Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am not a great slapper as that is not my forte, but yes I can!

"Shome times ya just gotta shlap 'em"

lol!!

It's not EEEgor, it's EYEgor!!!

Some like the new/old pup position some don't. Such is the nature of everything we do. In any case when we have to remove the truss rods (which we inevitably do every so often) having the slot right there makes a whole lot of sense. Obviously playability is important but if the neck needs serious adjustment and you can't get the truss rods out then the instrument isn't very playable at all. Basically it's common sense and we're erroring on the side of caution.

Body end of the truss rods on the version 1 4004/5Cii

Hi Ben,
I absolutely agree on the advantage of putting the bass pickup right against the neck end...easier rod care and boomier sound in that position. I'd love that on the 4004 BBR I ordered.

However, the new "closer to the neck" treble pickup position worries me a little. As someone who plays with a pick and rests his palm closely in front of the bridge, I certainly hope the pickup does not get in the way of my pick sweeps. Was there any particular reason to move the treble pickup closer to the neck? What's the distance between the treble pickup and the bridge? Is it feasible to combine a "close to the neck" bass PU and a "closer to the bridge" treble PU? That would be very nice, in my very humble opinion. I hope I'm not giving you troubles by asking these questions.

I agree with Paul, as the position of the treble pickup closer to the bridge produces a great "burpy" kind of sound that provides a lot of variety of sounds relative to the neck pickup. That is one of the things I love about my 4004Cii, it provides something a little different than the expected RIC sound, which is a good thing.

Ben - thanks for the info. As someone who anchors their thumb on the bridge pickup, I'd really appreciate a measurement from the bridge to the new bridge pickup location.

I'm thinking that the new bridge pickup on the Cii will be a more comfortable spot for me to anchor my thumb than the old bridge pickup position is. I'm assuming it will have less growl, but more punch.
The new neck position would probably be good to use soloed on mellow songs.
Even before slap style was popular, Rick basses were not used by many R&B players, so maybe the new neck position will not stop most potential buyers from purchasing one.
If RIC should switch back to the old pickup position, people getting Cii's now will get something unique. If not, eventually the people will start selling their pre '05 models as the "vintage" 4004's.

Mr Roman is doing that already Joey. I called yesterday to buy the trans green 5 string he has and he wants $2500 for it. Claims it’s a discontinued model. Unbelievable this guy is!

...I must be psychic! LOL

Those of us without the Walnut wings are the ones with the "special" 4004Ciis! They were a limited run.

...But they just don't look as good as Walnut... hence the change

VINTAGE!