Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Im not a Rick expert but love the Beatles and wanted to purchase a McCartney Rick. Which one is the true McCarntey Bass V-63 or C series. Which bass is better. I only have one rick it is a 4001CS..Thanks to all for any assitance

Louis, All I can tell you is that I've owned a V63 for 18 years now and I simply love it. I can get a McCartney & a Squire vibe from it - great bass. I'll die with this one. Only played a C64 a couple of times so it would be unfair for me to compare. However, I can tell you that I have a new toaster in my 4003 and that is one hell of a pick-up

Andy

Thanks for the input

Lou

I have'nt played a c64 yet but am getting hungry to own one...I know this has been discussed before but being a satisfied v63 owner, will the c64's sound and/or feel be dissapointing? is the sound difference so noticeable?

The 4001C64S was designed to represent Macca's bass as it is now.

So, the question is, do you want to get closer to Paul's bass as it was, or as it became?

Thanks John! But what about the C64 (not the "Wings bass" S)? is it a different thing in comparison with the V63?

I own a Mapleglo C64 with Pyramids, which are not the OEM strings. It has a softer, yet sweeter, bass sound than my 4003S, which has V63 pickups on it. The C64 is also a bit thinner of body than current offerings.

Garry

Thanks garry - If I don't get another V63 I might get a C64 MG. I was thinking of putting a horseshoe and a toaster on my 79' 4001, but - surprise - it's a hell of a task to find a horseshoe (a V63/CS one).I'd love to see pics of your 4003S if you have any handy.

Marc,

I am presently using both a '97 V63 and an '03 C64S MG. I just took the add on cap mod out of the V63 and spent a few hours doing an A/B comparison with them. When I bought the V63, used, it already had the .0047 cap mod done to it and I never changed it, until the C64S arrived. I figured one with and one without would be the cat's whiskers and tone wise it is a most excellent option to have.

As good as the V63 sounds I am equally at odds with the way it plays in comparison to the C64S.
The C64S has a very fast, light touch, finesse neck too it. My V63 was made in '97, it's one of what I refer to as the chunky necked fatheads. The headstock is shorter and wider than those from the first few years of the series run. The neck is just plain fat and has a very pronounced "roundness" to it's profile when compared to the C64S.

That said I find myself in a somewhat similar situation when it comes to the C64 question with a twist.

I am absolutely smitten with the C64S MG and would love to clone it so I could have a matched set. One with with roundwound and one with flatwound strings. I also happen to like the Fireglo finish so I too am curious about comparing the C64S to the feel of a C64 FG.
Is the neck profile thinner on the C64S than the C64? I hope they are the same, and no the finish coatings don't make up the differences between the V63 and the C64S.

Also to offer an opinion on your sound differnce being noticable question I would say yes.
Using the stock V63 horseshoe only the sound is extremely hot and full range while using the same setting on the C64S gives you that unmistakeable vintage '60's sound. Think clank, chowmp or gritch-pang (o;}. That would be another question too are the horseshoes on the C64 models capped? I have not looked yet but my C64S sounds like it is.

Next weekend I plan on sitting down with my C64S and a pair of C64 basses in MG and FG. If they are both still there next weekend. It really is the only way to decide if my next Rick is a C64 or another C64S.

Oh yeah, one more thing as a follow up report, not a single action or truss rod adjustment has been required on the C64S since delivery, simply amazing IMHO.

Steve-

Any chance that V63 would come up for sale soon???

I'm sure you'd have some VERY interested parties beating down your door!!!

Thanks Steve for your answer! I will be touring the US with my band this March so I hope to try out the C64 and compare it to my V63. Now I am curious to try out the C64S too.

Wow, 4 days and only Beatlefan read between the lines on my post.

So to answer your question Chris:

It appears that the '97 4001 V63 will be going up for sale very soon.

I will place a notice in the For Sale section next week. So advance notice has been posted.

to bad it's got that "chunky" neck Steve - otherwise I'd probably go for it. My 85 has a super slim neck that I love. From what I recall of your V has that nice deep fire "glo"

Yes Andy if I had one from your year
it would be staying as well, but my C64S has that super slim neck just like the '60s basses and the love of that type profile is the major determining factor in the decision.

When a V63 is somewhere near, it's like throwing a pork chop past a hungry dog , to me...