Wanted one for 40 years - like my heroes Geddy and Squire - and now I’ve finally splurged on one. I love it!! When I’m not playing it, I keep LOOKING at it. It’s a beautiful and unique bass, especially tone-wise.
It's a special look, but I'm on your side. I absolutely love them. I think that black is a bit too boring for them, though. They need some color. The natural finishes can be quite cool.
@@axelmagnusgaaso Sunburst and black are actually very classy looking colors for this bass imho. Back in the day a friend of mine couldn't afford the real thing so he bought first a sunburst El Degas copy which was kinda ok and a while later bought a black Univox copy that sounded surprisingly good! Didn't hurt that he used them on a Ampeg bass rig. Anyway they both looked really nice and i wish he still had them.
Ric is the nicest bass to play! Many musicians call it "the solo guitar among basses"!!! Ric sounds specific too. But if You like something else... it has nothing to do with Ric.
+Matthew The Bass Man I just got a brand new one for $1800......I think if you look for sales, and depending on the color....you can do a lot better than $2300.
+Matt Barrack Bass what the fuck are you talking about! i got mine used for 900 dollars, if someone tried selling you a used rick for 2,300 they are fucked in the head
I don't think it'll happen. John Hall said it many times on the RIC forums. Do what I did guys, it took me three years of spending just the strictly necessary. The bass worth the effort. Ten years later It's still the bass for me.
Hey Jonathan - Thanks for the mention on our rest ! Glad you like it ^_^ (it's polycarbonate by the way) We make "no mods" rests for Fender Jazz, Fender P and MM Stingray also. We are also working on a hum neutralizer for Rics, that also makes no changes to the bass..
There so iconic yet so far and few. They have never outsourced and all ricks are still made in California, they’re very distinct in looks and sound, when you play Rickenbacker, you sound like a Rickenbacker. Legends like Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, John Lennon, Lemmy and many more have used Rickenbackers. They will go down as one of the best companies to have ever graced instruments and music.
My dad got one just like this and its a 1972 model his friend gave to him, it has the stock pickup in the neck, but a custom one in the bridge and the pickguard is black, its really cool i get to play it a lot
What a great video review. I play Fenders and Rickies, including a 4001 fretless (SCHWING!) along with a newer fretted 4003. I have always loved the feel of a Ricky even though they weren't designed for finger playing (and you alluded to that in your video). The push/pull knob on the modern 4003s is *REALLY* nice and makes it great for rock, blues, jazz, whatever you need to play. I have also been in some horribly "boomy" venues where the "classic Rick sound" has been a godsend. My experience with buzzing has been different; when Fender single coils go ape sh*t with buzz, the 4003 has always been clean.
Though I'm a die hard Spector man myself, I've always loved the Rickenbacker bass too as well. There's nothing to not like about them. They play, and feel great, they're well balanced, they have a great vintage trebley punch, and the distinctive curvy body style is just absolutely cool to look at. Antique ivory white, or natural maple is my favorite colors on a Rickenbacker.
Nice, plane, and well organized informative video on the coolest and best sounding electric bass ever. Love the way it is presented, not many people manage to keep narcissistic nuances off while holding an electric guitar in their hands. Thank you.
Nice review. Balanced and informative. Always wanted a Rick (have played J basses for 30+ years) and agree they are a classic design and do some things no other instruments can. One day I'll take the plunge and treat myself.
Thank you. I use to play bass back in the 80's. I got to play an old Richenbacker back in the 80's . I use to see them used in instrument stores quite a bit. My thoughts are, people who gave them up were not thinking too clearly . If they wold have held on to it up until now, it would be worth more money than they paid for it, provided it was well taken care of. Interesting to hear how that model has changed. Awsome technology.
Top review man! I'll be fulfilling a 14 year dream in Jan next year when a pay rise at work means I'll finally be getting my hands on a Jetglo 4003. It'll look extra beautiful next to my black and white 70 jazz. A match made in heaven.
I love my old Rickenbacker I bought it in 1979 and other than it needs new strings it is super. Candy snow glow pearl white. Solid wood body clean lines what more could you want. I remember seeing the Beatles live on the Ed Sullivan show back in the 60’s. Just had to get my self a guitar and play along with them.
You'd think we covered all of our bases, right? Yet I think Nate, and I might be off base, meant to type "hear" not "here". And speaking of hear, that Rickenbacker sounded sweet in his basement studio. Maybe it's the baseboards. Naw, it's the Ricky and the Rocker. Sacrilicious.
I own 3 vintage 70's Rickenbacker 4001 basses. I have no problem with the bridges. Say what you will and I respect everyone's opinion, but for me, the original bridges are just fine and look ultra-cool. Now I know Geddy always swapped out his bridges... However, Chris Squire never felt the need to swap out his bridge - and his Rick bass tones are of the most recognizable. I've left all 3 of my Ricks all original, but what I've done on 2 of them is to solder a jumper wire across the capacitor that rolls off the low end on the rear pickup. It really helped make both basses sound much fuller and actually made the rear pickup usable on it's own, rather than just complementing the neck pickup. Thanks for the reviews that you do - most enjoyable!
