Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Ask an alcoholic if he wants a bourbon or a scotch

Hornbrille wrote: Fri May 27, 2022 2:59 pm Ask an alcoholic if he wants a bourbon or a scotch

Yes?

My first Ric was a 4001 MG. I played exclusively with a pick in those days, and the binding dug into my right forearm pretty badly. I replaced that with a 4000, rather heavily modified. That suited my style much better. I played that until I joined the Navy, and pretty much quit playing for fifteen years or so.

Still, I missed the 4001 MG. After I got out of the Navy, and got a decent job, I bought another one. Eventually, I got into a band playing guitar, then guitar and keys, and then another band playing bass. By then, I was playing finger style, and had picked up a few basses and guitars. Playing with my fingers, I didn't have any trouble with the binding on the 4001 basses. Different angle on the arm.

So, what would I buy, if I were going to buy another one? Depends. Like bassduke49, if I were looking at a W model, I'd go with the 4003SW. Same reasons: the black dots stand out better on the maple fretboard. Other than that, it would be a matter of what was available, or what caught my eye. I prefer the looks of the bound 4003 basses, and I also like the sharktooth inlays, especially now that they're full width again.

For another option, I really like my 4003AC. I didn't care for the looks at first, but I've come around, and the sound is so different from any of my other Rics. So, it all comes down to what you like, what you want, and what you need.

No less than 2 of each. Just because.

rickenbrother wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 6:10 pm No less than 2 of each. Just because.

This.

(Note to self: only 50% there. Go hunt.)

I seem to be the only person I’ve heard of who finds the bound basses more comfortable than the unbound ones!

I’ll have either though, if anyone is giving them away.

henry5 wrote: Sun Jun 05, 2022 9:06 am I seem to be the only person I’ve heard of who finds the bound basses more comfortable than the unbound ones!

I’ll have either though, if anyone is giving them away.

I"m similar, both are equally comfortable to play, and, happy to accept any and all donations.

Currently (if you count V-63 and a CS as an "S" variants) I've 5 S's (about to be 6) and two 4003's with binding, now; is it possible chequered binding is more comfortable to play than plain ....... discuss.

is it possible chequered binding is more comfortable to play than plain ....... discuss.

It's just that the beauty eases the pain!

thx1955 wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 1:43 pm
is it possible chequered binding is more comfortable to play than plain ....... discuss.

Only if it's printed on....

teeder wrote: Wed Jun 15, 2022 8:19 am

is it possible chequered binding is more comfortable to play than plain ....... discuss.

It's just that the beauty eases the pain!

Well, it does always look nicer, as for discomfort, I've not experienced any.
Perhaps the discomfort level is more to do with the position of the 4003 and how high or low its being worn,

I, too, have never had any comfort/discomfort issues with the binding; as Jim says, it may have to do with how high one has their bass positioned, perhaps. I have been playing guitar (mostly acoustic) for about as long as I have been playing bass, so that may be a factor, also, for me.

"You keep saying fret buzz like it's a bad thing."

jps wrote: Thu Jun 16, 2022 10:28 am I, too, have never had any comfort/discomfort issues with the binding; as Jim says, it may have to do with how high one has their bass positioned, perhaps. I have been playing guitar (mostly acoustic) for about as long as I have been playing bass, so that may be a factor, also, for me.

When I got my 4003W, the binding was rather sharp. So much so that I sanded it down to take the edge off. No issues with it since then.