Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

[After all, look what happened to the Smithereens meteoric rise the moment they started using other guitars!

LOL! Game, set, match! Still love their music, though.

John Hall wrote:
"You'll hear no debate from me that Chris Squire and Geddy Lee were good for the company. But of course the product itself provided a means for them to get "that sound" that may have given them a distinctive edge that helped make them prominent. "

Amen, I have been saying this throughout this thread: Geddy Lee, come home (back to RICS) from the dark side!

I'll have to admit that it was predominantly McCartney, Lee, and, yes, Chris Squire who brought Rickenbackers to my attention, but I think the shape and styling of the 4001/4003 bass is a very sexy, classic design. Add to that the number of sounds you can get from them, and the lovely feel of the neck and it is a real winner of a design on many many levels. I think I would have found them even if those folks had never played them, it just would've taken me longer...

I converted from Fenders and a Gibson T-Bird in the mid '70s because of the attributes of the 4001 that have been mentioned already. Ric basses are still my favorite, but I'd like to see more modernizing of the design without losing the fundamental integrity. Among the changes I'd like to see are a newly designed bridge/tailpiece, rear control cavity access plates instead of pickguards, 24 fret necks, optional ebony or phenolic boards, optional active electronics and of course, new 5,6, & 8 string models. Among the things I'd like to see remain are the quality production and body shape, passive electronics, triangle inlays (for all models) and traditional model 4003.

Mr. Hall, can you tell us the real story on the relationship with Geddy Lee and why there is no Geddy Lee model bass? I've heard all sorts of stories over the years.

I'd like to see a 4004 with triangular inlays and reverse wound single coil high gain pickups ... or with humbuckers that can be switched to single coil and in and out of phase



If you want a Geddy lee bass get a '70's jetglo and put a badass bridge ... I had one I didn't like the look or sound of the leo quan thing on a Ric ...

How about a bridge that is modern in functionality but has the attractive shape of the old Ric 4001 bridge ...

Jeff asked:
"How about a bridge that is modern in functionality but has the attractive shape of the old Ric 4001 bridge ..."

That is truly a great idea. Could be a new milestone for RIC.

Please allow me to add:
"And 8 saddles for the RIC 8-string bass."

I wonder if any one has tried replacing the 4001/4003 intonation screws with those hex type from a RIC guitar.
Do they fit?

I agree. A new bridge design which is fully adjustable without requiring a lot of gymnastics would be great. Since I'm wishing, let me add that a slimmer 4003 neck profile would be welcome, as would a limited lifetime warranty (similar to Gibson and Fender) which allows authorized dealers to make minor repairs on site.

I'm thrilled that Mr. Hall has participated in this conversation; who knows, perhaps RIC can come up with a new model which incorporates these assorted suggestions and which will entice 4001 players to pull out their wallets.

Paul, Gung Hey Fat Choy (sorry, don't know the Mandarin equivalent), Happy New Year of the Sheep.

"How about a bridge that is modern in functionality but has the attractive shape of the old Ric 4001 bridge"



Modern in functionality? what? i dont get it, its just the damn bridge!

Who cares if the saddle screws are hard to get at, its not like you fiddle about with them everyday. Once they are set thats it. I have changed to a totally differnt string gauge and its all still fine

Well said, Owen. I agree one hundred per cent with you.

I agree too. I rarely have a need to adjust intonation, and I love the sound of the traditional bridge.

Well, actually the ONLY things I'm not happy with about the 4001/4003 bridge are the saddles' intonation screws---they are too soft and get stripped easily. I'm looking for the allen hex type to replace thm. Will keep you guys posted when I find them.

Linsay, thank you for your kind wish. (Cantonese's fine with me.)
Here's to you:
"Hsin Tsuen Deh Yi, Hong Yun Dang Tow." (May things start to happen as you please from this new spring. Prosperity and best of luck for you.)

Sometimes a Ric needs to be adjusted beyong what the ric bridge will allow ... So when I say better functionality I mean more travel distance ... and individual height control ...

I must say the traditional Ric bridge is very attractive and sounds good ...

The old style Ricky bridge can be modified to work as well and as easily as any bridge. Mark A. posted detailed intructions on another part of this site that will get you halfway there. I've performed more mods with a hand drill and a Dremmel that just about makes it world class. It might be easier to just have it replaced but it's an integral part of the character of the instrument and it just plain looks cool!

Dane said:"It might be easier to just have it replaced but it's an integral part of the character of the instrument and it just plain looks cool!"

Definitely yeah!

I say it's the coolest looking bass bridge on earth.

Here's somebody who thinks a bolt on neck Ibenez is better than a real Ric ....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2509778469&category=4713

For all of those who like to put in humbuckers and Leo quan bridges .... here's your bass!!!