Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

... which Ric 5 would be the best fit for me?

SR5s have a relatively narrow nut, but pretty sizeable spacing at the bridge. I've never been able to get my hands on a 4003/5 or any of the 4004/5 variations. Does anybody have any insights they can offer?

The 4004 would be closer in spacing to the Stingray. The 4003S5 is tight by comparison.

That's my thinking, too - but that 2" nut on the 4004/5 scares me a little. I need to get my hands on one to try!

Ken, that question is best answered by yourself, unfortunately finding a either Rick 5er to try out is a difficult task for most.
I have both versions of the Rick 5 stringers. I also have 2 MM StingRay5 basses.
I find the necks of the the 3 mentioned basses different, but still very comfortable. The difference that is noticeable the quickest, is how close the string spacing of a 4003S/5 is. This bass is best suited to play with a pick. I thought I could accomplish fingerstyle on this bass, but I gave up and pretty much play it with a pick. Though I am primarily a fingerstyle player, the tone of this bass is so awesome, sometimes think about selling it, but I know I would miss it too much...I would however trade my Midnight Blue 4003S/5 for a Jetglo or Fireglo 4003S/5 that was in very good condition.
The MM StingRay5 is also a great bass guitar. Even though it has a preamp, it doesn't have that manicured sound that some basses with preamps have.
Two small problems I see with the StingRay5:
Never show up at gig or practice without a spare battery...there is no passive mode, and ...
...the B and G strings are very close to the edge of the fingerboard. If you are not careful with your fretting technique, you can pull the B or G string off the side of the fingerboard.
The 4004/5Cii has a string spacing similar to the StingRay5 at the bridge, but the neck does not have the taper of the StingRay5. It is barely tapered like other Rick basses. The StingRay5 is 1 3/4" at the nut, the 4004/5Cii is 2". It looks really wide to Rick players that are used to seeing the thin neck 4001 / 4003. The neck of the 4004/5Cii basses is very comfortable, the neck profile is shaped that the neck is still comfortable and you don't feel like you are holding a baseball bat. I like it and my hands are medium sized. You can play without worry of pulling the string off the side of the neck of either Rick 5 string bass and you don't have to worry about a battery dying on you. With the punch the Rick 5ers have you'd think they had preamp in them. The overall build of a 4004/5Cii is great.

Thanks for the info, Joey! I'm 99% fingerstyle, so I suspect a 4003/5 would drive me nuts.

I've never had a problem with pulling strings off the fretboard on my SR5, which may be due to the fact I use big 'ol EB Group I flats (.130 - .055). I'm pretty new to fivers - I have a touch of arthritis, and have found it's easier for me to play a five than a four (less stretch). My 4001 still gets play, but I have to wonder if a five string Ric would get even more.

My main player prior to getting the SR5 was a EBMM Sterling (still have). I simply got in the habit of changing batteries regularly, and keeping a spare in the case. No big deal, really.

We have a good sized guitar show coming to town next month, so maybe I'll get lucky and Dave's will have a 4004/5 for me to check out... I agree, I need to get my hands on one to decide.