Chinese Rickenbacker Copy Bass vs Real Ric!

This is a detailed examination (NOT an endorsement - OR "a put down" per se... )
of a Chinese copy Rickenbacker aka "Chickenbacker",
compared to the real American made Rickenbacker bass.
These basses sell for anywhere from approx $250 to $450 . They vary DRASTICALLY
in playability and fit n' finish. They all lack the meticulous craftsmanship of the real Ric,
but can be "good for the money" and WITH WORK can be playable.
THIS Chinabacker was unplayable out of the packing crate....Had terrible
strings that produced almost NO sound, and the nut was cut like a pedal steel guitar!
AFTER - New strings, recutting the nut, rewiring the pots, pulling apart and reversing
the internal wiring of the neck pickup (was out of phase) and adding some soft steel
shims to the bridge - it THEN played pretty well! IF you do not know how to do this
stuff yourself, it could cost you $100 to $150 or more, at a guitar shop. So consider that.
Two MAJOR OMISSIONS (info that should have been in video (sorry) -
SCALE - Chinabacker (most of them) is standard 34 inch like a Fender bass,
real Rics are actually 33 1/4 inch scale....
Location of the Bridge pickup - it's an inch further towards the bridge than
a real Ric making it pretty impossible to get the "Ric sound"....
None of that changes the many sloppy little quality control issues that just don't need to
be there - Like paint overspray on the binding, and a dent in the side that got painted
over rather than filled....
Feel free to jump ahead and back in the video to contrast the Ric and the copy,
or open another window of the video play them head to head.

[@ZeroMod]

Comments are now on review. Hopefully the adults in the room and those with better than room temperature IQ will prevail. This video has served its purpose of supplying some solid info on this situation and I thank all the contributors in "comments" who added to that. Sadly a parade of trolls and asshats (people who sorely need to get a life) have peed in the pool. Carry on....

[@kameronbillins9777]

The china backer actually sounds quite nice in my opinion

[@davidskerritt9530]

+kameron billins I agree: but there again, I'm no Ric fan.

[@Dicksaiter]

+kameron billins I agree too. Even a touch better than original. but not a ric fan either. Love the look, hate the paper thin sound

[@ZeroMod]

+Dominique Hilse That to me is a strange complaint about a Ric - "paper thin". Never heard anybody feel that way about a Ric before! When I play mine it's with both pickups on and that neck pickup is putting out lows. May be you are noticing the way people use it as there are many who play them edgy /trebly.

[@Dicksaiter]

Yes of course. But a ric, no matter guitar or bass, has this...overtrue touch. I have a ton of progrock albums, recordes with Rics as bass. Fretbuzz, thinnish sound. I would explain it like: Body and neck made from stone. Sure you have some bass, but alltogether for my taste too much top end. (Ex: Mangala Vallis, Spock's Beard, Chris Squire just to name a few)

[@ZeroMod]

Ah, yes but I like that sound ^_^ Those people try to make it sound that way. Geddy manages to wrestle a very similar tone out of his Jazz. Jazz is certainly more versatile bass for sure - I have both and love both. The fret buzz thing is a trademark part of some guys' sounds. Maybe the Ric lends itself to that more readily than others. Pretty hard to get edgy grind out of a P Bass after all. Check this out - This guy gets a very meaty tone out of a Ric. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIbcpYpjpquBmdk

[@JaFoste_Studio]

I don't think it sounds too bad, and for the prices I've found, I think they're not too shabby if you want a bass that looks like a Rickenbacker, but not a price tag that looks like a Rickenbacker.

[@Dan.50]

What this shows is that much of what we value in these instruments is simply nostalgia. The China model sounds just as good, so why pay 2000 dollars more for an emotional attachment? Time for these western instrument companies to come back down to earth and stop gouging the customers.

[@DJCJamI]

+Tango Delta 2 Absolutely! I have been playing bass for just over six months. I first bought an Fender American Standard Jazz, and to be honest, it was awful for the price. I returned it, and managed to secure a Korean Warwick Thumb B/O for half the price, and it is brilliant.

[@jh565bb]

+Tango Delta 2 it might be me but the real rick sounds more punchy, but the fake sounds good though its probably not so well made.

[@ZeroMod]

+jh565bb I can tell you first hand - All love / hate / China politics aside. The copy is not anywhere as well made as a real Ric. That is to be expected at the price point. I would say this one was between a Fender Bullet and Fender Squier. Not terrible but short of say a Fender MIM.