Led Zepmann I used to have a 4001. I miss it. That said, Squire's sound was peculiar to his bass. He took it to a wood shop and shaved a 1/4 off the body. He replaced the electronics and he used Rotosound strings. For a long time, if you used Rotosounds on your Rick, you voided the warranty (they're like piano strings....) Rotos ate Ricky frets for breakfast and were brutal on the fretboard, but they chime like bells - freakish strings. I had Rotos for a while, but switched to DR - same clank, but more flexible strings. Squire never swapped his bridge because he didn't need to... cheers!
You're right about Rotosounds being hard on the bass! I have an older friend who has a '72 Mapleglo 4001 with checkerboard binding. He bought it new and in those days, the basses came out of the factory with flatwound strings. Well, my friend was a very big Chris Squire fan and he wanted that sound, so he put Rotosounds on it. And with the old single truss rod design, the strings almost snapped the neck! He sent the bass back to the factory for repair. They wrote him back, practically cursing him out and saying you should never put Rotosounds on those basses.
Thanks for the info on the Rickenbacker 4001 Bridge. I have a 74 that was completely modified by Les Paul's personal luthier Tommy Doyle...….. It has Tom's low/hi impedance pickups and electronics and he also shaved and refinished the neck to Jazz Bass specs (1 1/2' at the nut) Tom Bass spec's, replaced the Grover tuners with Schaller's and added a 4 position varitone switch; I can get a P-Bass, J-Bass, Gibson EB or traditional Rick sound at the flick of a switch...…… this is a one-of-a-kind Amazing Bass !!!!
love my 2012 ruby-red..set her up myself..front pup added rubber gromits now just over half way..bridge pup about 9 ml from bottoom of e string...g string slanted further down ..not too much...ernie ball coated 45/105....through a 1972 marshall major with 2..2x15 tall bass cabs...sings like a canary on acid mate.....love your vids...keep on...keepin on.
I have a bunch of Fender Jazz bassist of All Sorts. I also use Yamaha in the Studio a lot. But, I just love Rickenbacker. I really like what you did with the hipshot bridge. Considering buying one now just because of that! Thanks for the demo thanks for the review and video. PS nice markbass amp
Yeah...that infernal, annoying, hum.....Too much money for that b s!! Ppl talk about it being being part of a Ric's "mystic"....Mystic hell! It's NOISE with an alternate name!!
@@warrenmorphis4208 You really have nothing better to do, huh? How many comments like this have you made? If you hate them so much why do you even take the time to watch a video all about them and to write God knows how many comments? Some people like them, whether you agree or not means nothing. Your opinion isn't the be all and end all. Get out of your own arse.
nice review. Its good to see a review of a 4003 that is not just hate. I have an old 1979 4003 that's about to undergo an overhaul. I was happy to hear about the bridge and the thumb rest. I would like to consider the installing a"modern" tone control to get the deeper bass.
@@jonathangroomsbassist IMO, one important aspect deserved more coverage. It's no accident that so many bassists have used distortion with their Ricks. Again, it's just an opinion, but the pervasiveness of distorted Rick basses and their unique overtones under distortion deserve mention. Obviously Geddy likes his Jazz. Fine. I think nearly everyone who distorts a Jazz sounds thin, and most bassists don't use distortion at all. But (correct me if I'm wrong) historically I think most 4001/4003 players have used that elegant, non-intrusive, distorted Rick tone, at least during part of their years (even Roger Waters did that for a brief time - Meddle tour, I think?). IMO, the Rick distorts far more beautifully than any other bass. Yeah, totally subjective, but it's as much a part of the Rick sound as overdrive is to the Marshall sound. Sure, it's an awesome amp without it, but it's pure magic when you use it, and very recognizable. (Can you tell I'm a fan of Geddy, Chris, and Ox? ;-)
I'm new to bass, in fact haven't bought one yet but have to say the ric is a fine looking instrument. I never knew how much I've already heard them. But it looks anything but light. Right now it's going to be a very economical buy but I wouldn't mind playing a ric some day. Classy
I am very interested in knowing how do you manage to avoid that "clank" sound that comes from the strings hitting the first fret. I mean, your sound is really clean in that bass. I have a 4003 and that "clank" is always there. Has something to do with the hipshot bridge? Thanks!
Greg Woodie hi its the 63 4001 reissue bass with the reverse headstock that paul Mccartney used on the sgt pepper album, the pyramids are the tape wound strings he also used.
Ah right, they did do back then, keep hold of it rics are rocketing in value at the mo, not sure about the right hand string though, that would just confuse me lol
Great review. Just one thing, you forgot to mention Lemmy Kilmister, he played Rickenbackers his whole career, even before Motörhead. What was wrong with the original Rickenbacker bridge, did it make the strings break?
+David Rinden They were sheet metal, and the saddle assembly rested in the sheet metal "ashtray", up off the body, robbing the bass of sustain potential. The saddle assemvly, to make things worse, was held in ONLY by string tension.Take all 4 off, lose your bridge AND your intonation. It was Absolutely Essential to change Rick strings ONE AT A TIME.
+Matt Barrack Bass You have "heard" that they can be a pain to intonate? I have had my 4001 v63 for well over 20 years and that is hogwash. I had one in high school and it got destroyed (long story) and it was the same way. Perfect sound, perfect fretboard, and intonates quite well with the stock bridge.
