I remember John Hall writing about the C Series provisioning, that he wanted Schaller to produce the KEYWINDS (Rickenbacker-ese for tuners), couldn't get consistent quality from what Schaller shipped, and ended up going to Gotoh for the vintage repro Keywinds.
I modded a 4003S with V63 gear, plus a .0047µfd Orange Drop to pass the Bridge Pickup signal thru. The V63 seems the go-to for Prog. The C64. " " " " " Pre-1966 British Invasion, and should only be strung with flats.
Just noticed when watching...The V63 horseshoe surround plate on the bridge side looks to be slightly more concaved on the radius than the C64 too :) they look slightly different when pause the vid at 2:24 and 2:37 between the models. Nice video, I have a C64
Your C64 sounds almost exactly like my '76 4001 as it has a toaster in the neck position. I've never heard another Ric that sounded that close to mine before.
I put a brass Hipshot bridge on my C64,and it has improved the sound. Now, the combination of an SWR redhead amp, Behringer Ultrafex II, Solo button engaged, and Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Bass flats, and Herco Flex 75 plectrum, and she sounds to a 'T' like a Beatles record.
Great video and great gear! I own the 4001 C64S in Maple and the description is precise to what you describe, except mine has a white nut and the screws on the bridge. It also has a zero fret. Thanks!
Yes, the reason why your C64 has those differences is because they created in yours what McCartney did to the bass. The horn is shaved too on yours just like Paul’s. Mine is like he first got it before it was stripped.Thanks for watching!
thanks for the reminder on these differences!! i bought a C64S maybe 12 years ago. i didn't know it was an S at the time lol. the finish on it is strange matte that is really hard to keep clean. i replaced the bridge and tuners with hipshots.
Sounds like the hi-pass filter capacitor was bypassed (or simply not present) on the V63 treble pickup, but the hi-pass filter cap in the C64 WAS engaged, so if that's true, that is exactly why the treble pickup on the V63 was so much louder and fuller than that of the C64. According to everything that I've read, the horseshoe pickup on the V63 is the same part as the C64, the only difference being how "bent down" the cosmetic chrome pickup cover is. (on the original 60s Rics, that pickup cover was actually the magnet, and the horseshoe shape of each half of the pickup cover allowed the magnet to be both above and beneath the strings. Later reproductions use standard pickup configuration (alnico slugs within the pickup) and the chrome pickup cover part became purely cosmetic) The hi-pass filter cap was installed at the factory as standard equipment during the 60s and 70s, but a lot of bass players removed it in order to allow the bridge pickup be full range, but removing the hi-pass cap does significantly change the sound when both pickups are on (middle pickup selector position). Rickenbacker stopped installing this capacitor sometime in the 80s (I think), and started installing it again in the 2000s, but on the newer basses it was selectable between "modern" (cap out) and "vintage" (cap in) with a push/pull switch. So I guess the question would be, did Paul McCartney have his hi-pass capacitor removed or not? That would determine which bass was more true to the original sound. My guess is that the C64 is correct.
I read on the Rickenbacker forum a post by Mr Hall that confirms everything you say. Regarding The capacitor in Paul’s bass, it originally had it in it. Whether he had it taken out after the Beatles is an interesting question . That wasn’t discussed. My assumption was that he was used to the sound and liked it so he probably didn’t change it. If it worked in the Beatles , why change it? But then again he had the Texan saddle changed to a fixed one so who knows? Great question!
@@perrystanleyNumber9 As far as I know a few were made mainly for the japanese market. I bought mine from Olivias Vintage in 2016 and it seems it was from a bass collection. Super bass.
@@joestarr05 I could definitely see the attraction in that but I’m going to to keep the C 64 . The other bass I’ve had for 20 years and when I bought it used the seller let me know that the action couldn’t go down any further because the neck had moved forward. At the time it wasn’t that bad and I played it for 20 years. It is now playable but you have to fight more in the higher register. That’ s why I have the c64. I’ll be selling the v63 either for parts or for someone to play if they are ok with the action and the fact it can’t be fixed. I have 5 basses including the c64, so I don’t need the v63. I saw the opportunity to compare them while I still have both and that’s why I made the video.
You know you can use a cable from the second input on the Bassman and plug it into the first plugin on the second chanel and you get more EQ and output of the amp, leaned that trick from Chris Squire back in 70.
Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge dear Perry. I deeply appreciate. Your fingers and your setup sounds fantastic. I'm in the process of buying a Rick. Do you think I can get the same sound with a new 4003S?
