Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello!

My name is Tony & I could really use some advice from the board.

I'm not too sure how to start this but here goes.
Lots of questions, hoping for answers!

I've been looking over the board for days and it sure looks like a goldmine of knowledge and a lot of really nice folks.

The only Rickenbacker I own is a 1995 4001CS. A Christmas/Birthday/Father's Day....you name it gift from the Mrs. It was and IS my dream Ric, but I'd like an every day player.

Being Chris Squire is my favorite bassist...you get the idea. My every day player is an Alembic Epic. It is very well used and I like the sound and feel, but I like my Rick better.

Anyway, the point is... now that it has gone up SO much in value, I'm really paranoid about taking her anywhere for fear it might get damaged or worse, stolen. It IS flawless, dead mint.

I’m only in the planning stages of what I hope will bring me a new bass, but what I'm driving at is what other type of Rickenbacker is close to the 4001CS in SOUND and feel? The neck on the CS is PERFECT for me; my hands run on the small side. I LOVE the sustain I get out of this bass. Another 4001CS is out of the question.

There are so many different models past & present that I don't know which one would be the best choice and I don't know the differences between the models.

I'm not opposed to a used bass (as long as it is in the $1000.00-$1300.00 range if possible). It doesn't have to be a show piece (but I don't want a butchered, altered, gouged project either).

I just got a price quote for a NEW 4003 for $1050.00 on the web, but from what I've read, they have a much fatter neck? How MUCH difference between the 4001CS & the new 4003? How does it rate to the older 4000 series basses?

I'm really not in a position to go for a $2000.00+ 4001v63, so what would be the next best thing?

I’ve even played with the thought of a fretless, but it seems like an oxy-moron. A fretless and a Rickenbacker seems like two different ends of the sound spectrum! I recently bought a REALLY CHEAP $99.00 Rogue fretless just to see if I liked the feel and if I could take to it. I really like what you can do with the fretless and I took to it right away. My only gig is in church, so it would fit in kind of nicely!

I also LOVE the look of the mid to late 1970's basses (especially the natural or maple), but I guess I really need a lesson on what the differences are.

I know I'm asking a lot, but what are the big differences between the various models and (this should start off a huge discussion) what are the things I need to look out for (i.e.: Older Ric basses can't handle Rotosound strings, cut cap in the wiring, different electronics, differences in quality, etc)....

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks for the read & the help!
Tony

I'd just like to say welcome and wait for the smarter guys on the forum.. I'm still learning.

RIC makes a fretless. So they're not that far off.. hehe. The 4003FL. But wait for the smarter guys before you do anything.

Only Rick is a 4001CS? Wow... lucky!

Welcome Tony,
what you need is a v63 or c64 the V has all the same features your CS has but its not a CS and can still be had reasonably cheap.What is a V going for well there discontinued so prices are going up but anywhere from 1500. to 2000.

then you have the C64[4001] it sports a reversed headstock like McCartney's,but right handedThey sound a little more mild than the V63[4001]A c64 can be had around 1900. to 2000. new and[?] used [I would let mine go for 1500.]

First off.....WELCOME !

I only owned a CS for a few days and sold it so I can't offer many real world comparisons between it and a traditional 4001/4003. From my experience all Rics feel pretty similar and I don't find adjusting between them too difficult....but I know others make a big issue out of slimmer/fatter necks but I wouldn't worry much about it.

Ultimately I would say just play your CS since you seem so taken with it. That is what they are made for....buy another Ric if you want another Ric.....not to save wear and tear on your CS. You say it is near new condition and there is no reason for it to not stay that way since you have taken such great care of it so far.

Tony, welcome!

I am sure you'll find many different opinions here to hopefully help you. I would feel the same if I had a mint CS. You do need a practical player in all probability!

I have a 73 Ric fretless

and it is a great bass. It does not, of course, sound like a fretted CS, but it was never meant to. Two very different basses.

If you want one, the new 4003 has the newer truss rods and can handle any string you should you wish. The old 4001 can handle rotosound strings etc, and many have been wearing them for years. Some, however, cannot and these are the basses you have to watch out for.

You can pick up a mid to late 70's FL in good condition for about $800-1000. If you are looking for a quality fretless Tony, they are very good value for money. You can easily bypass the cap on the old 4001 basses and they sound completely different!

Read all the posts that will appear, ask more questions and hopefully there will be a new Ric bass soon!

Welcome Tony.

Tony ... you would like a 4001v63 ... it will be similar to your cs ... they show up on ebay once in a while ...

Welcome Tony,

I own a CS, and 1 or 2 other Ric basses. The V63, is the closest sounding to the CS, to me. The C64 is close sounding as well. However the Shadow basses have that "thin" neck feel that my CS has. You can still find them around for not too much.

I would also vote that your just play your current ric... it deserves it. I know it is hard to get that first ding but it will happen so just enjoy it... they were ment to be played. If you want to invest look into the stockmarket.

On getting another ric (look out, it is addictive) I would advise against using ebay if you can. I got both of my rics used locally and thus was able to really check them out before buying. For pre-80's stuff, always check the truss rods to be sure they are not damaged or maxed out.

I've would say that I have made more $$$ on the Rics in the last 3 years than my stocks and shares.

Much more fun too....

Hi Tony! ...and welcome to this great forum!!

I'd try to find a V63, which is VERY similar to the CS .... You can find one (if you're lucky) for about $1500-2000 range...

I wouldnt play it all the time get another, use the cs as back up its an investment now.

Wow! What a welcome!

Thank you everyone for all the input!

I just finished some last minute preparations for the hurricane and couldn't believe how many responses there were!

I'm going to print out this forum and read it again later before my power goes out! SO much information to go over! Some of the outer bands are starting to hit us already.

Thanks again!

Hey Andrew, that is one BEAUTIFUL fretless!I tried to upload a few pictures myself, but no matter how small I made them, an error kept popping up which tells me that they are too big. I'll have to mess with that later on...

I'll be back as soon as conditions allow.

Thanks again for everything!

Tony

Thanks Tony. Plenty more of advice to come, I'm sure. BTW, where are you?

I'm in the Tampa/St Pete area.

Hey Andrew,

More advice?!? That would be great! I can use all the help I can get!

I'm in Martin County. Just about 30 minutes north of Palm Beach. After last year, and two DIRECT HITS, I'm taking NO chances!

Hope all is well up where you are. Last year, we were without power for about 15 days after Jean & Frances. I have my new generator all ready to go this time!

Hang in there & I hope you can stay dry!

Talk to you soon!

Tony