The Last Bass Outpost
Gear Discussion Forums => Rickenbacker Basses => Topic started by: drbassman on November 05, 2014, 02:44:09 PM
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Well, after considering another RIC and looking at the neck issue (thanks to everyone here who gave me pointers on vintage and contemporary 4003/1 necks), I decided I still wanted one in my collection. So, while at the HOG today I asked what they had and low and behold, they had a FireGlo and JetGlo. I decided what the heck, I do miss my first RIC, a Fireglo. So, here she is. And, very beautiful with the walnut wings on the headstock and the dark/light streaks on the fret board. Very cool bass. While the neck is still a little bit much for me, the electronics on RICs are fantastic IMHO.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/RIC%204003/DSCN0755_zpsac834aa3.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/RIC%204003/DSCN0755_zpsac834aa3.jpg.html)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/drbassman/RIC%204003/DSCN0754_zps8e78bfc0.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/drbassman/media/RIC%204003/DSCN0754_zps8e78bfc0.jpg.html)
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It's a beaut, for sure. I'm with you re the necks - can't stand them either (good thing cause they're not cheap).
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B E A Utiful... 8)
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It's a beaut, for sure. I'm with you re the necks - can't stand them either (good thing cause they're not cheap).
Wel, I think the neck on this one seems a little thinner, which works for me. I just have a little issue with too much width at the nut.
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B E A Utiful... 8)
Yeah, it's a classic for sure. We'll see how it goes. You can't beat the styling, it's so unique.
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Congrats! Classic looks, I'm sure it sounds killer too.
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Congrats! Classic looks, I'm sure it sounds killer too.
For sure! My first RIC was a FG and I always wanted another. I'd love a white one, too! Like I said, I can't be too much of a wuss over the neck size. I can play it, I just have to reach and be more flexible. Besides, everyone should have at least one RIC, right?
i can't wait to see how she sounds with my Mesa rig next week at practice. The pups on these basses are really good IMHO.
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Beauty! Nice choice. I've heard they went back to a slimmer neck around 2011(?), but I haven't played a new one in years. Always blows my mind when I see people talking about Ric necks being chunky. They were always known for slim necks when I was growing up. My newest is a '93, and all three have super sexy necks, even the 8 string. I guess if you're into 'birds and Jazz basses, you might not like the feel in first position. But what I really like is that there's not much taper going up the neck, unlike a Fender, which ends up at what, 2-1/2'' at the heel?
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Beauty! Nice choice. I've heard they went back to a slimmer neck around 2011(?), but I haven't played a new one in years. Always blows my mind when I see people talking about Ric necks being chunky. They were always known for slim necks when I was growing up. My newest is a '93, and all three have super sexy necks, even the 8 string. I guess if you're into 'birds and Jazz basses, you might not like the feel in first position. But what I really like is that there's not much taper going up the neck, unlike a Fender, which ends up at what, 2-1/2'' at the heel?
Good points about the necks. I think the thickness of the neck is just right. The width being pretty consistent nut to heel is probably what a lot of j,p or TB bass players have to adjust to. It is unique among bass necks I think. I like the bass enough, I'll adapt and enjoy it. There was a time that I gigged with my first RIC regularly.
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Bass looks GREAT in your photos! Love the gloss - hey, isn't that what the "glo" stands for? :mrgreen:
I personally like the necks - I notice that they are different (most notably at the nut) but never to the point of impairing playability. But I know that differences like that are more or less problematic depending on the player. I wonder if where the bass sits in relation to the body is an important factor?
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Bass looks GREAT in your photos! Love the gloss - hey, isn't that what the "glo" stands for? :mrgreen:
I personally like the necks - I notice that they are different (most notably at the nut) but never to the point of impairing playability. But I know that differences like that are more or less problematic depending on the player. I wonder if where the bass sits in relation to the body is an important factor?
I agree that the consistent width on the RIC is nice. I always have a challenge with the upper register on my j bass. I think like many things, you just have to get used to things and that takes practice. As for a RIC, it hangs perfectly for me and reaching the first fret has not been an issue or struggle. Like I said, I feel this neck is thinner and that helps a lot.