+Matt Barrack Bass I've got a 4003 and it's a royal pain in the ass to intonate. They look great, but the main issue is that when you're trying to intonate it, you have to weave the screwdriver both between the string and the raised back end of the bridge, meaning you are just barely able to thread the screwdriver into the screw. It's a pain. The real straw that broke the camel's back for me however was the fact that the saddles started coming loose... They would wobble in their mountings, giving a really annoying and horrible sounding buzz. I "fixed" it by putting bits of a chopped up old library card in it and holding it that way, but every time I tried to change the intonation the damn things would fall out again. The Hipshot is far easier to intonate. My only real issue with it is that on mine unfortunately the strings don't line up perfectly with the pole pieces of the pickups... It sounds the same, but just looks a little worse to me since they aren't lining up properly.
You've cured the two biggest issues with a Ric. Bridge p'up cover removed. Proper bridge installed. I hate my '76 Rickenbacker. Extremely overpriced junk. Heavy, noisy, uncomfortable. But on Macca it looked good.
Really wish they made an entry.level sorta thing (like Squier) of these. Get rid of the Rick-o-Sound and make a Korean/Chinese made Rick. They would sell like sliced bread.
From the company's website: Prior to 1984, Rickenbacker basses utilized a capacitor in the treble pickup circuit to emphasize treble tones coming from that pickup. However, changes in tone preference and a call for higher output led RIC to discontinue the use of this capacitor in favor of a more balanced sound. Nevertheless many users added this capacitor back into the circuit, experimenting with and sometimes preferring the sound of the older configuration, despite the resulting drop in volume.
I really, really want one but there are 3 problems I have. 1) Left handed ones are extremely hard to find 2) there almost non-existant in Australia 3) its more expensive to import
There's loads of bass players learning to play left handed so they can be Paul in Beatle tribute bands so wouldn't it be cheaper to just learn to play right handed?
I miss my Rick....I think the loudest camp for poo pooing this bass came from the " Popomatic" modern crowd as this bass was made to play ....not " Pop"...( SlaP)
Nothing lame about playing with a pick, Paul McCartney did it and so did David Ellefson and many others. That being said it's always good to expand ones skillset different sounds ask for different approaches.
@@kostka8152 So Sir Paul McCartney, David Ellefson, Justin Chancellor, Jean-Michel Labadie, Dave Hope, Chris Squire, Lemmy Kilmister, Bobby Vega, Joe Osborne and Carol Kaye are all lame?
Tome Bašić I’m sure most if not all of these bassists could still play with their hands lmao, and you can’t compare a regular player to a legend in the first place because it’s not like the ordinary man has contributed much to music, and generally bassists who only use picks because they’re not good enough to play guitar but not skilled enough to transform their bass playing end up staying the same mediocre player.
@@kostka8152 bruh, now you are just moving the goalpost tbh. Being a good bass player is about the mindset and the way you approach the song. it doesn't really matter what tools you use to get there, the only thing that matters is if what you are doing serves the song or not. Tbh it's always better to know more rather than less but If someone can do stuff like sweep tapping or can simply just support the band and pump out a consistant groove why should I think off the guy less as a bass player just because he doesn't know how to play fingerstyle. Sounds like a ridiculous reason to throw shade on someone. The only thing that should really matter is the music...
Great video. Very informative! Been a bass player for 31 yrs i was always afraid of the rick.. My hero's were ..Lee.. Squier...entwistle..thanks i think im going to the music store and try one.
People who hate Rickenbacker, most of the time are the ones who can't afford them. They say it costs too much for what it is. Well its a Rickenbacker, you either dish out the cash or you just don't get it. There are no backdoors, go big or go home.
I once met someone who said that Ricks were shitty and a waste of money. I asked him what bass he used. It was one of those begginer/starter ibanez basses. Nuff said.
ACoolStupidDog is an sr300 crappy for the price? Imma buy one really soon. Most vids say it's awesome and the guy at the shop said it too. Unless u have REALLY negative points imma buy the sr300 bwk
Laurens Hofman Hey, when I say crappy, it's mostly in the tonal qualities, which when beginning is not an issue, as your first bass should help you get technical talent. I started with an Ibanez GSR200, cheaper than the SR300, and the sound was just not inspiring at all, yet, the bass itself was very comfortable! So, I say go for it! The SRs are very good! Plus, with active pups, I'm pretty sure it will sound better than the one I used to have. In the shop, however, verify that the strings are quite close to the neck. Not too far, to make fretting easy, but not too close, as that initiates dead spots. Also, try every single fret on each string to make sure that they're is no dead spot (notes that simply don't play and you just hear a metallic "tchk" instead). I wish you luck!
Great demo. I know these basses are pricey, but like you mentioned, I was turned on to the sound of them by Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, and then when I saw the bassist from Down use one last summer and actually heard it live, I knew I needed one, so I am literally saving my pennies and dimes.
I gotta get that bridge for my 4003. Also that thumb rest would be very functional because I still have the cover over my bridge pickup which gets in my way.
