Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I never thought I'd see the day when a Rickenbacker wasn't my main bass, but it's happened. My band has taken on a lot of material where a 5-string is beneficial and so I've moved away from Ric in search of other fivers. I had a 4003s5 that sounded great, but I couldn't play it due to the string spacing. I never got to try a 4004Cii5 and I would really like to try one if Ric ever resumes production. Until then, I've found a Mike Lull P/J5 that works really well both sonically and ergonomically. Here's what I got:

http://www.andersonguitargallery.com/images/CIMG3391.JPG

I'm kinda saddened by the turn of events. I considered a 4-2-5 and had concerns about the string spacing. And I couldn't bring myself to alter a Ric.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Rics and I still have 6 of them sitting around the house. It's just that for band use, I have to use something else for now. The 4003 and C64 will see action at plenty of jams. But I'm eager for the Cii/5 to be released again. I think there's a Tranny Red one calling for me somewhere.

it's gonna be o.k.

I finally have some basses that are not Rics that I feel good about ...









but when it comes time to gig I use these a lot ... but the non-rics are making inroads ...





the 4003 spacing takes some getting used to ... the Laredo is easier to play but still a litlle less than optimal spacing ... but my left hand loves the tighter spacing ...

Don't feel bad, Ron. My "main bass" is quickly becoming my 5-string Jazz Bass. I can't help it.
I would do a 4-2-5 on my BBR, but...it's a BBR! I can't!

Sorry to hear that. I had to wipe a tear from my eye. My main bass is still the Rick. IMHO if it needs 5 strings, it's the wrong song. You'll have to pry my Rick from my cold, dead hands! LOL.

Whatever works best for you Ron! I hear Mike Lull basses are fantastic but I have never had the occasion to try one.

I just strung one of my Rics BEAD and all of my needs were solved. I like switching basses through the night anyway and it gave me an excuse to buy another Ric. The string spacing is "just right" and the 5 missing high notes are something I can deal with.

I tend to use all five strings, so tuning BEAD isn't really an option for me. The problem with Lull, like many boutique companies, is that they don't have a huge retail outlet. I have to buy stuff on a 48-hour trial period and eat the freight both ways if I don't like it. They are good basses, though; they're easily on a level or better than Fender's Custom Shop stuff.

ya for me 5 strings is the way to go ... it is what feels right ...

5 is the number of completeness! Everything that needs to be "said" on a bass can best be expressed with 5 strings.

It sounds profound don't it?

My Thunderbird, G&L ASAT & Fender Jazz get a lot of playing time is addition to my 3 Ricks.

Plus I'm in the market for a good used P-Bass!

Ahh wuz bern playin ah Rickenbacker, an ahhm gonna die playin ah Rickenbacker. Ann no scislslammin sckallywag sidewinder sfdgdfadbs iz gonna tell me no blufnm bvbh...



Jest kiddin- you gotta play what suites you best.

"Plus I'm in the market for a good used P-Bass!"

How about a Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub? I'm parting with mine.

I have a 50th Anniversary P-Bass that doesn't get used, but I don't think I'm letting go of it anytime soon.

For many years I played 5 string basses other than a Rick. My first one was a TUNE Bassmaniac 5 that I still have. It sounds great, tight, articulate and loud, but it sounds too polite for mos types of rock music. The StingRay5's I have are nice, but a few months ago I took a StingRay5 to a gig instead of one of my Rick 5ers. It sounded good, but it just doesn't give me the sound I depend on from a Rick bass.

I've got a Lakland 5 to hold me over.

I want a 4004Cii5!!!

I cannot play a 5 string.

I always confuse the top sting for the "E", no matter how much I try to concentrate.