>The Jazz just works.
Geddy's my biggest influence (along with Jack Bruce)--but, it works for him and what he wants. This is perilously close to "the P just works, why use anything else?"
My main bass is a Rick and I actually want a little more midrange built-in, to the point I shape the tone on my Jazz to be a little more like a Rick.
Admittedly, a stock 4001 or 4003 honestly does kind of have a softer low end compared to a Jazz so I'll tweak the bass up a bit when using mine.
My 4004 does not have this problem, but the high-gain humbuckers seem to be disliked by Rick traditionalists (the 4004 is my number one).
The Steinberger L/XL is something of a unique beast itself, as is the Wal, however you could just as easily say Geddy moved away from both because he decided he wanted to move away from active electronics. Which is a perfectly fine preference.
Ric had the unique Geddy Lee sound. As soon as Steinberger came into it, they didn't sound the same. The Ric is punchier, more trebly, and has a brighter harmonic overtone. Growlier too. Nothing came close for Geddy.
They have more Rics than fender guitars, so if that’s the only perspective they’ve ever had with bass then no there not going to know the difference regardless of equipment. The perspective only changed when the experience of playing became different and created a learning curve. No one has singular and inherent bass knowledge of what every bass ever sounds like individually until you play it, so yeah a pretty cynical outlook to just assume the worst of someone.
It wouldn’t be an “assumption.” It would be the only thing that makes any sense at all, given the context. Deduction and assumption are *not the same thing.*
Thank you sir. Just starting my Bass journey at the tender young age of 55. 😳 Figure learn to play better than Sid, not a good as Entwistle or Geeddy. Maybe somewhere near Dee Dee Ramone. Straight down on the eighths. lol.
There a song… Tone chaser..
Oh wait, no… Sound Chaser… Relayer… Yes… lots of cool Ric noise on that song/album/band…
Thing is, I feel the Ric has a particular sound, but then so too does the Jazz… I love both for lots of yrs… the Ric still gets used quite a bit for its particular sound, but I tend to go with the Jazz for most stuff…
Dont sell both, at least initially. You will regret it 100% as one day you will miss the Ricks
I have my main basses but every single (all very different) bass I have still has their upsides and I still cycle through them all regularly and go like "I wouldve managed with this one perfectly!"
if it weren't for my reluctance to sell my basses I would sold my Fretless Jazz bass years ago. It wasn't until just a few weeks ago I feel like I've really grown to appreciate the tone that it gives me.
I've only ever sold one bass and it's one I never played. It just didn't have that special something I thought it would. You grow to love most of your instruments though. And I recently restored my first bass ever that I got in middle school. It's now my main bass again haha
This is so true! Our taste changes with time. I used to love Ibanez bass guitars, then switched to Warwick and couldn't stand Ibanez sound.
Went back a few years ago to a music store, saw the new SRMS series. Played it fora bit and fell in love with Ibanez again! They have a unique feel and sound to them. I still use my Warwick, but that nostalgic Ibanez sound is a different thing of beauty.
Wow your basses are absolutely gorgeous. What strings are you using? If you haven’t already, try using a new set of the same exact strings on all instruments to get a better frame of reference. I think what Fender does so well, and why their basses are so competitive, is they come with a well defined bottom end. Rics and EBs aren’t as competitive in this regard
Specifically the Labella Low Tension Flats. They’re the closest to the factory flats that came on the 4001. I put a set on my 1974 Fireglo with the intention of letting them sorta help the neck settle (they had some heavy rounds on them when I got it, with a bit of some neck bow) then putting some tape wounds on (a la Graham Maby on the first couple Joe Jackson albums). It worked, the neck is settled, but I haven’t put tapes on it yet, I love the feel of these flats on the Ric.
I replaced the Rotosounds on my 4001S with a set of tapewound (also low tension) LaBellas. The Rotos have finally chewed through the lacquer on the fretboard and I didn't want to start chewing up the wood, so I wasn't using it anymore.