My 1996 Rickenbacker 4003 model bass is signed by Chris Squire. He signed it in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on The Ladder Tour. It is as original as the day I bought it. I have no problems with the bridge. As much as I have been influenced by Geddy Lee & Chris Squire I leave their bass lines, technique & tone to them. I prefer to sound like myself.
Wanted one for 40 years - like my heroes Geddy and Squire - and now I’ve finally splurged on one. I love it!! When I’m not playing it, I keep LOOKING at it. It’s a beautiful and unique bass, especially tone-wise.
Rickenbackers are the best looking basses out there in my opinion.
I fully agree! ;)
It's a special look, but I'm on your side. I absolutely love them. I think that black is a bit too boring for them, though. They need some color. The natural finishes can be quite cool.
@@axelmagnusgaaso Sunburst and black are actually very classy looking colors for this bass imho. Back in the day a friend of mine couldn't afford the real thing so he bought first a sunburst El Degas copy which was kinda ok and a while later bought a black Univox copy that sounded surprisingly good! Didn't hurt that he used them on a Ampeg bass rig. Anyway they both looked really nice and i wish he still had them.
Ric is the nicest bass to play! Many musicians call it "the solo guitar among basses"!!! Ric sounds specific too. But if You like something else... it has nothing to do with Ric.
Firebird, spector
Rickenbacker Bass guitars are the most beautiful of them all.
Rickenbacker: the "rolls royce" of all basses. Simply and always the best. Legend.
No way..... Music Man Stingray the bass of the gods !
Danelectros. If you know, you know.
Rickenbacker the Rolls Royce and Rogue the Lamborghini!
It's an amazing bass but I do find it limited on certain aspects. I guess a Rolls Royce can't win a NASCAR.
Price wise Rolls of basses would be maybe a Wal MK2
i just wish these thing weren't so expensive
+Matthew The Bass Man I just got a brand new one for $1800......I think if you look for sales, and depending on the color....you can do a lot better than $2300.
+Wesley Wheeler (WestWing) I got mine during a special musicansfriend sale 1500$ virgin in the box.
+Matt Barrack Bass what the fuck are you talking about! i got mine used for 900 dollars, if someone tried selling you a used rick for 2,300 they are fucked in the head
I don't think it'll happen. John Hall said it many times on the RIC forums. Do what I did guys, it took me three years of spending just the strictly necessary. The bass worth the effort. Ten years later It's still the bass for me.
In the U.S. they cost $1,600, cheaper then most Fender Jazz basses
4:29 I was just watching a tutorial on how to play this solo, it's hard af. Geddy Lee is a hell of a bassist
Hey Jonathan - Thanks for the mention on our rest !
Glad you like it ^_^
(it's polycarbonate by the way) We make "no mods" rests
for Fender Jazz, Fender P and MM Stingray also.
We are also working on a hum neutralizer for Rics, that also makes no
changes to the bass..
I am a drummer and when bassists on my gigs have a Ric I love their tone and cutting tight unique sound!
Every single Rickenbacker bass video I see makes me love and appreciate my Fender Jazz bass more and more.
Every Jazz bass video I see makes me love P basses all the more.
the rick is a metal / rock bass it's not for everyone I love both but the rick is more special to me
Chris Brubeck plays fretless Rick.
“I’m not even gonna attempt to play roundabout”
Easy peezy. I'm 70 years old and I still love to play that tune.
There so iconic yet so far and few. They have never outsourced and all ricks are still made in California, they’re very distinct in looks and sound, when you play Rickenbacker, you sound like a Rickenbacker. Legends like Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, John Lennon, Lemmy and many more have used Rickenbackers. They will go down as one of the best companies to have ever graced instruments and music.
My dad got one just like this and its a 1972 model his friend gave to him, it has the stock pickup in the neck, but a custom one in the bridge and the pickguard is black, its really cool i get to play it a lot
I LOVE the original sound, and I LOVE the look of these basses!!! One day, maybe I'll have one!
I want this bass so much I've had several dreams about playing it. Damn, it's gorgeous and damn is it's sound so cool.
Bruce Foxton played quite a few 4001s back in the day. I mention this as he is (sadly) quite often overlooked. Long live The Jam!
The Jam, tight suits with Rickenbacker guitar and bass. That is a genuine mobs` way.
Was gonna mention Bruce Foxton. To me he's the first guy I think of with Ricky bass. Mind you, I'm English and of a certain age.
Yes, Bruce is up there with Macca in my eyes as being a Rick player
Pretty sure his bass, at least in the early days, was a Japanese fake.
Guys, guys....don't forget Hooky from Joy Division!
That Tone is incredibly beautiful, I played this exact one at guitar center today
What a great video review. I play Fenders and Rickies, including a 4001 fretless (SCHWING!) along with a newer fretted 4003. I have always loved the feel of a Ricky even though they weren't designed for finger playing (and you alluded to that in your video). The push/pull knob on the modern 4003s is *REALLY* nice and makes it great for rock, blues, jazz, whatever you need to play. I have also been in some horribly "boomy" venues where the "classic Rick sound" has been a godsend. My experience with buzzing has been different; when Fender single coils go ape sh*t with buzz, the 4003 has always been clean.
