Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Picked up this monster of a bass last week. Best bass I've ever played. I've been playing a early-mid 70's Ibanez 4001 copy for the last year and this thing blows it out of the water 1000%. Got it strung up with Chromes and tuned to C-standard. It's sooooo good, and sounds stellar with my pedalboard setup. I'm a happy man!

(I can't seem to upload the photo, but rest assured it's in excellent condition...and I plan to keep it that way. )

Forgive me for asking, but what exactly is C standard tuning on a 4 string bass? Tuned to 5ths (C-G-D-A) like a cello? Or still tuned to 4ths but just starting a couple steps lower?

I would imagine you'd need to use a 5 string set of strings to get to the C, as well as custom cut nut...

And, good news to get off the lawsuit bass I like Ibanez' but they don't hold a candle to high end instruments IMO. I guess there are probably some high end Ibanez', though...

Congrats!

I had a 1990 4003 and this was very nice! It has much more low end than the typical Rick. It wouls suspect it had something to do with the fat horns.

I posted this same photo recently in a different thread, but here's my personal favorite, manufactured in November 1990:

Of course it has some different pickups, but it plays like a dream; the balance is perfect, and the neck is fast and slim.
I have always preferred the larger horns.

Also: my (original) treble pickup was SUPER hot, like 16.6k. Any idea what yours is?
WHT/BT/BH has always been one of my favorite RIC finishes, right up there with a nice yellow/orange vintage FireGlo.

edski wrote:Forgive me for asking, but what exactly is C standard tuning on a 4 string bass? Tuned to 5ths (C-G-D-A) like a cello? Or still tuned to 4ths but just starting a couple steps lower?

"C Standard" is C-F-B♭-E♭

C-G-D-A (in-addition to being cello tuning) is most of Robert Fripp's tuning, which (as you said) is fifths up from C, with the highest string being a third, or C-G-D-A-E-G on a 6-stringed instrument. I had a guitar specifically set-up for this tuning (low string was a 15-gauge) and it was great for writing new songs. Finding new chord shapes was certainly inspiring for someone used to standard guitar tuning.

edski wrote:I like Ibanez' but they don't hold a candle to high end instruments IMO. I guess there are probably some high end Ibanez', though...

I've played some Ibanez guitars that go "new" for over $1,000, and they do make pretty excellent "high-end" guitars that are extremely playable. Many of the signature guitars and the "Prestige" series are pretty unbeatable as far as ease-of-play and versatility. The Japanese can build a mean guitar. I have heard some of those "lawsuit" instruments play better than those which they ripped-off from the same period...

...headstock Pics please!

Thanks, Sean!

I've read a lot about Fripp's New Standard Tuning, and I can see the opportunities. I shy away from it given my previous experience playing instruments tuned to 5ths - I just can't get comfortable. Probably more a mental block, like when a year or two ago I claimed I could not sign while playing bass...

Odd thing is I have no problem playing solos on a guitar tuned to open A or G, even though there are strings that are a 5th apart in that tuning. So it's probably mental

heinpete wrote:...headstock Pics please!

As I also said in the other thread: If I ever see it again, I'll be happy to take and post more photos.

What we really need are photos of Tony's new darling...

edski wrote:...given my previous experience playing instruments tuned to 5ths - I just can't get comfortable. Probably more a mental block...

These guys play all their material with the guitars tuned in 5ths.





We'll be seeing them in the beginning of October, love seeing these guys play. Last time we saw them was back in the Spring, at our favorite haunt, Night Town.

The California Guitar Trio are all students of Fripp's "League of Crafty Guitarists"; they all use the G-C-D-A-E-G tuning.
They are indeed amazing to watch. They all have custom-made instruments with scales tempered to Fripp's tuning.
Last I saw them was in January of 2006 at the record shop which I worked; Tony Levin sat-in with them!

A few years ago regular people could go on week-long "Guitar Craft" classes for just under $2,000, if I remember the price correctly. The first level of classes was always in the US, and then the next one was abroad ... and actually taught by Robert Fripp. Alas, it is no more: http://www.guitarcraft.com/

I should have done it when I had the chance...

I've got an old acoustic sitting around gathering dust...and I know I probably will bust the e-string trying to get it up to G, but I think I might experiment...

Jeff - I am amazed that my **** internet connection allowed to listen to "The Marsh" Very tasty to start the day!

Saw them play both songs live here in the Zoo. Very enjoyable evening.

Sharp looking bass there.