The new ones have a push pull option which allows you to have a vintage or modern sound. You get the best of both worlds. ! Great basses! Thank you for your kind words ! Good luck when you buy your new bass and enjoy!
But the 4003S doesn't have a toaster pickup in the neck. The 4003S comes with a high gain pickup. The guy from the analogues replaced the High gain pickup with a toaster pickup @@perrystanleyNumber9 That's the reason I was asking you if it is possible to achieve the Pepper sound with the new 4003S given that doesn't have the same pickup. 😅
Yes you're right . I just looked on Reverb at the 4003s and it isn't a toaster as you say. but I think with the push pull knob that it does offer you'll get the vintage sound regardless. It most likely switches between the same difference as between the 4001c64 and the 4003.It some sort of restricting cap as I recall. I don't know for sure exactly how it affects the high gain, but you could go to the Rickenbacker forum and see what is said about it. Even better try the guitar out in a store if you can find one that has it. I briefly played one in the Manhattan Sam Ash and it was a lovely bass. I didn't know the Analog's bassist modified his. That's new to me! @@denisadonis4023
Great vid perry . I have an 81 4001s model with high gains and its a lovely fat bass tone , but I always wanted the toaster neck pu. I find that its treblier than the hi gains although macca got a gr8 fat tone on his on Pap Writer , Rain Come together Penny lane etc .I think it was a lot to do with how they recorded the bass plus compression . I still want to own one of those though.
Very informative video, thank you for putting the time into this. A couple questions: what years are the basses? Could the difference in pickup hotness be attributed to different years? The C64 bridge pickup reminds me of a bass with a capacitor in line with the treble tone circuit. Have you looked “under the hood” to see if there is a capacitor for the C64 but not the V63? Thanks again and look forward to other videos.
Hi, the c64 does have the restrictive capacitor and the v63 does not , that is one of the major reasons there is such a difference in sound volume and fatness. The new 4003s basses have a push pull knob that allows you to have both. I believe the c64 is a 2010 bass. I have to check my records when I go home to tell you what the 4001v63 year is.
@@perrystanleyNumber9 I was just going to mention that the C64 has the cap on the bridge pickup and the V63 doesn’t. I’d be interested to see what the difference was with the cap on the C bypassed (easily done and easily returned to stock). What I find interesting is that I typically take the caps out of my Rics as I find them too thin with the cap, but that C bridge pickup sounds much better to me than the V. Kind of wishing I’d kept my V63 and 2 x CSs and just put caps in them based on that! They were always too hot and muddy compared to my vintage basses (even though those had the caps removed, the pickups were much lower output).
The V63 Toaster is said to run abt 15 KΩ, whereas the C64 RIC went to great lengths to advertise its 7.4 K Scatterwound windings. (I used Ultra Character Map from the App Store to produce the Omega)
Hi Perry, is it possible that on the 63 in this video both the treble and neck position of the switch are delivering the same pickup, the neck one? I am really enjoying each of your videos :)
Hi Galeazzo, I don't think so . The output was so different between the two positions and pickups. Really loved your impressive Hey Jude video.. quite amazing what you were able to pull together in that one, and your vocal was outstanding! Thanks so much for watching!
Fiantastic ! I could never get my Rick 4003 to sound anywhere near the tone on Sgt. Pepper : I have an AKG D20. Love it on Kick as well ! Which they used of course ! Don’t own bass man 😎🎶
I've got an early '74 Rick 4001 with quite heavy, played in roundwounds, and I recently bought a 2016 Rick 4003S which I'm gonna put some Thomastik Infeld JF344 flatwound strings on. I think it's gonna be great!
kind of subjective... at what point is more bass ? I felt the difference was obvious just keeping the same settings for both guitars and the amp .The volume and bass response was drastically different on the treble pickup because the C64 one has a restrictive cap.
The neck profiles were basically the same, but you can come across slightly different profiles even on the same model. I have two c64 models at the moment and the profiles differ a little.
Lol! I guess you didn't catch what was written at the bottom of the screen during Prudence: "(Ÿes, I know it was probably the Jazz bass... but so what) " Anyhow thanks for watching!😀
@@samot1808 That would mean John or George played the bass. No proof but the innovation of the part leads me to believe it was Paul . They didn’t have a left fender VI so it most likely was the Jazz bass.
I remember John Hall writing about the C Series provisioning, that he wanted Schaller to produce
the KEYWINDS (Rickenbacker-ese for tuners), couldn't get consistent quality from what Schaller shipped, and ended up going to Gotoh for the vintage repro Keywinds.
I own a c64. What a rock n roll machine with rounds! And with flats it's pepper's bass. Proud of my Ric! Great vid
And any other song he used a Rickenbacker on.