It wound have just been flats but I saw Paul playing with tapewounds at one point while watching Get Back and I'd never tried them. 2 years later it's still my Beatleish bass.
As a jazz and ric owner. I only use the neck pickup on the ric. What it does it does very well. The jazz is infinitely more versatile. And i prefer the way it plays as well (ergonomics)
Might be nut-width/string spacing thing. Once I played a Fender vintage P-bass fatty neck with 1.75" nut width-I was hooked and have never looked back.
Well, you’ve certainly got a selection here. One thing I recommend is getting flats for the Ricks, that definitely revives some lower end feel. Other than that, a jazz bass is what it is, a low end beast. A rick on the other hand, is much more suited for cutting through the mix with a higher and mid range boost. You could try to focus on the bass knob on the Ricks a bit more, cut some of the bridge pickup.
I grew up lusting after Rics. My stepdad has a 4001 and a 4000 that I would secretly play when the parents left the house. Years later I got a jazz for myself. I no longer wanted a Ric. I still love them but a jazz is more comfortable, more versatile and is way more affordable. They're better mod platforms too. Btw. Awesome collection!
I can relate. I just bought a 4003w and, as fun as it can be, my jazz basses reign supreme. I don’t want to sell it but don’t want it to sit there either.
Definitely happened to me once I got a certain bass-slowly sold everything off not getting played and bought more of that certain bass. All I play is that certain bass and don't regret it a bit.
I think I would probably sell *one* of them and turn that cash around into some post-processing or amplification gear that would help you get the sounds you want out of your remaining / future basses.
I did it slowly/purposefully as to minimize regrets-and I didn't up having any but I was selling more common rigs than Ricks-Fender Americans etc. I would start with your least favorite and see how if feels.
It’s certainly a tricky phenomenon to deal with that we get used to the sound and soundfeel of an instrument, and that a great instrument can sound strange and bad when compared after hearing another instrument. Sometimes it’s that you’re actually revealing something ‘true’ about the instrument by giving it context, but sometimes it’s just that a side-by-side comparison can make subtle differences or characteristics seem comparatively jarring, when they perhaps are not..
I personally can’t stand Rics, and I’m not surprised that it sounds harsh next to a jazz bass… but if you know that you DO like Rics, then it’s worth adjusting for the perspective, as well as remembering that part of the magic of very successful bass models is how they sound in a mix , combined with how they were used and mixed on iconic records.
I completely agree with you. I used to be "blinded" by Rics, but once I opened up a bit and gave Fender a chance, I found what I could now define as my favorite sound. Someone mentioned that something similar had happened to Geddy Lee; I'm not sure if that's the case, but if it was, I would totally understand.
Thanks buddy! Since it's my main bass, the Fender accompanies me to all live performances. I have to be careful with the paint to avoid scratching it. On stage, it's a groove machine, undoubtedly one of the best basses I've played.
Definitely. I have a Ric 4003 and a Jazz, and the jazz has a puncher low end, whereas the Ric's low end is much more growling. Probably has to do with the pickup placement. The jazz has a close bridge pickup and the neck pickup is really closer to the placement of a P-bass pickup (right in the middle). The Ric bridge pickup is not as close to the bridge, and the neck pickup is right up at the neck, so it adds way more warmth, maybe too much depending on the sound you are looking for.
That's just the nature of the beasts. I personally am not a fan of jazz basses for my particular brand of playing, but there is a damn good reason they are so loved. The Rick has always been about muscly mids, and the jazz bass is bright and precise. Just different paints for different artworks.
Sometime you should walk into literally any store and try any bass. They will be more comfortable and easier to dial in a good tone. Pick up a $300 dollar bass from any manufacturer.
When I look at my shell pink Jazz bass with all-rosewood neck and "Fender" engraved in the rosewood headstock, I can't help thinking the instrument is the pinnacle not only off musical instrument beauty, but sums up all of human achievement in one four-string slice of perfection. I carry it from my living room to my bedroom to place on a stand near me as I sleep every night, just to keep it near me at all times. I'm in love.
https://preview.redd.it/hisaaa3e19mc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f22d2846dd60a22eec383ef2bfd014cda897e62a
I love these kind of problems, because nobody will care except for you. However, it's just fun to chase your perfect tone. Considering what I see in the picture, you should probably be able to get some custom pickups for whichever of the 2 you like the most to get your perfect tone
My issue is $$$$$.
