Question for 4002 owners....

[2112]

Since I'll probably never get the chance to own a 4002, I was wondering if some of the 4002 owners might be able to chime in and tell me just what the hell I'm missing by not having one of these. I have 4001's and have always admired the 4002 for it's looks, but never have had the chance to actually play one and was wondering if there is a real tonal difference and how it plays compared to your average 4001. Also, can anyone let me know just where I can find actual 4002 recordings?
Did Geddy Lee ever record his 4002? If so, what song did he use it on.
Thanks.

[dswp]

Here is a little insight

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=353651&st=0&sk=t&sd ... 4002+paces

[steve_norgrove]

Also, can anyone let me know just where I can find actual 4002 recordings?

Thomas,
Here's a recording I did with my 4002 back in '06 with the Ryan Humbert Band.
http://www.ryanhumbert.com/clients/rhb/ ... 0Demo).mp3
I believe I used the 4002 on the entire "Well, Whatever Demos" but I don't remember for sure. I may have used my Cheyenne II as well. To me, the 4002 is a bit warmer sounding than a 4001/4003 and there's a nice little growl in there as well.

I also used it in the studio this past Sunday but none of that stuff is ready for anyone to hear yet!

Hope that helps a little. Dave, thanks for that link. It was interesting to read your insights. Do you gig a lot with your 4002? I mainly use my Cheyenne and take either the 4002 or 4003 as a backup.

Take it easy,
Steve

[rickfan60]

The "2" has a very smooth sound and is very tolerant of sloppy play (for which I am most thankful). It is hard to explain but it just sounds right. It can sound like a 4001 but it goes far beyond it in terms of clarity. It has terrific definition even with the tones turned all the way down which is something you just don't get from a 4001. IMHO it is the best sounding and most versatile Rickenbacker bass ever made. It sucks they are so rare because the design team really smacked a home run with the "2". They are indeed special, also very easy on the eyes.

[dswp]

"Do you gig a lot with your 4002?"

Hey Steve,

I try to rotate all of my basses for road time, but the four double "O" two has been a favorite as of late.

[2112]

Nice job on the song, Steve, although, I would never know that it was a Rick 4002 by the sound.

Thanks for the replies so far everyone.
I remember seeing one up close at the Chicago Namm show in 1984, and I did snap a photo of it. Someday I'll try to post it here.
I hope to try one someday, but I won't hold my breath.

Dave, that is one fine 4002 you have. The back is especially impressive.

[johnallg]

Thomas, come to a confluence. One 4002 usually shows up.

Ted, how is your "4002" project going?

[rickfan60]

It is pretty much as it was the last time I showed it here. I will get back into it soon and post more pics.

[jdogric12]

You can't spell 4002 without "ooooOOOOOOOooooo!!!!!!"

[ilan]

Do you think it's the pickups/circuit, or is it more the different location of the pickups (similar to a Fender J)? I wonder what that prototype 4002 (Smith book) sounded like, with the special pickups in the normal 4001 layout. Maybe RIC will one day offer a conversion kit? So that we can try the 4002 sound and still keep the handrest

[rickaddict]

So that we can try the 4002 sound and still keep the handrest

You like that thing Ilan?

To each his own. I like the big chrome treble pickup surround. Un-scooped, and no cover! Its my security blanket! I'm not sure why, but I'm goofy about them.

Cool thread. And very timely for me!

I'll have to go back now and read the other thread that Dave posted a link to.

[rickenbrother]

You can't spell 4002 without "ooooOOOOOOOooooo!!!!!!"

Should it be, 4ooooOOOOOOOooooo2 or 4002ooooOOOOOOOooooo?!

[basse]

I find that the 4002 has a phenomenal range of sounds... Everything from the Ric clank straight through to a very smooth "jazz" sound depending on your EQ settings and pickup panning. It is one of the most versatile basses that I own.

I use it all the time. There' are a couple of YouTube videos of us (search on "The Eradicators") http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I7hgx5l5mU playing last year. You can hear that I've turned down the treble a bit to fit the music. Please also understand that its not a board feed, the sound just being picked up by the small mic on the camera. {See Jeff, I told you we've got twins!}

One of the things that I do find, and I'm going to go contradict Ted here (sorry Ted) is that when you've got it set to give you that classic Ric clank and growl it can be very unforgiving. You can hear very easily and clearly if you're playing sloppily. The pickups are very, VERY sensitive and can capture every little slip or mis-fingering that you make. Of course you can turn down the treble to limit that effect.

All in all, I have to highly, HIGHLY recommend them as not only a stunningly beautiful instrument but also as exceptionally versatile. Feel free to let me know if you want any more info. And good luck in your search.

[rickaddict]

Thanks for the recordings, guys. Good stuff. I'm at work so I didn't get to listen to all of the first one. I'll have to give the whole thing a listen later. I did see/listen to the whole Eradicators youtube video though. Fun stuff. We have similar playing styles, David.

Nice to see the rare and valuable getting played and enjoyed.

[basse]

Thanks Jeff, actually I just thought of one more place you could hear the 4002 on a recording... I used it on the following "basement" recording but turned down the clank to make it sound more "surfish"...

Go to http://www.myspace.com/thegreatlakessurfbattle and choose the song Friends & Enemies and you can hear the 4002.