4003s in Church

delberthot · Post by **delberthot** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 1:52 pm

This is a kind of Rickenbacker/Church question I have.

I have noticed that quite a few forum members use their Ricks in church. I was wondering if this was an american thing?

In the UK we mainly use F****r Ps.

It is actually very interesting to me as I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of active church 'bands' in the US. Unfortunately where I am from, it can sometimes be hard to get even an organist.

Is there something about the Rickenbacker sound that makes them suited to church as well as Prog rock? ( The episode of the Simpsons where Bart sells his soul has the whole church singing "In the Garden of Eden" by 'I Ron Butterfly' came into my head now for some reason )

How's that for a link? - Iron Butterfly sold Yes their PA!

I'm interested to hear what our fellow forumites have to say

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 2:15 pm

I use this bass for my occaisional church gigs ...

for the most part I don't like the simpsons but that episode is really funny ...

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:29 pm

I am adding more growl each week to mine. I went from a low rumble to very crisp punch after modding the bass, getting a 4 ohm 4x10 cabinet, and people seem to like it. They used to say they couldn't tell which one was me unless I was gone. I have snuck up on the enemy and now I'm in the front of the mix!

dwade · Post by **dwade** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:40 pm

I play in a Catholic Church band weekly where 4 of the 7 weekly masses are Pipe Organ only....big surprise right?. In recent years they added a Teen CCM Band and a Family Choir Band, I play in the Family Choir.

Its diverse in the Family Choir, we have 2 Pianists, Drums, Flute, Cello, Violin, Bass (me), and 12 to 15 singers. No PA. I played my Blueburst 4003 for the first 3 months this year and then tried a Jazz 5, and the low B string is so fitting to the Old Stodgy Hymns (some long majestic tunes and G*d fearing anthems) that I had Jeff do a 4-2-5 on a Jetglo for me to get a Ric back in Catholic action. So I will be putting a Ric back into it full time this Sunday. I just find the 4003 texture to sound better with this type of semi acoustic band. If we ever get an AE guitarist, it would sound even better IMO.

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:42 pm

I don't think my rics would be welcome in church. They have become weapons of sin that corrupt the young and impressionable.

Rock and roll is a tool of the devil.

byu · Post by **byu** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:57 pm

The 11th commandment:
Thou shalt play thy Ric in church.

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:17 pm

How welcome would the Blackstar be in church?

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:31 pm

Steve, you always have the zingers!!

Just before I clicked Post, I thought only the kids would know the goth/metal connections of an all black bass...

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:03 pm

I have the distinction of using a Geezer Butler line in one of our praise tunes. It just fit so well!

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:07 pm

My Rics don't see church too often.....

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:28 pm

is that outfit Fireglo?

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:32 pm

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:03 pm

In our church I play bass now for about 8 years and it nearly always was a Rick. My '97 4003FG works well and the sound was accepted by the other members of the church band. As I only play it for about 1hr with breaks in between, the weight of about 10lbs does not hurt too much. The TR4004Cii I also use in church because of its lower weight sounds more usual for worship songs and is easier for slapping. We have one guy at the keyboards and vocals, two ladies with guitar (electric and dreadnought)and vocals and three drummers, where one of them is my youngest son. Currently we have a second bass player (sadly he plays I....z, but I will try to convince him about Ricks) and another guitarist who plays dreadnought too.

Overall I do not see any problem with a Rick in church. Of course a lot of "non-christian" bass players used/use also Ricks, which nobody will object. However it is my personal joy (and "revenge" to these "brain dead monkeys" who pervert music for their satanic aims) to use this instrument to praise Jesus, the son of God!

It is obvious also from other postings that RICKS HAVE A TRADITION AND HISTORY IN CHURCH!!!

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:25 am

Cliff Burton would agree Peter!!!

Now did he go up or down...????

ricosound · Post by **ricosound** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 5:18 am

At 45, my wife isn't going to stand for the bar band scene anymore. Church praise band and the occational associated goofing with the guys is really my only outlet. That said, we play mostly rock and contemporary Christian and I use the Rick plenty. You would be suprized at how many good bass players are on the Christian scene these days. Mostly 5 and 6 string melodic lines.

Mellisa B. - post the picture of your all Rick service that you put up before. That ought to dispell any notions that they won't do God's work.