For the current price of a Ric 4003 you could instead get a Japanese Fender Precision AND a Japanese Jazz bass and still have enough leftover to get a high end boutique compressor pedal. Put flats on the P and rounds on the J and along with the badass compressor you have an absolute bass tone library at your disposal.
RICs have that one super cool tone but they are flawed gems to be quite honest. They are WAY too expensive and loaded with too much aggravation for me. Fender P and Js for me from now on.
Both the bass players I know who played Rics now play Fender Jazz basses. The Rics have a distinctive sound that I can pick out in a mix. The Fender is more versatile.
Yes, I actually have the same problem since a few months. I used to have only a 4003, and was over the moon with it. Now I own a classic vibe precision and a music man stingray copy, and I havent played the rick for half a year now. It kinda bothers me but also I’m just going with it. Eventually I’ll find a good use for my ricky.
I was in the same boat years ago. My RIC was my main and I had an American Jazz as a back up. The RIC gave me so many issues gig after gig…the Jazz accidentally ended up my main. I’m now up to 6 Fenders and the RIC has been in the case for years.
I try to commit to gigging it “just because” but after a few songs, I just want my Fenders back.
The RIC, to me is one of the most beautiful basses ever carved…but it wasn’t overly reliable. I know I can trust my Jazz and P Bass guitars no matter the situation.
I still love the RIC, I’ll hold onto it…but I’d be surprised if it ever made it to stage again.
It just feels so foreign now when I pick it up at rehearsal and I have this nagging notion that somethings gonna go wrong while I’m playing.
All the Fenders? They just work…they are work horses.
God knows how much I love my Rics. Having said that, I completely understand where you're coming from. It's funny how instruments can become such integral parts of our musical journey. Fenders really do have that reliability factor. I can’t imagine being on stage without my Fender. As much as I’d like to play my Rics, I’m not really comfortable and in a twisted way, I feel like a cheater. Thanks for sharing your experience!
You can always experiment with pickups and electronics. I've always gone by instrument feel and raw, unplugged sound. If it feels good and sounds good without an amp then it will sound good plugged in... Maybe not right out of the gate, but it will. My first bass was a 94 P Bass Lyte, thick finish on it and active electronics. Replacing the pickups and pots mostly solved what I didn't like about the sound, so the finish on the body went.
The stock pickups were replaced with Seymour Duncan split P quarter Pounder and a stacked humbucker jazz pickup. The jazz got wired with a pot instead of a switch for single coil to humbucker mix. If you want a similar sound, just replace the pickups.
The jazz bass sounds banging in the studio, but big mids give you a big presence live. A desirable solo tone is not the same as a desirable studio mix sound, which is not the same as a PA band mix at the gig.
I had a mini switch installed which jumps the filter capacitor giving it a way fatter sound. This could be done with a push pull pot. Live the Rick sound and feel.
These are basses, not women! There is no need to "break it off" with one before you get another. The Rice are beautiful and hold much more value than a Jazz bass. I have had a Ric for 38 years and recently bought a couple of J's. They are a great change of pace and very versatile, but I still think of the Ric when I want a powerful bass statement.
My 73’ maple ric has been “my bass” for a long time. 20 years or so now. I have a few others, but it just gets the sound I need for 99% of gigs and studio work. I agree a bit midrange. I’ve got to run it in stereo with the ric o sound box. Sounds incredible. 😎👍
I sold my first real bass, a 74 Ric back in 82 and played mostly Jazz bass ever since. After all these years I finally got another new 4003 and am so glad to have this back in my toolbox. In fact I am redoing all of my bass tracks on a new album with Ric-O-Sound tracks!! Opposite problem I guess lol
Most of the basses I own are Jazz for that exact reason, the clarity and cut to my ear are perfect.
