First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

[spongebob]

I would say go for the 4003 as well.

I've got a 2003 and a 2008 - and the 2008 is the best bass I've ever heard in my life! Like many have said before, 2008 was a really good year.

Or try to find a nice 4004.............??

[loendmaestro]

I'm always the 3001 advocate....out of my 3001, 4001 & 4003 I prefer the 3001. Blasphemy I know, but I love that bass. Not as classically elegant as the 4000 series, but its own unique thang.

But if you're looking for the traditionally accepted Rick tone & resale value get the 4003.

Play both though (if possible)....you may be surprised.

My '78....

[daveman]

I have a 4001 (acquired a looong time ago) and a 3001 (recent). Love them both. Very different beasts. Lately I've been playing the **** out of the 3001. It is heavy. (So is the 4001, but not as.) The 3001 has very useful tone controls (treble cut and bass cut), starting from a tonal center that is -- well, hard for me to describe -- it's definitely a Ric, but it has a more mainstream sound. At the moment I'm feeling that the 3001 is a more versatile bass. But of course I still love the 4001. I'm just finding that if I'm on a gig where I'll need to come up with a wide variety of tones, the 3001 gets the nod. Maybe it's puppy love with the newer bass. Great neck. Heavy (did I say that? - get a good, wide strap).

[johnallg]

I have a 4001 (acquired a looong time ago) and a 3001 (recent). Love them both. Very different beasts. Lately I've been playing the **** out of the 3001. It is heavy. (So is the 4001, but not as.) The 3001 has very useful tone controls (treble cut and bass cut), starting from a tonal center that is -- well, hard for me to describe -- it's definitely a Ric, but it has a more mainstream sound. At the moment I'm feeling that the 3001 is a more versatile bass. But of course I still love the 4001. I'm just finding that if I'm on a gig where I'll need to come up with a wide variety of tones, the 3001 gets the nod. Maybe it's puppy love with the newer bass. Great neck. Heavy (did I say that? - get a good, wide strap).

Dave, if you want to add versatility to the 4001, there is a .0047uF capacitor in the bridge pickup circuit that takes a lot of the lows out of the sound of that pickup. Short a wire across that cap (just wrap it tight around the cap leads to try it) and see if it opens more possibilities for you. If you like it, then you can replace the treble tone pot with one with a push/pull switch on it and be able to switch it in and out at will.

[woodyng]

i didn't own a 3001,but did pick one up and played it through an amp years ago-it's like the best p bass ever,if that's what you're into...very solid feel and full ,beefy sound. it did not appeal to me mostly because of the weight and bulbously thick body shape. (in comp to a 4000 series) ....get the 4003!