Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have never seen a 4004 FL bass. Has Ric ever produced one? I am a neophyte when it comes to playing fretless bass and have to admit to the purchase of a Squire Modified Jazz Fretless to see if playing fretless bass would be something I would be interested in before making a more significant purchase. I have no experience or knowledge to know how Ric's product compares to a Warwick or such. But, I do have to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to play with somewhat of an ability to keep my intonation. Which is the better fretless bass, the 4001 or the 4003? I would really like a 4004L or cii, but I do not know if this would not be a good choice with the humbucking pickups.

RIC never made a fretless version, that I know of. Something to keep in mind about fretless basses, you might find one make/model better suited to your needs/playing style/feel than another. I have found this to be the case, especially when first starting out, so do not get too frustrated if you are having a difficult time, at first. Even after having played for many years, i still find some that I just don't get along with, for lack of a better description.

I have a 4001FL and a 4003FL. While I like them both, to me, the 4001FL is my clear preference. Of course, it's an April '73, so it has the early '70s features, which plays a big role, but I prefer the tone of the vintage toaster and early high gain to my 4003FL, which has a RI toaster and stock modern bridge PU (even with my push pull pot). The only bummer about my 4001FL is that it has side dots at every note position, which is almost as challenging as having no dots at all. A little white out fixed that (does anyone know of a white out in "aged Ric binding white")?

I'm not sure when RIC went to the more conventional side dot configuration, but that's worth looking into. At some point around 2004, RIC used side dots that were in the same position as on fretted basses, which may totally blow your mind. This was only for about a year or so.

I also have a Warwick Corvette Std FL - it's got a nice tone; a bit grittier than either RIC, but I prefer my 4001FL.

I'm with John here.

The combo of the original toasters and hi gains produce a really nice FL sound, that the later basses don't quite match. Tone being subjective of course...

The later 4003 is better from the standpoint of the neck markers and truss rods. If you practice your intonation that's a lesser problem though, making the 4001 the clear winner!

hi.Pete! i am in much the same position as you. i have resisted trying out fretless for decades,and did not want to shell out $1000-up just to try to see if i could make it work for me. i purchased an inexpensive Yamaha fretless,that i like. i think it has a decent sound,but i still am not sure after spending some time with it,that it will be a gateway to other fretless basses. What Jeffrey said is probably very true,but there are some very different playing techniques involved in playing fretless,in order to get the sounds i want,and i am not really sure i would ever master them. (much like slapping,a technique i never mastered,but have my own tapping n snapping techniques to emulate it)
as far as fretless 4004's, Dane made one (a 5 string at that!). i am sure he could fill in how it sounded,played,etc. i think the 4004 with the hb pickups would probably sound great as a fretless.