Please can you tell me neck width dimensions in mm (nut,.... 12th fret...... and end of scale - 20th fret)?
I own a 4001v63 and always wondered about the differences. Thank you for a detailed video showing the differences!
Thanks for watching!
My pleasure! See you at the BGC!
The v63 seems more like an early rose morris Rick. British invasion era.
I modded a 4003S with V63 gear, plus a .0047µfd Orange Drop to pass the Bridge Pickup signal thru.
The V63 seems the go-to for Prog.
The C64. " " " " " Pre-1966 British Invasion, and should only be strung with flats.
Please can you tell me neck width dimensions in mm (nut,.... 12th fret...... and end of scale - 20th fret)?
I recently bought the C64. Beautiful bass
Please can you tell me neck width dimensions in mm (nut,.... 12th fret...... and end of scale - 20th fret)?
@@StuSutcliffe60 Hey I like your videos. I hope you get your info. Information like that is so hard to get it seems.
These videos are a joy to watch and are great for going to back and listening to the Beatles tracks you discuss to really hear the instruments!
Thank you!
I've always viewed it as Chris Squire vs Macca. (In each basses respective original iterations before they were modded to their current states)
Just noticed when watching...The V63 horseshoe surround plate on the bridge side looks to be slightly more concaved on the radius than the C64 too :) they look slightly different when pause the vid at 2:24 and 2:37 between the models. Nice video, I have a C64
I agree. Good eye! Thanks for watching!
Please can you tell me neck width dimensions in mm (nut,.... 12th fret...... and end of scale - 20th fret)?
Your C64 sounds almost exactly like my '76 4001 as it has a toaster in the neck position. I've never heard another Ric that sounded that close to mine before.
Please can you tell me neck width dimensions in mm (nut,.... 12th fret...... and end of scale - 20th fret)?
I put a brass Hipshot bridge on my C64,and it has improved the sound.
Now, the combination of an SWR redhead amp, Behringer Ultrafex II, Solo button engaged, and Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Bass flats, and Herco Flex 75 plectrum, and she sounds to a 'T' like a Beatles record.
Great video and great gear! I own the 4001 C64S in Maple and the description is precise to what you describe, except mine has a white nut and the screws on the bridge. It also has a zero fret. Thanks!
Yes, the reason why your C64 has those differences is because they created in yours what McCartney did to the bass. The horn is shaved too on yours just like Paul’s. Mine is like he first got it before it was stripped.Thanks for watching!
thanks for the reminder on these differences!!
i bought a C64S maybe 12 years ago. i didn't know it was an S at the time lol. the finish on it is strange matte that is really hard to keep clean. i replaced the bridge and tuners with hipshots.
Wow thats amazing!
Thanks!
Sounds like the hi-pass filter capacitor was bypassed (or simply not present) on the V63 treble pickup, but the hi-pass filter cap in the C64 WAS engaged, so if that's true, that is exactly why the treble pickup on the V63 was so much louder and fuller than that of the C64. According to everything that I've read, the horseshoe pickup on the V63 is the same part as the C64, the only difference being how "bent down" the cosmetic chrome pickup cover is.
(on the original 60s Rics, that pickup cover was actually the magnet, and the horseshoe shape of each half of the pickup cover allowed the magnet to be both above and beneath the strings. Later reproductions use standard pickup configuration (alnico slugs within the pickup) and the chrome pickup cover part became purely cosmetic)
The hi-pass filter cap was installed at the factory as standard equipment during the 60s and 70s, but a lot of bass players removed it in order to allow the bridge pickup be full range, but removing the hi-pass cap does significantly change the sound when both pickups are on (middle pickup selector position).
Rickenbacker stopped installing this capacitor sometime in the 80s (I think), and started installing it again in the 2000s, but on the newer basses it was selectable between "modern" (cap out) and "vintage" (cap in) with a push/pull switch.
So I guess the question would be, did Paul McCartney have his hi-pass capacitor removed or not? That would determine which bass was more true to the original sound. My guess is that the C64 is correct.
I read on the Rickenbacker forum a post by Mr Hall that confirms everything you say. Regarding The capacitor in Paul’s bass, it originally had it in it. Whether he had it taken out after the Beatles is an interesting question . That wasn’t discussed. My assumption was that he was used to the sound and liked it so he probably didn’t change it. If it worked in the Beatles , why change it? But then again he had the Texan saddle changed to a fixed one so who knows? Great question!
Great video. thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Nice work man!
Thanks, Greg!