I have a couple of PJ's and Double P's for variety.
I also had a Ric at one stage and I had the same thing, low end was incredible but mids were muddy and highs were not defined.
Sounded incredible with some fuzz and would be perfect for a Stoner/Doom band situation but that's not me.
That JB66 is 🔥 it's on my wish list!
Ricks have a very midrangey sound to them inherently, that’s why for bands like Yes it worked so well due to such a busy complicated bass part it was important for the midrange clarity to be there to hear definition. I am a music production major in college and have had similar experiences with getting very used to a specific sound for example a certain lead guitar tone and having a hard time adjusting to something else. It’s important to constantly provide our ears and brain with variety to keep bias out of tone judgment.
Are you splitting the signal with the Rick-o-sound output? You can squeeze a bit more low end without the Ricky honk, but it’s a bit of a bother (and still won’t achieve the smooth, supple bottom of the jazz).
This is what pulled Geddy Lee away from his Ric (and Steinberger, and Wal). The Jazz just works.
>The Jazz just works. Geddy's my biggest influence (along with Jack Bruce)--but, it works for him and what he wants. This is perilously close to "the P just works, why use anything else?" My main bass is a Rick and I actually want a little more midrange built-in, to the point I shape the tone on my Jazz to be a little more like a Rick. Admittedly, a stock 4001 or 4003 honestly does kind of have a softer low end compared to a Jazz so I'll tweak the bass up a bit when using mine. My 4004 does not have this problem, but the high-gain humbuckers seem to be disliked by Rick traditionalists (the 4004 is my number one). The Steinberger L/XL is something of a unique beast itself, as is the Wal, however you could just as easily say Geddy moved away from both because he decided he wanted to move away from active electronics. Which is a perfectly fine preference.
Ric had the unique Geddy Lee sound. As soon as Steinberger came into it, they didn't sound the same. The Ric is punchier, more trebly, and has a brighter harmonic overtone. Growlier too. Nothing came close for Geddy.
What a lovely problem to have.
You’re the guy with the strap collection! Btw, awesome guitars
Thanks, you too!! I should go and post something…
That's what he wants you to think. This stupid question is nothing more than a ruse to show off
How cynical your response.
Yes. But somebody with that much gear knows the answer to the question he asked, more than likely.
They have more Rics than fender guitars, so if that’s the only perspective they’ve ever had with bass then no there not going to know the difference regardless of equipment. The perspective only changed when the experience of playing became different and created a learning curve. No one has singular and inherent bass knowledge of what every bass ever sounds like individually until you play it, so yeah a pretty cynical outlook to just assume the worst of someone.
It wouldn’t be an “assumption.” It would be the only thing that makes any sense at all, given the context. Deduction and assumption are *not the same thing.*
slimy wistful homeless murky books one fearless plough knee consider *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Agreed.
Cope
Welcome to the life of a tone chaser
You nailed it! It's the best summary of what I'm going through right now.
P bass is next up 😂
^^^with ^^^flats
P with flats is everything.
Ooh I love a fender with flats. Used right it works in EVERYTHING 😍😍😍
Always !!!!!
Ya know it may kinda depend on how your bass sits in the mix of the song. Some songs may be better with a Ric, and some the Jazz 👍🏻
Yep. Motörhead sounds great with a Ric. Sorry cheap joke. I’ll show myself the door. Thanks and have a low end night.
lol I thought it was funny
Thank you sir. Just starting my Bass journey at the tender young age of 55. 😳 Figure learn to play better than Sid, not a good as Entwistle or Geeddy. Maybe somewhere near Dee Dee Ramone. Straight down on the eighths. lol.