[@stevensullivan9020]

I have a real Ric and I'm proud to own the original American made instrument. I do not support intellectual theft of the Chinese. And I can say I actually have a Rickenbacker not a counterfeit. The real Rickenbacker sounds just a little bit better and it is better made for sure.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

@@stevensullivan9020 The Ric sounds much better. But Zero-Mod is excellent at setting up bases, adjusting and playing them to get the most out of them. So they don't sound anywhere near as different as they might with less experienced hands.

[@RCAvhstape]

The one thing I like about the copy is the color. I like green basses.

[@ZeroMod]

+Helium Road Me too...An uncommon color for guitar or bass! Trans green burst finishes are my favorite.

[@DrGodinho]

to be honest, the chinabacker is OK for its price,,,, think I'II buy one

[@ZeroMod]

That's cool - My purpose in making this was not to "slag" the Chinabackers, just to make the information about what they are really like available. Like most budget basses there are shortcomings but that is not a surprise to anybody who has been around the block. With some mods and work they can perform well. But so many videos about these .are either slamming them or trying to pass them off as "good as a Ric" - Both of these attitudes are wrong in my view. Would be EXCELLENT if Rickenbacker came up with a budget copy like Fender and Gibson and MTD and so many others did. Be careful as there are MANY sellers and their reliability seems to vary a LOT. In Canada they sell one that is a fixed up and better out of the box Ric copy,(made in China) it's more money but a better bet if you are not a do-it-yourself type.

[@DrGodinho]

Zero-Mod thank you! your video was the explanation i needed about these chinabackers

[@ZeroMod]

Dr Godinho Totally welcome. Feel free to post here your experience with yours - Good and bad!

[@frankjuster8726]

why pay 300.00 bucks on something that's unplayable without plunking MORE money on modifications? sure they look great and all but...!

[@no-ff8gm]

@@frankjuster8726 some people like projects. I'd personally be happy to buy a copy and put a lil money into it. Because then I'm getting a great sounding and looking bass set up to my liking. Can't even buy a decent kit for a rickenbacker for $300

[@wmpuig]

Thanks for the detailed treatment. I recently bought a "real" Rickenbacker 4003 (outfitted with a Zero-Mod thumbrest!) because the music our band is playing, including Yes and Rush covers, demands the true Rickenbacker sound. But from what you've demonstrated I would - the legal and ethical issues aside - consider a Chinese Ric as a back-up instrument. The sound and quality appears to be on par with what I can buy for $300 to $400 from another manufacturer.

[@ZeroMod]

Thanks for the thumbs up! If you decide to pursue a China backup bass get it "made to order" as you can avoid issues like wrong scale length and wrong pickup location. And build quality - while still somewhat dodgy is better than off the rack. And of course REBADGE the TRC !!!

[@SteelSeriesProducts]

I like the sound from the china-backer :s

[@gdub454]

+Vinyl Recorder that figures...

[@joselbajistabassbmx1124]

Simonchas Conchas i like the china baker's sound, sad but true 🎵🎼🎶

[@frankjuster8726]

don't forget it was modified.

[@axe2grind911a]

As you have said, the quality on ChinaBackers can be highly variable. I purchased one with a maple neck-through body and apparently a better pup alignment with regard to neck pole pieces. in fact, if anything the D string on mine is a bit loud! (Or at least sounds different, may be the strings which I haven't changed.) I was able to balance the pickups relative strength by simply raising or lowering the pickups to taste.I found the only real problems on mine were wiring (shorts out, misplaced pots, huge hum problem (corrects when grounded), non-functional "ric-o-sound" jacks, high action - possibly due to poorly cut nut slots, though unsure - and super heavy due to the extra thick wood. However, tonewood or not, that thick wood gives a HUGE amount of resonance and sustain. This thing will ring for days on open strings! Overall, I'm happy with it though wouldn't want to wear it for a long gig, weighing in at nearly 5 Kg!

[@cast390]

Finally someone who pronounces it Rickenbacker and NOT Rickenbocker

[@ZeroMod]

cast390 Hah! Thanks~! I base pronunciation on the famous WWI pilot Eddie Rickenbacker.Never heard anybody call him "Rickenbocker" and it's spelled the same as the bass so....