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The neck has also always been an issue to me as well. Wondered if I ever played one consistently for a period of days and weeks, might adjust to it. However Rickenbacker apparantly have a policy (this is what GC told me)that when you take it home it is yours and no 15-30 try outs like a lot of other companies. The 4001S was attractive and I did have the trade bait to afford it but somehow could not pull the trigger on one.
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The neck has also always been an issue to me as well. Wondered if I ever played one consistently for a period of days and weeks, might adjust to it. However Rickenbacker apparantly have a policy (this is what GC told me)that when you take it home it is yours and no 15-30 try outs like a lot of other companies. The 4001S was attractive and I did have the trade bait to afford it but somehow could not pull the trigger on one.
Fortunately, I can return anything just about anytime within reason if I'm not happy with it. The HOG takes great care of me! :toast:
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The neck has also always been an issue to me as well. Wondered if I ever played one consistently for a period of days and weeks, might adjust to it. However Rickenbacker apparantly have a policy (this is what GC told me)that when you take it home it is yours and no 15-30 try outs like a lot of other companies. The 4001S was attractive and I did have the trade bait to afford it but somehow could not pull the trigger on one.
Rickenbacker's past problem with GC was that they were taking instruments back within the trial period and reselling them as new with factory warranty. RIC doesn't allow that. There's no reason a store couldn't take one back and resell it as used, though.
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That is one pretty bass. Congrats on the new toy!
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Rickenbacker's past problem with GC was that they were taking instruments back within the trial period and reselling them as new with factory warranty. RIC doesn't allow that. There's no reason a store couldn't take one back and resell it as used, though.
Well, I can see that as an issue. Makes sense.
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That is one pretty bass. Congrats on the new toy!
Thanks Al. I'm working on the neck. For a 34" scale, I have to say the RIC hangs nicely on a strap and is easy to reach the first fret. Like my reverse TBs, I think it will become easier to play with practice.
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Thanks Al. I'm working on the neck. For a 34" scale, I have to say the RIC hangs nicely on a strap and is easy to reach the first fret. Like my reverse TBs, I think it will become easier to play with practice.
33-1/4'' to be exact. ;D
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33-1/4'' to be exact. ;D
Oh yeah, I forgot that RIC has their own special scale! Sure sounds good nonetheless.
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Oh yeah, I forgot that RIC has their own special scale
They have their own special everything. Screw sizes, pickguard material, the zinc tailpiece, mute thumb-screws doubling as strap buttons, volume knobs at the bottom and tone pots on top, sometimes it seems like they do it on purpose just to be different in every possible way.
I have to say the RIC hangs nicely on a strap
It was the first bass with an extended upper horn. Still looks way more elegant than any other extended upper horn bass designed since then.
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Congrats Bill! I like these new Rics a lot! I knew Bruce had these squirreled away, I had been avoiding pulling one out of the box because I knew where that wold lead. I realy want a Mapleglo !
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A good RIC feels like a graceful responsive thoroughbred in your hands...nothing else compares.
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Congrats Bill! I like these new Rics a lot! I knew Bruce had these squirreled away, I had been avoiding pulling one out of the box because I knew where that wold lead. I realy want a Mapleglo !
Yeah, I just can't help myself some days. I really do like these basses, especially the electronics. Great pups IMHO. I think he still has a leftie and a JetGlo or the solid red one down in the basement.
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Solid red? The ones with the maple board and checkerboard binding? You should get one of those too.
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Solid red? The ones with the maple board and checkerboard binding? You should get one of those too.
Those were for Germany only. "Fire Alarm Red". Probably a new ruby.
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Those were for Germany only. "Fire Alarm Red". Probably a new ruby.
I suspect it's the ruby model. I didn't check the box.
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Just called th HOG. No red ones left. They do have a Jetglo rightie and two lefties: a FG and a Jet.
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I played the RIC at practice last night. Boy did it sound great. We were all blown away by it. We even liked the vintage setting a little better than the modern selection. This bass sounds wonderful with the Mesa rig. A winner for sure.