Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello people! This is my first post, but I've been "lurking" for a while now. I own (2) 2006 4003's; a midnite blue and a fireglo. I ordered the midnite blue through an on-line distributer in hopes of converting it to a 5-string. When I was told delivery was 8 months, I ordered the a fireglo from another distributer. The fireglo was converted to a 5-string and after about a month, I decided to cancel the order on the midnite blue. Before I could cancel, I received an email saying the midnite blue had just shipped. Thus, I ended up with another Ric. Recently, I've made some adjustments on the midnite blue and I feel more comfortable with the original string spacing on it compared to the tighter spacing on the fireglo. I'd like to start using the midnite blue for gigging purposes, but here is the issue. We play a half dozen songs that require drop tuning (BEAD). I'm okay with this, but I prefer standard tuning (EADG). I suppose I could string it BEAD, but I like having the higher register of the g-string. Does anyone know of an effects pedal that would allow the tuning to drop to BEAD? I've got a Digitech BP-200 pedal that allows me to do this, but it does not sound very good. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Todd

Todd, welcome to the Forum!

I have never used a pedal that detunes to B....but there might be one out there. I play 5-string basses too, and don't know how to play a 4 anymore, I am so used to that B String!

most pitch changing devices are limited,and don't usually sound that great for what you need. since you now have 2 rick basses,i would try a bead tuning on one,with a lighter gauge set,and just use that bass when needed. you might find yourself really liking the extra bottom--i kept a peavey dynabass set up bead,and really did not miss the g string,but used the open b and low c a lot. plus i had other basses set up eadg. i never have warmed up to 5 or 6 string basses,unfortunately.

I have my Laredo strung BEAD, but haven't used it for a while. My band used to do a couple of numbers that benefited from the extra low B string, but have since dropped them (notably Los Lonely Boys "Heaven"). If we were to incorporate more numbers, I would get the set arranged where all the tunes that required the low B were together so I wouldn't have to change instruments so often. Yes, most numbers you could do with the BEAD setup, but I play/learn by ear and position, and would really screw myself up relearning a standard tune on the low-strung bass. Easier to lug the second instrument and change gear.

I certainly recommend tuning one of your Rics BEAD. I've tried numerous effects units for detuning and they all fell short. The life is sucked from the tone and most have an obvious delay.

String the MID 4003 BEAD using the lower 4 strings of a 5 string set and have at it. Then just order another 4003 to keep as a standard EADG. Simple!

And welcome to the forum.

Todd welcome to the forum... I know of nothing that would do the drop automagically... use both basses at gigs..