[@MuscleDad420]

It's pronounced "bocker". Rickenbacker changed their name from "rickenbacher" to American-ize their name during the first half of the 20th century. That's what two world wars will do for you. Ask any German-speaking or German person how it's pronounced and they'll tell you the same.

[@cast390]

MuscleDad420 WRONG,Call the company and they will tell you themselves Its RickenBacker...

[@ZeroMod]

In the six years I worked in a NY pro shop I never hear the Ric rep or the customers call it "Ricken-bocker"...This is one of those things it's not worth getting hung about - Like Jaguar the car - all through the 60's 70's 80's everybody called it "Jag-war" then some snobs or revisionists started the "jag-you-are" thing.

[@MuscleDad420]

ironic you bring up historical revisionists because that's exactly what you and John Hall are.

[@jeremytelman6897]

Well I'd have to say, the tone of the chinabacker or whatever you wanna call it. I like a lot more than the original, for the style i play it would be more versatile and also thousands less ha!

[@FugginPikey]

"I don't support counterfeiting" *buys counterfeit rickenbacker*

[@ZeroMod]

A bit thick in the head are we? Ever hear of cops purchasing drugs to do a bust? Let me spell it out for you - Purchased to explore and offer comment LEGIT comment on the situation, then sold it for no markup to somebody who was going to get one in any case. Meanwhile my video supplies more actual factual hard info than any other - on the merits and issues....You're welcome.

[@NaanosVEVO]

@@ZeroMod you didn't need to be a fucking dick lmao he was joking around guess someone else is thick in the head though

[@WeBothAreMonkeys]

@@ZeroMod Christ, I enjoyed the video up until this comment. The guys joking you idiot

[@duffbaker9554]

@Naanos Whenever someone is "joking around", it's always wise to use ;-) afterwards to avoid any possible misinterpretation. Also, you didn't need to be explicitly vulgar. Your comment was just plain ugly, hateful and spiteful. Just saying.

[@NaanosVEVO]

@@duffbaker9554 Can you play with my milk stick winkyface you're white knighting pretty hard, just saying.

[@Christianonbass]

You're right, a copy offers an inexpensive alternative to people who are interested in such a thing. When you copy the name and put "Made in USA" on the product it is no longer a "copy", but a forgery. Very deceptive. Shame on the Chinabacker!

[@ZeroMod]

I truly hope Ric (the Halls) consider a licensing thing to put a good solid reliable budget version of the Ric on the market someday. I sent a message to the sellers of mine about the Ric badge and about how I was having a plate made for mine. Told them it was another "money maker" angle for them if they offered a custom plate with your own choice of name.

[@Caifo]

I don't think they will ever do that. Their compromise with quality is too strong to allow the Rickenbacker trademark to be put on a cheap, look alike instrument.

[@Raughwe]

elcaifo This is where I beg to differ. Please know I'm a huge fan of the real deal. In '05, I spent $2k on the real deal, bought at the friend of a certain musician. The quality was heartbreaking. The neck was like a roller coaster. Incredible fret buzz at the top of the neck. NOT FROM THE NUT mind you, but from frets (plural). Sent it back to the friend, was sent another Rick. Same thing. It really happened. Finally spent $600.00 on a Highway One Fender: Perfect out of the box. Still love the sound of the Rick and considering shot number three. In fact, love them so much I'd still purchase the real deal over a copy. However, imo, Rick does not have the standing to criticize the quality control of any other company. No way! Also, let it be known that I'm not an 18-22 punk kid who is dillusional about being a rock star. I'm a 42 year old college professor who loves to play just like you:)

[@Caifo]

Seanzie_73 I'm sorry that you had that kind of experience with Ricks. The 4003 bass I bought was made the same year (2005). Nine years later I am very happy with it. Just some minor adjustements to the neck and the playability is flawless. No dead spots, no fret buzz. It's a shame that you didn't run with the same luck. You should give it a second chance ;) We are at the same age, btw!!