The second you started playing Xanadu I started headbanging
Love how you just snuck that killer lick from Freewill in there
With the distortion the sounds simply goes on on and getting better the most awesome way!
Though I'm a die hard Spector man myself, I've always loved the Rickenbacker bass too as well. There's nothing to not like about them. They play, and feel great, they're well balanced, they have a great vintage trebley punch, and the distinctive curvy body style is just absolutely cool to look at. Antique ivory white, or natural maple is my favorite colors on a Rickenbacker.
Thanks a lot for the zero mod thumbrest info. Total game changer for finger style playing
Nice, plane, and well organized informative video on the coolest and best sounding electric bass ever. Love the way it is presented, not many people manage to keep narcissistic nuances off while holding an electric guitar in their hands. Thank you.
the best bass" demonstrator" i saw on youtube. thank you..
I have one for 4 years now and I love it!!!!
I waited 50 years for mine and over the moon with it. I blame Chris Squire playing on Yours Is No Disgrace!
Nice review. Balanced and informative. Always wanted a Rick (have played J basses for 30+ years) and agree they are a classic design and do some things no other instruments can. One day I'll take the plunge and treat myself.
Thank you. I use to play bass back in the 80's. I got to play an old Richenbacker back in the 80's .
I use to see them used in instrument stores quite a bit. My thoughts are, people who gave them up were not thinking too clearly . If they wold have held on to it up until now, it would be worth more money than they paid for it, provided it was well taken care of. Interesting to hear how that model has changed. Awsome technology.
Top review man! I'll be fulfilling a 14 year dream in Jan next year when a pay rise at work means I'll finally be getting my hands on a Jetglo 4003.
It'll look extra beautiful next to my black and white 70 jazz. A match made in heaven.
Best demo and explanation of this bass yet.
Yeah, I especially liked how he failed to use a pick at all, and demonstrate the famous Rickenbacker bass sound we all know so well. . .
I love my old Rickenbacker I bought it in 1979 and other than it needs new strings it is super. Candy snow glow pearl white. Solid wood body clean lines what more could you want. I remember seeing the Beatles live on the Ed Sullivan show back in the 60’s. Just had to get my self a guitar and play along with them.
I like your mods on your 4003. Beautiful instrument.
I subbed the instant I heard you mention both Geddy Lee and Chris Squire together in the same sentence, my two favorite bass players!
***** Fuckin' love Joy Division!
+Jake Roberts Nope, Hook's bass was a Hondo Ric copy.
Mine, too! :)
Zach Haywood he forgot Cliff Burton
Brandon Noneya indeed he did. My favorite of all time
Here in my BASSment! Eh? No one?
You'd think we covered all of our bases, right? Yet I think Nate, and I might be off base, meant to type "hear" not "here". And speaking of hear, that Rickenbacker sounded sweet in his basement studio. Maybe it's the baseboards. Naw, it's the Ricky and the Rocker. Sacrilicious.
HA!
I'm not aBASShed to say that I like puns.
bro
shut up
I own 3 vintage 70's Rickenbacker 4001 basses. I have no problem with the bridges. Say what you will and I respect everyone's opinion, but for me, the original bridges are just fine and look ultra-cool. Now I know Geddy always swapped out his bridges... However, Chris Squire never felt the need to swap out his bridge - and his Rick bass tones are of the most recognizable. I've left all 3 of my Ricks all original, but what I've done on 2 of them is to solder a jumper wire across the capacitor that rolls off the low end on the rear pickup. It really helped make both basses sound much fuller and actually made the rear pickup usable on it's own, rather than just complementing the neck pickup. Thanks for the reviews that you do - most enjoyable!
Led Zepmann I used to have a 4001. I miss it. That said, Squire's sound was peculiar to his bass. He took it to a wood shop and shaved a 1/4 off the body. He replaced the electronics and he used Rotosound strings. For a long time, if you used Rotosounds on your Rick, you voided the warranty (they're like piano strings....) Rotos ate Ricky frets for breakfast and were brutal on the fretboard, but they chime like bells - freakish strings. I had Rotos for a while, but switched to DR - same clank, but more flexible strings. Squire never swapped his bridge because he didn't need to... cheers!
can I have one... can't afford it pol
+Dylan Green *lol
You're right about Rotosounds being hard on the bass! I have an older friend who has a '72 Mapleglo 4001 with checkerboard binding. He bought it new and in those days, the basses came out of the factory with flatwound strings. Well, my friend was a very big Chris Squire fan and he wanted that sound, so he put Rotosounds on it. And with the old single truss rod design, the strings almost snapped the neck! He sent the bass back to the factory for repair. They wrote him back, practically cursing him out and saying you should never put Rotosounds on those basses.
Single truss rod design? I thought Rics well renowned for their twin truss rod set up?
i enjoy your reviews. They are all business and no bulls**t! Thanks for taking the time to share them!
Mark B. Freeman thanks for the positive feedback!
Love the look. I hope to buy one for my retirement!
I love them and wanted one since I was 14 (28 now).
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Rip credit score.