Cool,I have a LH 1989 V63 with PMC option, i mean inverted headstock as the C64. The V63 is hotter than the C64 indeed
I didn’t know that they offer a PMC option on the V63. Being a lefty as well, I assume you had to special order it . Interesting info!
@@perrystanleyNumber9 As far as I know a few were made mainly for the japanese market. I bought mine from Olivias Vintage in 2016 and it seems it was from a bass collection. Super bass.
Awesome video! I want both basses, haha.
There’s a story as to why I have two at the moment. I’ll tell you when I see you!
Maybe you'd want both but one of them sanded.
@@joestarr05 I could definitely see the attraction in that but I’m going to to keep the C 64 . The other bass I’ve had for 20 years and when I bought it used the seller let me know that the action couldn’t go down any further because the neck had moved forward. At the time it wasn’t that bad and I played it for 20 years. It is now playable but you have to fight more in the higher register. That’ s why I have the c64. I’ll be selling the v63 either for parts or for someone to play if they are ok with the action and the fact it can’t be fixed. I have 5 basses including the c64, so I don’t need the v63. I saw the opportunity to compare them while I still have both and that’s why I made the video.
5 basses? You got the Hofners and Fender Bass VI?
@@joestarr05 I have a reissue v62 hofner, and a squire version of the fender VI.
amazing video!
Bigger sound difference between the two than I would have imagined. I think I prefer the c64
My overall pick is the C64. I love the balance between the two pickups. The v63 is a great bass too for sure, but …
You know you can use a cable from the second input on the Bassman and plug it into the first plugin on the second chanel
and you get more EQ and output of the amp, leaned that trick from Chris Squire back in 70.
Didn't know that! I'll have to try it! Interesting. Thanks!
Rickenbacker 4003s Very cool bass. Their best bass.
Subbed. More of this please.
More vintage Beatle related gear videos on the way! Thanks for subbing! Welcome!
Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge dear Perry. I deeply appreciate. Your fingers and your setup sounds fantastic. I'm in the process of buying a Rick. Do you think I can get the same sound with a new 4003S?
The new ones have a push pull option which allows you to have a vintage or modern sound. You get the best of both worlds. ! Great basses! Thank you for your kind words ! Good luck when you buy your new bass and enjoy!
Thank you for your reply dear Perry 😃So is not necessary to have a toaster pickup to achieve "Macca" sound? @@perrystanleyNumber9
@@denisadonis4023 they have the toaster just located further back from the neck. The bassist in The Analogs uses one and gets great McCartney tones!
But the 4003S doesn't have a toaster pickup in the neck. The 4003S comes with a high gain pickup. The guy from the analogues replaced the High gain pickup with a toaster pickup @@perrystanleyNumber9 That's the reason I was asking you if it is possible to achieve the Pepper sound with the new 4003S given that doesn't have the same pickup. 😅
Yes you're right . I just looked on Reverb at the 4003s and it isn't a toaster as you say. but I think with the push pull knob that it does offer you'll get the vintage sound regardless. It most likely switches between the same difference as between the 4001c64 and the 4003.It some sort of restricting cap as I recall. I don't know for sure exactly how it affects the high gain, but you could go to the Rickenbacker forum and see what is said about it. Even better try the guitar out in a store if you can find one that has it. I briefly played one in the Manhattan Sam Ash and it was a lovely bass. I didn't know the Analog's bassist modified his. That's new to me! @@denisadonis4023
Does anyone have the radius of the neck I played an original 63 and seemed to have a big curve I really liked it
Great vid perry . I have an 81 4001s model with high gains and its a lovely fat bass tone , but I always wanted the toaster neck pu. I find that its treblier than the hi gains although macca got a gr8 fat tone on his on Pap Writer , Rain Come together Penny lane etc .I think it was a lot to do with how they recorded the bass plus compression . I still want to own one of those though.
I agree . The compression and eq have a lot to do with the final tone.
And thanks for watching!
Very informative video, thank you for putting the time into this. A couple questions: what years are the basses? Could the difference in pickup hotness be attributed to different years? The C64 bridge pickup reminds me of a bass with a capacitor in line with the treble tone circuit. Have you looked “under the hood” to see if there is a capacitor for the C64 but not the V63? Thanks again and look forward to other videos.
Hi, the c64 does have the restrictive capacitor and the v63 does not , that is one of the major reasons there is such a difference in sound volume and fatness. The new 4003s basses have a push pull knob that allows you to have both. I believe the c64 is a 2010 bass. I have to check my records when I go home to tell you what the 4001v63 year is.
