Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm really GASing for a new 4003. A Blue Boy, to be exact. But here's the problem: I need all my guitars/basses to be different. What I mean is, I don't like to have 2 guitars with the same pickup configuration. If I got a BB Rick, i'd be neglecting one of them, because they'ed both pretty much be the same.

So if I wanted one of my Ricks to sound different then the other, what are my replacement pickup options? All I ask is that it doesn't severely alter the look of the bass.

a 4003BB with toaster neck PU might be a solution...?

different colour!

You could try the Rickenbacker humbuckers as the 4004 sounds a bit different.

For what its worth, my '04 4003 BB doesnt sound at all like my '01 4003 FG.

The Fireglow is punchier with more mids, whereas my Blueboy has a very rich low end snarl and seems very defined in the higher registers.

They both play and sound the same acoustically. and both share D'Addario XL-170 nickle roundwounds .45 .65 .80 .100

And above all have the same PU config.

Thats the nice thing about Ricks. They all sound, play and feel just a little different from the next one in line.

Sounds like you need a Laredo.

Can I buy new replacement Toasters for bass? I've only seen the guitar ones around.

Also, i've heard Bartolini's mentioned often around here, what's the deal with them?

For toasters go check out www.the-music-connection.com and ask for Mike Parks.

If you must go the bartolini route, try www.basspartsresource.com

John, the "bass toaster" and "guitar toaster" are the same pickup...

They are? Hah!

Well, is there a major tonal difference between the toaster and the hi-gains on bass? One of my ricks would be strung with flats and one with rounds, so I assume the toasters would respond better with the flats?

Sorry for asking so many questions!

The last time I checked with www.basspartsresource.com they were selling the last of their Barts on ebay and said that they would no longer be stocking them.
I bought a set recently from
http://www.bestbassgear.com/bartolini-ric-pickups.htm and was quite happy with the service/price.
I have all three of my Rics equipped with Bartolini p/u's and can't imagine changing them back. The best way that I can think of to describe them is to say that they retain the Ric's overall tone but add more lowend. Looks wise they are a direct replacement with no cutting of the pickguard or routing of the body. Here's my favorite pic of my 4003MID with Barts so you can see the look

I get sick to my stomach every time I see this pic. And the blood is gross too.

lol... good one!

Thats not a nice sight ! The medi wipes would have to come out for sure....but they might be harmful to the finish eh ?? Mind you, a melted finish might be preferable to the blood !