This is one of the older models, perfect lookin and sounds pretty good with the modifications! This one is a beast! 😅😂🤣 But not easy to play! 😉🤗
Thanks for the info on the Rickenbacker 4001 Bridge. I have a 74 that was completely modified by Les Paul's personal luthier Tommy Doyle...….. It has Tom's low/hi impedance pickups and electronics and he also shaved and refinished the neck to Jazz Bass specs (1 1/2' at the nut) Tom Bass spec's, replaced the Grover tuners with Schaller's and added a 4 position varitone switch; I can get a P-Bass, J-Bass, Gibson EB or traditional Rick sound at the flick of a switch...…… this is a one-of-a-kind Amazing Bass !!!!
love my 2012 ruby-red..set her up myself..front pup added rubber gromits now just over half way..bridge pup about 9 ml from bottoom of e string...g string slanted further down ..not too much...ernie ball coated 45/105....through a 1972 marshall major with 2..2x15 tall bass cabs...sings like a canary on acid mate.....love your vids...keep on...keepin on.
Greg Philbin -REO & Chuck Panozzo - early STYX !! yehhh. good vid Jon.
Always dug that line in Freewill.
Geddy Lee's bass playing in " A Farewell to Kings", and "YYZ" is EPIC.
@@Beamshipcaptain Agreed, although I'd have to add Circumstances (and quite a few others lol) to that list :)
I think this is the best-sounding demo of the Rick I’ve heard. Bravo.
Thankyou, that's very cool of you to say.
@@jonathangroomsbassist man I gotta tell you, every time I come back to watch this video, it makes me want to blow my savings on a Rick haha
I have a bunch of Fender Jazz bassist of All Sorts. I also use Yamaha in the Studio a lot. But, I just love Rickenbacker. I really like what you did with the hipshot bridge. Considering buying one now just because of that! Thanks for the demo thanks for the review and video. PS nice markbass amp
I'm a big Chris Squire fan. Made me smile when he was like, nah I'm not gonna try it. ;)
These basses have a special sound I never hear anywhere else that I just love.
Yeah...that infernal, annoying, hum.....Too much money for that b s!! Ppl talk about it being being part of a Ric's "mystic"....Mystic hell! It's NOISE with an alternate name!!
@@warrenmorphis4208
You really have nothing better to do, huh? How many comments like this have you made? If you hate them so much why do you even take the time to watch a video all about them and to write God knows how many comments? Some people like them, whether you agree or not means nothing. Your opinion isn't the be all and end all. Get out of your own arse.
nice review, thanks for the heads up on the bridge!
LOVE this video man. Thanks so much for sharing!
I'll purchase one base one of these days and I think it'll be this one.
Ayyy i heard the freewill bass solo! Nice review man, ive always been intrigued by the Rick but just dont have the money for one sadly.
nice review. Its good to see a review of a 4003 that is not just hate. I have an old 1979 4003 that's about to undergo an overhaul. I was happy to hear about the bridge and the thumb rest. I would like to consider the installing a"modern" tone control to get the deeper bass.
I love my '78 4001. Bought it new, no issues in 42 years.
they finally addressed the bridge issue, no need for the Hipshot ones now!
c.a.t.wallace furi kuri!
Hipshots are STILL the shit!! And it's about damn time!
Lemmy is the Rickenbacker master, although his ones are custom and he modified them, he loves the shape
Space Emo Cosplay nope. Cliff Burton was the rick king
I think this is the best 4003 review video on RUclips
Thankyou
@@jonathangroomsbassist IMO, one important aspect deserved more coverage. It's no accident that so many bassists have used distortion with their Ricks. Again, it's just an opinion, but the pervasiveness of distorted Rick basses and their unique overtones under distortion deserve mention. Obviously Geddy likes his Jazz. Fine. I think nearly everyone who distorts a Jazz sounds thin, and most bassists don't use distortion at all. But (correct me if I'm wrong) historically I think most 4001/4003 players have used that elegant, non-intrusive, distorted Rick tone, at least during part of their years (even Roger Waters did that for a brief time - Meddle tour, I think?). IMO, the Rick distorts far more beautifully than any other bass. Yeah, totally subjective, but it's as much a part of the Rick sound as overdrive is to the Marshall sound. Sure, it's an awesome amp without it, but it's pure magic when you use it, and very recognizable.
(Can you tell I'm a fan of Geddy, Chris, and Ox? ;-)
Thanks mate, this video has been quite useful to me. Good work!
it's all about the attack on the strings with your right hand if your right handed
I've been playing a 73 rick 4001 since 1978 and it is, by far, the best sounding, easiet bass out there IMHO
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I'm new to bass, in fact haven't bought one yet but have to say the ric is a fine looking instrument. I never knew how much I've already heard them. But it looks anything but light. Right now it's going to be a very economical buy but I wouldn't mind playing a ric some day. Classy
I love the fast neck, just like a strat. I want to add it to my collection and with a Firebird.
I will work so hard in my life so i can own one of these. I'm not that great of a bass player, but goddamn the design of it is just so sexy.
I am very interested in knowing how do you manage to avoid that "clank" sound that comes from the strings hitting the first fret. I mean, your sound is really clean in that bass. I have a 4003 and that "clank" is always there. Has something to do with the hipshot bridge? Thanks!
+Israel Bernal Some people like that "clank"....I guess it's a matter of preference.
