Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Try this out if you like a really vintage sound: put a set of Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats (JF344) on a 4001C64, use an nice warmer-sounding amp (in my case, Ampeg or Ashdown), set the pickup selector in the middle, roll both volume knobs back to about 90%, roll off the toaster tone to about 80-90% and the horseshoe tone to about 50%. The result: you'll get a nice, clear, almost woody type of tone that is also very articulate. Rolling off the toaster tone more will get you into the McCartney area and bringing up the tone knobs sharpens the attack into the 70s rock area.

I've found that I don't like using the toaster by itself with flats because the sound gets too muddy, although it is quite warm. The horseshoe adds the articulation I like. I don't bring on the mutes since I prefer hand muting, but it's worth trying.

I tried that setup with a friend of mine and he preferred the articulation of the C64 over my '62 RI Jazz Bass, which also has TI Jazz Flats on it. They both have a nice sound, but I do like the Ric tone better.

Sounds interesting. Wish I had flats on to try it!

I've been finding my V63 to be much more versatile than my '65 Jazz. It's easier to get different and usable tones with the Rick. Every little tweak of the controls yields a new tone that I like! Perfect for gigging in a cover band!

Ron, i'm in tonal heaven with my c64. I've got it strung up with Pyramids, though I am very tempted to try the TI's.

I like to use the toaster with the tone rolled back 60%-70%, then add some compression. If the song calls for it, roll up those mutes. Bass tone of the gods. Kind of a mix between Macca circa 67-68 and Carol Kaye circa Pet Sounds.

After I got my c64, I had no need for my Jazz anymore. A 4003 and a c64 is all the tone I could ever want. My next will be a fretless 4003 so I can phase out my fretless Jazz.

Ahh, but what about a 4003S/8, John? And the S/5? And maybe you might want one of the HB-1 equipped 4004 models?

"My next will be a fretless 4003 so I can phase out my fretless Jazz"

Keep the fretless Jazz Bass. The 4003FL sounds quite different from the JB, try it for a while with different strings, pickups,etc. before you ditch the JB.

You could always crank up the mute. Ya know, like Rath does.

Yes and, like Rath, you'll need flats and a four-banger to complete the sound!

Dont forget the ROS to tailor your sound, just like Rath does!

Jeff, is that your fretless? If it is, I'm jealous, because that is one sweet lookin' bass. I like the look of the toasters.

Uh, yeah, that be mine!

I had the TI jazz flats on my 4001. Anyone trying them out may need time to get used to the really low tension on them. I've had them on for several years, and they are great-sounding strings, but I had problems with the E string fretting out (string getting pushed off the edge of the fretboard) if i was playing a fast passage and needed to hit the E string with less finesse than a slower passage. I put higher-tension Chromes on my other bass, and now going back to the 4001 with the TIs, it's just too darn floppy for me now.

The 'old school' sound is one of the reasons I bought the PMC recently...I have plenty of Rick basses strung with roundwounds, but I wanted the option of getting the smooth, basic bass sound with flats. I immediately bought a set of TI Flats for it, and there you go. Very reminicant of the 'I Am The Walrus' sound or 'Here Comes The Sun'...

Ahh, but what about a 4003S/8, John? And the S/5? And maybe you might want one of the HB-1 equipped 4004 models?

Thanks but no thanks, Jeff - Rotosounds on a 4003 is about as "modern" as I get.