Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So here's thread number two from the new guy. Some of you may recall that I recently picked up a Mapleglo 4001 in nice shape -- my first Rick since I sold my '73 4001 in 1981 for three magic beans and a hearty handshake. I took it to a well-regarded local shop who did a nice low set-up that included repairing a neck crack and the cap mod (there'd also been some funky rewiring done at some point, which they fixed up).

I was planning to debut it at a band practice last Thursday, but when a guitarist buddy phoned on Wednesday with a last-minute gig I jumped at the chance to "field test" the new Rick.

This was a small club so I travelled light, using a Markbass S450 head and a Bag End S-15D cab (for bigger gigs I add a Euphonics Audio VL 2x10 to the BE 15").

The guitarist/singer on the gig (a Rick fan and a decent bassist himself) has a vast repertoire that can range from Johnny Rivers to the Blasters to Tom Waits. Keeps you on your toes. He also does a fair number of Willie Dixon tunes and lots of Howlin' Wolf. When I pulled out the Rick, he smiled and started playing riffs from various "Rick" tunes -- "Smoke On The Water" and "Roundabout" of course, then a little "Is She Really Going Out With Him" followed by Wings' "Rock Show." I followed along and we both shared a few laughs at this very impromptu sound check.

On the gig, the 4001 really surprised me with its versatility (put me down as a big fan of the "cap mod). And at around 9 1/4 lbs, it hung quite comfortably on a Comfort Strap. On most of the rock stuff, I basically played everything wide open, dialling the bridge pickup in and out in small increments as needed. On the blues tunes, I was surprised at how good the neck pickup sounded on its own -- a fairly quick bloom and decay that worked well. Overall, I found the bass to be very touch sensitive: With a moderate attack I got a thick, meaty tone that sat well in the mix. And when I really hammered the strings, I got that glorious Rick clank without losing any of the thick lows -- up and down the neck.

As the night wore on, I tweaked the amp here and there (the 4001 really liked it when I pushed the 100hZ setting on the low mid section). I had brought along my usual #1, a 4-string Ray, but it didn't get out of the bag until the last set when I realized I was getting a seriously sore right wrist (some kind of wristband and/or an adjustment in my playing style will definitely be necessary for my next gig).

At the end of the night, everyone in the band offered unsolicited praise for the Rick. The drummer just shook his head and said, "Amazing. Just amazing. I don't care what you bring for a back-up but that better be your new number one for this gig!" The guitarist, who does a fair bit of producer/engineer work, remarked, "When I stood out front and listened to the blend of the bass and drums, my first thought was that you could record this exactly as it is, with a dead flat EQ."

The following night I took it to a rehearsal with a different band (power trio) and got similar praise.

So, I guess the only question for me now is, "What will my next Rick be?", for I most certainly will be adding a second and stringing one with flats and one with rounds. After reading quite a few threads here, I'm inclined to think it might be a 4004, but I'm open to suggestions....

The Ric can definitely produce some magic tones that other basses can't. Many musicians are unaware - or forgot - some of the great sound that can be added to a gig with a Ric.

We, here, do not forget.

Hi Stu and welcome to the mad house...!

I have found that once a 4001 man, always one. Got my first one back in '74 and even though I really like other makes of bass, Fender Jazz and Overwater, I just can't get on with other Rics. I have yet to try a 4005 though.

The 4001 is so versatile, my main gig is modern jazz/fusion and the RIC is perfect (as is the Fender J)

You will find that all 4001's have a different feel and tone, maybe one with flats and one with rounds?

Since the binding hurts your wrist, perhaps a 4001s, or maybe a 'V' or 'C' strung with flats would make an interesting alternative.
It's a popular combination around here, one with rounds & another with flats.

Hi Stu, belated welcome and welcome back from the wilderness... This has been my thing with Ric basses (especially the 4001). The complete tonal versatility from the bridge pickup, alone, is set to bass to the neck pickup, alone, being set treble (and everything in between). From metal to country and just about anything else you can think of, it can do it all (IMHO). Again welcome!

I get a kick out of bassists that say the rick is a one trick pony . They have never truly played one if they think that .as far as mine goes they are as versatile a bass as you could ever own . In fact just the way you attack them when you play them can give you every desirable tone you can think of . Welcome to the forum and to your new awakening .

4004!

You can't have that one Jared!



In this case, persistance is futile!

Thanks for the responses and suggestions so far. The reason I'd prefer something other than another 4001 is twofold: One is the digging-into-the-wrist problem I mentioned, but I'd also like to get away from the big chrome surround at the bridge pickup. I play back there a lot and found it getting in the way at times, even with the cover off. And because I play with my nails a fair bit, I found myself catching my fingers on the button-top pickup, as well.

The 4004 looks to me to be like it's better suited to my style of playing, though I must admit that I've never seen one in the flesh and really have no idea how they sound compared to a 4001 (comments welcome). I also like their simplified control layout. Thanks for the pic, Jared. I'm not really a fan of quilted tops, but I like everything else about that bass!

Bob Atherton, you mentioned the 4005. I think they're just about the coolest looking basses I've seen since I started poking around this forum. My first reaction upon seeing one was, "Whoa I MUST have one of those someday!" Again, with my limited Rick knowledge I have no clue what they sound like, but they really rate high on my cool meter.

And now, if you'll excuse, me it's Canadian Thanksgiving. Time to chow down! Happy holidays to my fellow hoser Rick players (Trailer Rick Boys?).

I would suggest a 4003, 1990 or newer, and string that with flats although they both sound great with flats. The newer ones are fuller sounding with more bottom end, the pickups are really powerful. Incidently That Joe Jackson album was played with an (I think Aria) J style bass with flatwounds on it.
Easing the pain in your wrist can be as simple as raising the bass's height a few inches.

"I have no clue what they sound like"

If someone can post a soundclip for me, you can know what a 4005 sounds like! I have three mp3s using my '67 4005WB from the Drumfest we played this past August with George Laurece, the current drummer with Poco.

Anyone?

Jared: If you can find a 4004C I can make it look like that for you.

Jeffrey, how big are the sound clips? Email them to me. Maybe I can put them on my website and post link to them from here.

Ted:

Wouldya use a laminate? Or one of them decals?

Getting desparado...

I would take the wings off and plane them down about half way and laminate some choice quilt onto them. Then I would plane down the neck slab from the neck pickup route to the tailpiece and laminate more quilt there to complete the look.