Irra LeRot depends a lot on playing technique, your action height and the angle of the neck also affect it
I am a Fender jazz bass man all the way since 83, but I always liked the sound of the Rickenbacker. Might break down and get one.
First time I have come across your channel... thanks for the cool demo on the 4003. I don't own one but your video is quite informative
I love them, own a lefty version of this and a rare Ric p.m.c bass with pyramids
What is 'p.m.c.'? Paul McCartney? And by pyramids, do you mean the inlays?
Greg Woodie hi its the 63 4001 reissue bass with the reverse headstock that paul Mccartney used on the sgt pepper album, the pyramids are the tape wound strings he also used.
stu80577 Ohhhhh! Ok. I have a 1985 Jetglo 4003, left handed with right hand stringing. It has a reverse headstock.
Ah right, they did do back then, keep hold of it rics are rocketing in value at the mo, not sure about the right hand string though, that would just confuse me lol
i would love to see that bass
Lucky bastard.. I've never even played one of them bad boys
Good clear review, thanks Jonathan.
That thing looks like a weapon, cool!
Hello Jonathan,
Nice demo and the bass with the hipshot sound great !
The action is low on this bass ? The neck is heavy ?
This is my dream bass !
The action get ridiculously low on these basses and the bass is well balanced so no neck dive.
Good demo on the push button.
Thankyou.
Jonathan, thank you for sharing. I too am a Rick fan, and like many others have said, they are the coolest looking bass out there!
Thankyou!
thank you and I ordered the bridge before the video ended thats how much I believe you, much love ! ! !!
Lemmy played one too
Listen the old motorhead man, Lemmy have THE sound, Chris Squire is a master no doubt.
Great review. Just one thing, you forgot to mention Lemmy Kilmister, he played Rickenbackers his whole career, even before Motörhead.
What was wrong with the original Rickenbacker bridge, did it make the strings break?
+David Rinden They were sheet metal, and the saddle assembly rested in the sheet metal "ashtray", up off the body, robbing the bass of sustain potential.
The saddle assemvly, to make things worse, was held in ONLY by string tension.Take all 4 off, lose your bridge AND your intonation.
It was Absolutely Essential to change Rick strings ONE AT A TIME.
+Matt Barrack Bass You have "heard" that they can be a pain to intonate? I have had my 4001 v63 for well over 20 years and that is hogwash. I had one in high school and it got destroyed (long story) and it was the same way. Perfect sound, perfect fretboard, and intonates quite well with the stock bridge.
+Matt Barrack Bass I've got a 4003 and it's a royal pain in the ass to intonate. They look great, but the main issue is that when you're trying to intonate it, you have to weave the screwdriver both between the string and the raised back end of the bridge, meaning you are just barely able to thread the screwdriver into the screw. It's a pain.
The real straw that broke the camel's back for me however was the fact that the saddles started coming loose... They would wobble in their mountings, giving a really annoying and horrible sounding buzz. I "fixed" it by putting bits of a chopped up old library card in it and holding it that way, but every time I tried to change the intonation the damn things would fall out again.
The Hipshot is far easier to intonate. My only real issue with it is that on mine unfortunately the strings don't line up perfectly with the pole pieces of the pickups... It sounds the same, but just looks a little worse to me since they aren't lining up properly.
This may show what is wrong with the bridge. ruclips.net/video/z4ODN1c_6ik/видео.html
@@RedArrow73 thanks.
loved the demo. ty.
Yep I have a 4003 and a 4001, I replaced the bridge on mine too.
Isso sim é um baixo que eu nunca vou ter
mano eu adoro o design dele,e lindo demais.
You've cured the two biggest issues with a Ric. Bridge p'up cover removed. Proper bridge installed. I hate my '76 Rickenbacker. Extremely overpriced junk. Heavy, noisy, uncomfortable. But on Macca it looked good.
I got to play one in a store i couldt stop playing it felt so perfect
Nice to see a demo with someone who can actually play quite good.
Will have to look into the hipshot bridge.
Broke out the Zanadu licks.
Really wish they made an entry.level sorta thing (like Squier) of these.
Get rid of the Rick-o-Sound and make a Korean/Chinese made Rick.
They would sell like sliced bread.
But this may be why the value of Rickenbacker s and their company remains high,... All production remains in the US. 🇺🇸. Good for them.
From the company's website: Prior to 1984, Rickenbacker basses utilized a capacitor in the treble pickup circuit to emphasize treble tones coming from that pickup. However, changes in tone preference and a call for higher output led RIC to discontinue the use of this capacitor in favor of a more balanced sound. Nevertheless many users added this capacitor back into the circuit, experimenting with and sometimes preferring the sound of the older configuration, despite the resulting drop in volume.
Best looking, and I love the sound!
I really, really want one but there are 3 problems I have.
1) Left handed ones are extremely hard to find
2) there almost non-existant in Australia
3) its more expensive to import
+Crimson Yoshi ebay
Tom Win I've checked ebay, but even there they seem like a good deal but then the shipping comes in.
probably have to go through custom and tax too huh?
Tom Win yeah its a real pain. Plus I'm only a teenager who works at maccas.
