Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I finally got the opportunity to play my new ('82) Burgundyglo 4003 (lefty) at Church this weekend. I was filling in for the regular bass player, as I am primarily the acoustic guitarist (and occasional Rick 12 string electric) player.

Played it through the Phil Jones Bass Briefcase, with a pick. The strings are new Rick strings. No effects, nothing else in the chain or mods to the bass. The sound guy (who owns a commercial recording studio) told me after the services that in his mind, there is the perfect bass tone, and I had nailed it this weekend! He said it was the best bass sound he had heard in this Church, or anywhere else. He also said it was the best sounding Rickenbacker he had ever heard, and he's a Rick fan! It was HUGE. Plenty of top end and Rick clank, but serious bottom end with total clarity, like a grand piano. What a treat. What validation. It may be a year before I get to do it again, but this weekend was one of the highlights of the past 6 years of playing @ this Church for me.

Just felt compelled to share it with those that can appreciate the feeling.

I think there's still a lot of engineers that harbor ill will towards Rics because of the woody clanky sound of the 4001's. The 4003 is just a more mature & powerful beast and I regularly get 'wow, I didn't expect that' from the Rics I play.

I also offer my sympathies to any other basses you own. They shall be lonely.

Way to go !! Hit em with that 4003 !

I can appreciate it, too! It's always a good feeling.