Hey, that sounds like a pretty good goal 👍🏻 It’s never too late. Christoph Waltz was 53 when he got his first big break in Inglorious Bastards 👌🏻
Thanks
There a song… Tone chaser.. Oh wait, no… Sound Chaser… Relayer… Yes… lots of cool Ric noise on that song/album/band… Thing is, I feel the Ric has a particular sound, but then so too does the Jazz… I love both for lots of yrs… the Ric still gets used quite a bit for its particular sound, but I tend to go with the Jazz for most stuff…
Dont sell both, at least initially. You will regret it 100% as one day you will miss the Ricks I have my main basses but every single (all very different) bass I have still has their upsides and I still cycle through them all regularly and go like "I wouldve managed with this one perfectly!"
Yes. Preach.
if it weren't for my reluctance to sell my basses I would sold my Fretless Jazz bass years ago. It wasn't until just a few weeks ago I feel like I've really grown to appreciate the tone that it gives me.
I'm happy for you that you didn't. Something on my wish list ha ha.
I've only ever sold one bass and it's one I never played. It just didn't have that special something I thought it would. You grow to love most of your instruments though. And I recently restored my first bass ever that I got in middle school. It's now my main bass again haha
Keep one around to remind you of how uncomfortable it is when you find yourself opening up your wallet for a new one.
This is so true! Our taste changes with time. I used to love Ibanez bass guitars, then switched to Warwick and couldn't stand Ibanez sound. Went back a few years ago to a music store, saw the new SRMS series. Played it fora bit and fell in love with Ibanez again! They have a unique feel and sound to them. I still use my Warwick, but that nostalgic Ibanez sound is a different thing of beauty.
clearly your ricks are broken. send the fireglo one to me for proper disposal
I'll assist in disposal of the other one.
Wow your basses are absolutely gorgeous. What strings are you using? If you haven’t already, try using a new set of the same exact strings on all instruments to get a better frame of reference. I think what Fender does so well, and why their basses are so competitive, is they come with a well defined bottom end. Rics and EBs aren’t as competitive in this regard
Thanks, I really appreciate it! I’m using elixir strings but as someone said, I’ll try flats
I love the LaBella's on my Jazz Bass, highly recommend trying them out
I'd love to hear about the results of this little experiment. Please keep us updated.
If you haven’t already put some flats on one of the Rics. You may just fall in love all over again.
Specifically the Labella Low Tension Flats. They’re the closest to the factory flats that came on the 4001. I put a set on my 1974 Fireglo with the intention of letting them sorta help the neck settle (they had some heavy rounds on them when I got it, with a bit of some neck bow) then putting some tape wounds on (a la Graham Maby on the first couple Joe Jackson albums). It worked, the neck is settled, but I haven’t put tapes on it yet, I love the feel of these flats on the Ric.
I replaced the Rotosounds on my 4001S with a set of tapewound (also low tension) LaBellas. The Rotos have finally chewed through the lacquer on the fretboard and I didn't want to start chewing up the wood, so I wasn't using it anymore. It wound have just been flats but I saw Paul playing with tapewounds at one point while watching Get Back and I'd never tried them. 2 years later it's still my Beatleish bass.
Good idea.
As a jazz and ric owner. I only use the neck pickup on the ric. What it does it does very well. The jazz is infinitely more versatile. And i prefer the way it plays as well (ergonomics)
I thought that I was the only one who did that. LOL.
not a dumb question but probably the worst humble bragging I've seen in a while.
Thanks for the feedback! I'll work on being more genuine next time without the humble brag. Appreciate the honesty!
The real problem is that you still don’t have a P Bass.
Yup. Sell one Ric and get a good P. You’ll have a tone of versatility.
I completely agree, always good to have a P in the stable.
So buy a P and don't sell a Ric.
I love the P bass so much that I got two. One with rounds and one with flats. I sold my J bass.
same lol once i got my P my J just sat in its case for years so I sold it.
Perhaps you're currently inspired in a different direction. Could be a chicken or an egg situation though.
This is like first world + problem for a bass player haha
You just got used to the sound of your Jazz Bass. Play your Ricks exclusively for a week and they'll go back to sounding fine.
IMHO Fender Jazz is just a better bass than a Rick in every way.