There's loads of bass players learning to play left handed so they can be Paul in Beatle tribute bands so wouldn't it be cheaper to just learn to play right handed?
I miss my Rick....I think the loudest camp for poo pooing this bass came from the " Popomatic" modern crowd as this bass was made to play ....not " Pop"...( SlaP)
Might want to check Johnny Lee Long, he can slap that thang. Man is he a hoot.
Love the sound.
I had a ricky bass that I bought new for $500 back in the 70's, really wish I still had it.
Rick James played a Rickenbacker and that's good enough for me
Rick was influenced by Cordell "Boogie" Mosson of Parliament Funkadelic fame to rock the Richenbacher.
nublackmusic yes! Rick James was the man. I love my Rickenbackers too.
Rick James played multiple basses, to include Fender P, Fender J, and Music Man Stingray.
Rick James & Leon Sylvers III are the only reason i'm buying my Rickenbacker in about 3 months !
Maurice Brown that's great to hear. I'm sure you will enjoy it!
When you're a lame pick bass player like me you ain't got to give a damn about no thumb placement
Nothing lame about playing with a pick, Paul McCartney did it and so did David Ellefson and many others. That being said it's always good to expand ones skillset different sounds ask for different approaches.
@@tomebasic2843 Nah it's pretty lame, I feel like you cant call yourself a real bass player if you only play with pick
@@kostka8152 So Sir Paul McCartney, David Ellefson, Justin Chancellor, Jean-Michel Labadie, Dave Hope, Chris Squire, Lemmy Kilmister, Bobby Vega, Joe Osborne and Carol Kaye are all lame?
Tome Bašić I’m sure most if not all of these bassists could still play with their hands lmao, and you can’t compare a regular player to a legend in the first place because it’s not like the ordinary man has contributed much to music, and generally bassists who only use picks because they’re not good enough to play guitar but not skilled enough to transform their bass playing end up staying the same mediocre player.
@@kostka8152 bruh, now you are just moving the goalpost tbh. Being a good bass player is about the mindset and the way you approach the song. it doesn't really matter what tools you use to get there, the only thing that matters is if what you are doing serves the song or not. Tbh it's always better to know more rather than less but If someone can do stuff like sweep tapping or can simply just support the band and pump out a consistant groove why should I think off the guy less as a bass player just because he doesn't know how to play fingerstyle. Sounds like a ridiculous reason to throw shade on someone. The only thing that should really matter is the music...
Klaus , Supermax leader and Leon sylvers III put this bass on the map for me. Beautiful instrument indeed
Great video. Very informative! Been a bass player for 31 yrs i was always afraid of the rick.. My hero's were ..Lee.. Squier...entwistle..thanks i think im going to the music store and try one.
Hahahah, you got my respect for not playing Roundabout :D
People who hate Rickenbacker, most of the time are the ones who can't afford them. They say it costs too much for what it is. Well its a Rickenbacker, you either dish out the cash or you just don't get it. There are no backdoors, go big or go home.
I once met someone who said that Ricks were shitty and a waste of money. I asked him what bass he used. It was one of those begginer/starter ibanez basses. Nuff said.
Conky ibanez basses arent bad, they are different. Of course, he may not rant about something he doesnt know well/own.
Laurens Hofman Ibanez makes some AMAZING stuff... But their beginner range is pretty... well... crappy.
ACoolStupidDog is an sr300 crappy for the price? Imma buy one really soon. Most vids say it's awesome and the guy at the shop said it too. Unless u have REALLY negative points imma buy the sr300 bwk
Laurens Hofman Hey, when I say crappy, it's mostly in the tonal qualities, which when beginning is not an issue, as your first bass should help you get technical talent. I started with an Ibanez GSR200, cheaper than the SR300, and the sound was just not inspiring at all, yet, the bass itself was very comfortable! So, I say go for it! The SRs are very good! Plus, with active pups, I'm pretty sure it will sound better than the one I used to have.
In the shop, however, verify that the strings are quite close to the neck. Not too far, to make fretting easy, but not too close, as that initiates dead spots. Also, try every single fret on each string to make sure that they're is no dead spot (notes that simply don't play and you just hear a metallic "tchk" instead). I wish you luck!
Great demo. I know these basses are pricey, but like you mentioned, I was turned on to the sound of them by Geddy Lee and Chris Squire, and then when I saw the bassist from Down use one last summer and actually heard it live, I knew I needed one, so I am literally saving my pennies and dimes.
I gotta get that bridge for my 4003. Also that thumb rest would be very functional because I still have the cover over my bridge pickup which gets in my way.
Oh come on... play Roundabout :-)
I was expecting anesthesia, but nevertheless, a good review
My 1996 Rickenbacker 4003 model bass is signed by Chris Squire. He signed it in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on The Ladder Tour. It is as original as the day I bought it. I have no problems with the bridge. As much as I have been influenced by Geddy Lee & Chris Squire I leave their bass lines, technique & tone to them. I prefer to sound like myself.
I like that I can get a similar tone from my Warwick. Good little history lesson. Thank you.
I k r?? And if you shop around - a lotta other basses run circles around this over priced, over hyped, bass wanna-be.....
@@warrenmorphis4208 same with a women.