Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Now, I pulled out my V63 to do some recording Saturday.
I've never really played it, just stuck some TI flats on it and left it in the closet.
JEEPERS! What a great playing and sounding bass.
I really don't want to make a habit of playing it, it's so shiny and minty.
I was using both pups.
Can I get the same sound/feel from a similarly set up 4003? Or would I have to go with a C64?
BTW, this means the Shamus Twins' next CD will have the V63, a 4003 and a 4005 on various tracks, as well as an Alembic.

shamustwin wrote:Now, I pulled out my V63 to do some recording Saturday.
I've never really played it, just stuck some TI flats on it and left it in the closet.
JEEPERS! What a great playing and sounding bass.
I really don't want to make a habit of playing it, it's so shiny and minty.
I was using both pups.
Can I get the same sound/feel from a similarly set up 4003? Or would I have to go with a C64?
BTW, this means the Shamus Twins' next CD will have the V63, a 4003 and a 4005 on various tracks, as well as an Alembic.

Well, you probably won't be able to get the same exact sound. The v63 has a bridge horseshoe reissue and a toaster (most likely hot, possibly scatterwound) at the neck with 1/2" spacing. Depending on what year your v63 is, it will either have a slim neck or a more 4003-like chunky neck, so it *may* feel like a 4003. I don't really know what you're after in terms of "feel" though.

It's a '99, I'd say moderate neck.
Would a C64 be much like this?

The C64 has a cap on the HS.

What are you holding in your avatar?

shamustwin wrote:It's a '99, I'd say moderate neck.
Would a C64 be much like this?

A c64 will have a thinner neck, 7.4k toaster, and a few other changes. I prefer the feel of my v63 to both the c64's i've had.

Hmmm...
And V63's seem to have gone up in price since I got mine.

I'm holding trout, that's at Pine Lake in Utah (many moons ago).

Jerry, my '93 V63 toaster is wound to 12k, the HS is 11k. Both pickups have the alnico5 magnetic pole pieces. The 4003 will have the high gain pups that are wound to 11.4k or so, and the plastic magnets under the coils and the adjustable pole screws. As John stated, the 1/2" spacing will make a bassier difference. My impression between the two is the V63 has a lot more tonal heft than the 4003. Y M M V

shamustwin wrote:Hmmm...
And V63's seem to have gone up in price since I got mine.

I'm holding trout, that's at Pine Lake in Utah (many moons ago).

Ah! We've got trout too.



John,

I considered your V a tonal monster!

My 4003 (yes it shall be mine) had a new toaster installed at the neck. How are the new bass toasters rated? (like I know the difference anyway!)

The newer toasters are scatterwound to 7.4k - they have the similar Rick high gain sound but have better definition in the lower E string. Depending on the tone you seek, you may need to lower the bridge pickup to balance the two out, it comes to personal taste. Also raise the toaster up all the way, even removing the rubber grommet on the adjust screw under the guard to gain a tad more height - just don't crack the plastic guard by tightening the screw more once the pup is up all it can go, limited by the screws holding the pup together.

teeder wrote:John, I considered your V a tonal monster!

Me too, Kevin! Nice trout - yum yum!

I really love my V63. It's my only bass that always sounds good. No matter which amp or EQ-setting or kind of strings.
It's a winner

I have been away for a long time from this forum and will attempt to get back here just a little more often.

I only have a 1993 4001V63 left in my Rickenbacker arsenal. This is my favourite Rickenbacker bass of all and will keep her intact for long years to come !!!!

Keep playing your V63, she is worth it !!!

genou wrote:I have been away for a long time from this forum and will attempt to get back here just a little more often.

I only have a 1993 4001V63 left in my Rickenbacker arsenal. This is my favourite Rickenbacker bass of all and will keep her intact for long years to come !!!!

Keep playing your V63, she is worth it !!!

The '93 v63's are where it's at!

Haven't played a really early one yet, though.

No NO ......the 98s are the best !

I'm partial to my '92!