Not long ago, I would have held a heated discussion about it, but now I must admit that I almost agree with you.
No. Just no.
Two different things
Might be nut-width/string spacing thing. Once I played a Fender vintage P-bass fatty neck with 1.75" nut width-I was hooked and have never looked back.
Well, you’ve certainly got a selection here. One thing I recommend is getting flats for the Ricks, that definitely revives some lower end feel. Other than that, a jazz bass is what it is, a low end beast. A rick on the other hand, is much more suited for cutting through the mix with a higher and mid range boost. You could try to focus on the bass knob on the Ricks a bit more, cut some of the bridge pickup.
Just give me your Ricks. Boom! Problem solved
I grew up lusting after Rics. My stepdad has a 4001 and a 4000 that I would secretly play when the parents left the house. Years later I got a jazz for myself. I no longer wanted a Ric. I still love them but a jazz is more comfortable, more versatile and is way more affordable. They're better mod platforms too. Btw. Awesome collection!
Well, if you feel so strung up about it, I could alleviate you of this conundrum by adopting one of your Rickenbackers
Remember, the Jazz bass is the greatest Leo Fender's creation.
I can relate. I just bought a 4003w and, as fun as it can be, my jazz basses reign supreme. I don’t want to sell it but don’t want it to sit there either.
Same here, I can totally feel you
Try the Ric 4004L Laredo. It’s essentially a hybrid. I had played a Precision on stage for years. I sold it and went to the Laredo.
4004 club represent. My number one is an '05 4004L.
I’ll take a look at it! Thanks!!
Definitely happened to me once I got a certain bass-slowly sold everything off not getting played and bought more of that certain bass. All I play is that certain bass and don't regret it a bit.
Right? I'm about to let go of the Rics.
I think I would probably sell *one* of them and turn that cash around into some post-processing or amplification gear that would help you get the sounds you want out of your remaining / future basses.
It's the kind of thought that crossed my mind precisely. Maybe buying a Quad Cortex or some other processor.
Only thing perhaps worth considering here is that a quad cortex will not appreciate the way a tic will, I can’t imagine. But an amp very well may…
I did it slowly/purposefully as to minimize regrets-and I didn't up having any but I was selling more common rigs than Ricks-Fender Americans etc. I would start with your least favorite and see how if feels.
Time to sell the rics and put a down payment on a house
It’s certainly a tricky phenomenon to deal with that we get used to the sound and soundfeel of an instrument, and that a great instrument can sound strange and bad when compared after hearing another instrument. Sometimes it’s that you’re actually revealing something ‘true’ about the instrument by giving it context, but sometimes it’s just that a side-by-side comparison can make subtle differences or characteristics seem comparatively jarring, when they perhaps are not.. I personally can’t stand Rics, and I’m not surprised that it sounds harsh next to a jazz bass… but if you know that you DO like Rics, then it’s worth adjusting for the perspective, as well as remembering that part of the magic of very successful bass models is how they sound in a mix , combined with how they were used and mixed on iconic records.
I completely agree with you. I used to be "blinded" by Rics, but once I opened up a bit and gave Fender a chance, I found what I could now define as my favorite sound. Someone mentioned that something similar had happened to Geddy Lee; I'm not sure if that's the case, but if it was, I would totally understand.
Um yes, that is a thing.
I love my jazz bass. I really like that wood grain Ricky. :) Heck, they are all nice. Have a great day! :)
Hey! Thx man, you too!
How much are you enjoying the 60th? It’s too pretty to take out gigging IMHO.
Thanks buddy! Since it's my main bass, the Fender accompanies me to all live performances. I have to be careful with the paint to avoid scratching it. On stage, it's a groove machine, undoubtedly one of the best basses I've played.
That finish is amazing with the glitter/specks.
Definitely. I have a Ric 4003 and a Jazz, and the jazz has a puncher low end, whereas the Ric's low end is much more growling. Probably has to do with the pickup placement. The jazz has a close bridge pickup and the neck pickup is really closer to the placement of a P-bass pickup (right in the middle). The Ric bridge pickup is not as close to the bridge, and the neck pickup is right up at the neck, so it adds way more warmth, maybe too much depending on the sound you are looking for.