The v63 bass was a 1997
@@perrystanleyNumber9 I was just going to mention that the C64 has the cap on the bridge pickup and the V63 doesn’t. I’d be interested to see what the difference was with the cap on the C bypassed (easily done and easily returned to stock). What I find interesting is that I typically take the caps out of my Rics as I find them too thin with the cap, but that C bridge pickup sounds much better to me than the V. Kind of wishing I’d kept my V63 and 2 x CSs and just put caps in them based on that! They were always too hot and muddy compared to my vintage basses (even though those had the caps removed, the pickups were much lower output).
The V63 Toaster is said to run abt 15 KΩ, whereas the C64 RIC went to great lengths to advertise its 7.4 K Scatterwound windings.
(I used Ultra Character Map from the App Store to produce the Omega)
The V63 is WAY louder!
Which flatwound strings do you use on the Rick Basses?
Hi Perry, is it possible that on the 63 in this video both the treble and neck position of the switch are delivering the same pickup, the neck one? I am really enjoying each of your videos :)
Hi Galeazzo, I don't think so . The output was so different between the two positions and pickups. Really loved your impressive Hey Jude video.. quite amazing what you were able to pull together in that one, and your vocal was outstanding! Thanks so much for watching!
I have a 1978 4001 that looks like your V63 in every way except the nut is black. Any idea why that would be? Thanks much for the comparison.
Fiantastic ! I could never get my Rick 4003 to sound anywhere near the tone on Sgt. Pepper : I have an AKG D20. Love it on Kick as well ! Which they used of course ! Don’t own bass man 😎🎶
LOVE THE D20! I tried it on vocals too and it's great for rock vocals! I think a lot of Paul's sound comes from the muting.
@@perrystanleyNumber9 That’s right. And flatwound strings.
@@Renhjarta definitely!
I've got an early '74 Rick 4001 with quite heavy, played in roundwounds, and I recently bought a 2016 Rick 4003S which I'm gonna put some Thomastik Infeld JF344 flatwound strings on. I think it's gonna be great!
@@Renhjarta oh it definitely will be !
Good video
Thanks for watching!
Shouldn't it be interesting to adjust the amplifier with a little more 'bass' (low frequency gain) to make an *even* more accurate comparison?
kind of subjective... at what point is more bass ? I felt the difference was obvious just keeping the same settings for both guitars and the amp .The volume and bass response was drastically different on the treble pickup because the C64 one has a restrictive cap.
Fantastic!!!...loves Rickenbacker!!!!
I have 4003s e 4001v63!!!
String flat? model? used?
Thank you!!!🎸❤👋👍
Both have flat wounds on them . Thanks for watching!
Thomastik?
@@rickypanero6798 yes I was going to put that in the video but forgot. Yes the ones recommended by Rickenbacker
Thank you!!!👍❤🎸💪
Jf 344 thomastik?
@@rickypanero6798 I think so. I think I have the box still at home so I’ll confirm when I get home.
Would You mind to check the neck width in nut and 20 fret in mm?
Sorry don’t have the v63 anymore and am using a different c64!
Very cool indeed! Thanks! Which one " feels" better in your opinion? Do both necks feel the same?.
The neck profiles were basically the same, but you can come across slightly different profiles even on the same model. I have two c64 models at the moment and the profiles differ a little.
Strings?
Out of curiosity, are both basses the same in overall length?
I no longer have the V63 so I can't actually measure, but I do believe they are the same overall length.
@@perrystanleyNumber9 thanks, I’m considering buying a lefty V63 (2001 model) over a lefty C64 (2007 model) because the V63 is cheaper.
What happend to the 4000
At the moment still have it
@@perrystanleyNumber9 I think you sold it!
@@robterhune6385 Actually today I did!
2009 1999 reissues beat'em both.
The bass looks so small lol
I hope you don’t turn your standby on first all the time that broke my heart
I’d rather you give music lessons. Your time is valuable.
Prudence was a Fender.
Lol! I guess you didn't catch what was written at the bottom of the screen during Prudence: "(Ÿes, I know it was probably the Jazz bass... but so what) " Anyhow thanks for watching!😀
@@perrystanleyNumber9To me it sounds like the Bass VI they started using around that time. But I have zero proof.
@@samot1808 That would mean John or George played the bass. No proof but the innovation of the part leads me to believe it was Paul . They didn’t have a left fender VI so it most likely was the Jazz bass.
@@perrystanleyNumber9 That’s a good point! I am inclined to think that was Paul as well so most likely not the Bass IV.
@@samot1808 If it was the VI then McCartney wouldn't have been on bass. They didn't have a lefty bass of it. But there WAS a Fender lefty Jazz bass!