If I go to low, buzz on the 2-5 frets. But I'm sure this is an isolated incodent. It still is my main bass. My C64 has perfect action, and has since I've owned it. Just a tiny bit of bridge lift. I hardly ever use the C64 because it looks so new I don't want to compromise the look. The finish on the C64 neck does make it a bit slower. But they're both very comfortable... after removing the horseshoes, of course.

As far as sound, if both were stock, i'm sure they'd sound nearly Identical. I installed a push/pull on my C64S to avctivate/deactivate the cap bypass. I must admit though, I never really use the "capped mode" so the only benifit of the push/pull pot is now the "OOH...AHH" effect. I have not gotten around to installing this into my C64. I love them both, but like I said, the C64S is, and will always be my main bass. The only reason I got the C64 was to "complete" my McCartney collection. I bought a second brand new C64S a year ago strictly to barder for a C64. That or to just pack it away for investment potential. Thankfully I found a RRF brother to trade my new C64S for his C64.

rickinroma wrote:

Prowl wrote:it would be nice to actually hear a clip of the bass being played with hearing a Macca line behind it

one of these videos may be helpful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5pD8__L ... playnext=1

I've actually subscribed to your youtube posts months ago Rickinroma

congerz83 wrote:

Prowl wrote:out of curiosity did you notice any difference between both C64S basses and what is the contrast of playability between the C64 and the C64S sound wise?

Well, my C64S is a ROYAL PAIN to keep set up. The action get's insanely high around the teth fret. If I go to low, buzz on the 2-5 frets. But I'm sure this is an isolated incodent. It still is my main bass. My C64 has perfect action, and has since I've owned it. Just a tiny bit of bridge lift. I hardly ever use the C64 because it looks so new I don't want to compromise the look. The finish on the C64 neck does make it a bit slower. But they're both very comfortable... after removing the horseshoes, of course.

As far as sound, if both were stock, i'm sure they'd sound nearly Identical. I installed a push/pull on my C64S to avctivate/deactivate the cap bypass. I must admit though, I never really use the "capped mode" so the only benifit of the push/pull pot is now the "OOH...AHH" effect. I have not gotten around to installing this into my C64. I love them both, but like I said, the C64S is, and will always be my main bass. The only reason I got the C64 was to "complete" my McCartney collection. I bought a second brand new C64S a year ago strictly to barder for a C64. That or to just pack it away for investment potential. Thankfully I found a RRF brother to trade my new C64S for his C64.

What sort of strings were/are you using?

FWIW, my C64S neck is very strong and straight. Perfectly flat with Pyramids or with Medium Elixers.

Prowl wrote:out of curiosity did you notice any difference between both C64S basses and what is the contrast of playability between the C64 and the C64S sound wise?

Playability differences, I really enjoy playing both. I am not sure which one I like better.

However, sound wise, IMHO, I am unsure why, but my C64S is the brightest sounding bass I have ever played, regardless how the pots and pickups are adjusted. (Of course, you can adjust the tone, but it is still has a bright piano--tone). In comparison, it makes my MM Stingray sound as if it had flats on it.

It is cool for some songs, but for otheres, it is somewhat undesirable.

That's funny! My C64S is among the least bright of my 4001/4003/4001RI basses. I think it's because it has 330K ohm tone pots and almost all of my others have 500K.

Do you have other Ricks Bryan, or just the C64 and C64S?