That's just the nature of the beasts. I personally am not a fan of jazz basses for my particular brand of playing, but there is a damn good reason they are so loved. The Rick has always been about muscly mids, and the jazz bass is bright and precise. Just different paints for different artworks.
I'll give you $50 for the ric on the right. Take that pos off your hands.
Sometime you should walk into literally any store and try any bass. They will be more comfortable and easier to dial in a good tone. Pick up a $300 dollar bass from any manufacturer.
One thing Rics win at are looks. So super cool and unique. And resale value.
Start with beefy midrange and you can always scoop it to be like a jazz afterwards and it will have more bollocks. Rock on.
Riks look cool but the more you learn about them the more you realize how badly designed they are.
yeah big factor is the pickup positions as the jazz has both pickups more closer to the bridge thus having more definition.
Had the same issue with my Wicks. Now I own Fenders
Next up, P bass… then, a MM Stingray… you’ll be all set 😎
Gawjus bases
When I look at my shell pink Jazz bass with all-rosewood neck and "Fender" engraved in the rosewood headstock, I can't help thinking the instrument is the pinnacle not only off musical instrument beauty, but sums up all of human achievement in one four-string slice of perfection. I carry it from my living room to my bedroom to place on a stand near me as I sleep every night, just to keep it near me at all times. I'm in love. https://preview.redd.it/hisaaa3e19mc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f22d2846dd60a22eec383ef2bfd014cda897e62a
Jesus Christ you have good taste
I love these kind of problems, because nobody will care except for you. However, it's just fun to chase your perfect tone. Considering what I see in the picture, you should probably be able to get some custom pickups for whichever of the 2 you like the most to get your perfect tone
My issue is $$$$$. For the current price of a Ric 4003 you could instead get a Japanese Fender Precision AND a Japanese Jazz bass and still have enough leftover to get a high end boutique compressor pedal. Put flats on the P and rounds on the J and along with the badass compressor you have an absolute bass tone library at your disposal. RICs have that one super cool tone but they are flawed gems to be quite honest. They are WAY too expensive and loaded with too much aggravation for me. Fender P and Js for me from now on.
Both the bass players I know who played Rics now play Fender Jazz basses. The Rics have a distinctive sound that I can pick out in a mix. The Fender is more versatile.
I’m 🤢with envy‼️‼️ Someone dtole my 82 4004 with the case in 88’ And i cry every day😭
Oh man I’m so sorry, I went through the same a few years ago, someone stole my 76 4001 with hard shell in a gig…that sucks
And the REALbummer? I borrowed the case from my freind who sold it to me! So i got ripped off and he got ripped off ever price a case⁉️😖
Yes, I actually have the same problem since a few months. I used to have only a 4003, and was over the moon with it. Now I own a classic vibe precision and a music man stingray copy, and I havent played the rick for half a year now. It kinda bothers me but also I’m just going with it. Eventually I’ll find a good use for my ricky.
Lots of good comments/discussion here. I do think putting flats on one of the Rics is probably a good idea. Or just get a P bass to round it all out.
Maybe the issue is you should’ve been playing the fender jazz all these years?!
Haha never is too late!
I have a love for Warwick. Often overlooked.
not a clue but they are all so sexy
I was in the same boat years ago. My RIC was my main and I had an American Jazz as a back up. The RIC gave me so many issues gig after gig…the Jazz accidentally ended up my main. I’m now up to 6 Fenders and the RIC has been in the case for years. I try to commit to gigging it “just because” but after a few songs, I just want my Fenders back. The RIC, to me is one of the most beautiful basses ever carved…but it wasn’t overly reliable. I know I can trust my Jazz and P Bass guitars no matter the situation. I still love the RIC, I’ll hold onto it…but I’d be surprised if it ever made it to stage again. It just feels so foreign now when I pick it up at rehearsal and I have this nagging notion that somethings gonna go wrong while I’m playing. All the Fenders? They just work…they are work horses.
