Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I had the opportunity to work on a new 2012 model 4003 last week, so I recorded a few lines with it as well as my '68 4001 for a side-by-side comparison. (The '68 parts have been re-recorded since the '68 v '79 test I did a couple of weeks ago.)

1968 4001 - 2012 4003 A/B

It's a somewhat biased test since I usually go for a trebly gritty sound ala early '70s Chris Squire, but at least you get the idea of how they compare through the same gear.

Those with a good ear can probably tell which bass is which, but I'll leave that blank for now. And as always, this is only an exhibition, not a competition, so please no wagering.

A comparison of the feel - the '68 has a thinner neck and is easier to play, but the integrity and consistency of the 2012 was absolutely stellar - a very solid instrument. The action on the 2012 was a little higher than on the '68, but both were well within my comfort zone. The lower action of the '68 made it a little more responsive electronically, the attack executing a little sharper & grittier.

Here's the program of both basses in succession on each riff:

1. The Barney Miller Theme (Yes! Again!)
2. (untitled warm up scales)
3. Siberian Khatru break/Yes
4. (untitled riff in D Major)
5. Freewill break/Rush (note to self: Practice this before trying to record it!)
6. How Many More Times/Zeppelin
7. Roundabout/Yes

I'd say the '68 is the second one. It sounds more gainy.

The more full/saturated low end of the first compared to the more open sound of the second makes me think the '68 is the second one, but I'm not at all sure. They both sound 100% Rickenbacker and awesome though!

To me," bass number 1" wins hands down.

If it is the 68, I am screwed cause I'll need one...

Yeah the first bass is the 2012.

Colonel Sanders wrote:To me, "bass number 1" wins hands down. If it is the 68, I am screwed cause I'll need one...

Well you're in luck, Col Sanders! The first bass is the 2012 4003, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one. I agree with Antonius' comment about the attributes of both basses - both have their specific characteristics, but both sound like Ricks and sound great. Although on this test I had the gain on the amp higher for the '68 than the 2012. Must be some kind of psychological block, because I did that same thing when doing the '68 v '79 test. I likes me some grit, apparently. The '68 CAN sound clean - I'll have to post evidence of that one of these days.