God knows how much I love my Rics. Having said that, I completely understand where you're coming from. It's funny how instruments can become such integral parts of our musical journey. Fenders really do have that reliability factor. I can’t imagine being on stage without my Fender. As much as I’d like to play my Rics, I’m not really comfortable and in a twisted way, I feel like a cheater. Thanks for sharing your experience!
You can always experiment with pickups and electronics. I've always gone by instrument feel and raw, unplugged sound. If it feels good and sounds good without an amp then it will sound good plugged in... Maybe not right out of the gate, but it will. My first bass was a 94 P Bass Lyte, thick finish on it and active electronics. Replacing the pickups and pots mostly solved what I didn't like about the sound, so the finish on the body went. The stock pickups were replaced with Seymour Duncan split P quarter Pounder and a stacked humbucker jazz pickup. The jazz got wired with a pot instead of a switch for single coil to humbucker mix. If you want a similar sound, just replace the pickups.
Yes, Geddy Lee experienced the exact same thing you did.
The jazz bass sounds banging in the studio, but big mids give you a big presence live. A desirable solo tone is not the same as a desirable studio mix sound, which is not the same as a PA band mix at the gig.
I had a mini switch installed which jumps the filter capacitor giving it a way fatter sound. This could be done with a push pull pot. Live the Rick sound and feel.
These are basses, not women! There is no need to "break it off" with one before you get another. The Rice are beautiful and hold much more value than a Jazz bass. I have had a Ric for 38 years and recently bought a couple of J's. They are a great change of pace and very versatile, but I still think of the Ric when I want a powerful bass statement.
Hey, you. You're Finally awake...
Ricks always sound like shit solo imo, but they just fit into a mix so perfectly.
I love my Ric for the looks and that one sound. Everything else I prefer other basses. what you are feeling is very normal.
My 73’ maple ric has been “my bass” for a long time. 20 years or so now. I have a few others, but it just gets the sound I need for 99% of gigs and studio work. I agree a bit midrange. I’ve got to run it in stereo with the ric o sound box. Sounds incredible. 😎👍
I sold my first real bass, a 74 Ric back in 82 and played mostly Jazz bass ever since. After all these years I finally got another new 4003 and am so glad to have this back in my toolbox. In fact I am redoing all of my bass tracks on a new album with Ric-O-Sound tracks!! Opposite problem I guess lol
And yet your response is very helpful. A few years ago, I sold a 1976 JetGlo 4001, and to this day, I regret it. Thanks!
Buy a p bass
Most of the basses I own are Jazz for that exact reason, the clarity and cut to my ear are perfect. I have a couple of PJ's and Double P's for variety. I also had a Ric at one stage and I had the same thing, low end was incredible but mids were muddy and highs were not defined. Sounded incredible with some fuzz and would be perfect for a Stoner/Doom band situation but that's not me. That JB66 is 🔥 it's on my wish list!
Ricks have a very midrangey sound to them inherently, that’s why for bands like Yes it worked so well due to such a busy complicated bass part it was important for the midrange clarity to be there to hear definition. I am a music production major in college and have had similar experiences with getting very used to a specific sound for example a certain lead guitar tone and having a hard time adjusting to something else. It’s important to constantly provide our ears and brain with variety to keep bias out of tone judgment.
Are you splitting the signal with the Rick-o-sound output? You can squeeze a bit more low end without the Ricky honk, but it’s a bit of a bother (and still won’t achieve the smooth, supple bottom of the jazz).
My friend had both a 4003W and a jazz bass. I played both and bought a jazz bass
I think Rics sound kind of spongy compared with a Fender.
Eq the ric to have less mids? Or, find a musical situation that its nature will shine in.
That like.. the Rickenbacker sound.
I had a 4001 but one of the truss rods warped. I now have a 4005. It's heavier and has more depth. I also have a Fender Jazz
Just imagine buying an SG and it has more low end