[@ZeroMod]

As I have said in other posts here, "legendary" Ric quality is just that - a legend. They have "dogs" come out of the factory like any company. In general the quality and "QC" is very good. But this is exactly what you are paying for when you buy an expensive instrument! You are paying for consistency. You CAN get a great budget bass - But at lower price points it a matter of chance that one will be "spot on". For two grand, every bass should be spot on. As to the fact Ric "can't do that" - I totally disagree with you. The QC that is possible with CNC and monitored Korean (or even Chinese) manufacturing. says otherwise....Check out the MTD Kingston made in Korea line and tell me about it. Or the G&L Tribute line. It is simply NOT TRUE that a high end company (G&L and MTD are as high end as Ric) cannot produce an entry level QUALITY bass. Ric chooses not to enter that market - That is up to them of course. But it is a matter of choice, not do-ability. Meanwhile because of that choice, Chinese copies of questionable quality are the only alternative. for those who cannot or will not pony up for a "real Ric"

[@ruscoelee]

I've always liked the looks of the Rickenbacker Bass but not the scale length. It's something Rickenbacker should have offered, as it alienates the players who prefer the 34 inch scale length.

[@ZeroMod]

ruscoe lee Interesting point! I felt just the other way! (but that's what makes the world go 'round) I have many Fender basses and am totally programmed to 34 inch scale (especially fretless) but I found with the Ric style and shape the neck was way long - like a Gibson SG. But it's not just scale, they (Chinese) add extra frets so the neck is waaay long. Perhaps if it had the same Ric fret count (20 fret) this would not be so unbalanced. Since making this video I have seen true "Ric scale" ones, but not any in 34 inch scale with 20 frets. (this Chinabacker having 22 frets)

[@ruscoelee]

I know what you mean Rickenbacker Basses seem to look a mile long. I love the sound of them, they are full of character you only have to hear one on the radio or on record and you can tell it’s a Rick. The Jam “Going Under Ground” for one. I once saw a club band, the bassist had a Rickenbacker and a number of basses, all with active electronics, except the Rickenbacker and that was the only one he played that cut through the sound of the band.

[@johnclayden1670]

I reckon that the Chinese copy sounds pretty good, and from the last time I played a real Rick, I reckon the additional body thickness is a plus for the Chinese.

[@ZeroMod]

I am beginning to have my doubts as to the body being basswood...As the makers claim. Will do a "core sample" when i pull the guard to change the neck pickup and see. Basswood is very soft, so if this wood is NOT - I suspect it may be the infamous "Elm" the Chinese like to use. Very heavy and not considered by most luthiers to be a great tone wood! (of course the very idea of "tone wood" is hotly debated here on YT with regard to electric guitars/basses - TOO many videos already on that topic, to all reading if you have not looked into it do so!)

[@ZeroMod]

***** It's my experience with several Chinese made bodies that none have been plywood. They have been pretty much "mystery wood" but made of two to several pieces. Fender MIM bodies are made of many slats of Agathis or Alder some models upwards of 20 plus pieces glued under pressure. I do not find "plywood to be much of an issue in tone on an electric instrument. I have several MIM basses and some solid book matched rarewood body basses, as well as the real Rics (solid Maple). You should check out the raging debate on tone wood here on YT! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHvJlnmbaah-e80

[@ZeroMod]

It doesn't ! (sorry had to go for that one) It's really it's own thing that just sort of looks like a Ric. The slightly longer scale, wider fretboard, different pickups and pickup placement make it more like a Jazz Bass shaped like a Ric.....What got me is how it needed so much real work out of the box to be play ready. I have played MIM Fenders that felt and sounded much nicer, and that's the price range. BUT how much does looking like a Ric mean to you? On the total bass scale - Out of the box I give it a 3 out of 10...After the repairs and mods - a 6 out of 10...My real Rics? 8 out 10.

[@b4truthlynn434]

@@ZeroMod besides playing bass for over 40 years i am a custom furniture builder. I like bodies laminated with many pieces . it make a great foundation. Better sustain. I have an American p bass 5 string and a squire p bass 5 string. American has a rose wood neck. Squire has maple. Ive modified the squire. Its funny how other players thumb their nose at the Squire. Untell they hear it. Lol. It sounds better than the real one. But, real or copy its all in the hands.

[@kkkthebassist]

"In a rather demented shade of green" hahaha!!!

[@morosejew4374]

Hey thanks for this post. I have a 76 Ibanez but have been toying with the idea of getting a chinafaker just for the looks when we do 70's punk covers, I think I will stick with my Fenders.

[@peterhoffman4500]

"Zero.mod" remember for sure, Most excellent Demonstration and all the good points' "Pickups out of phase" , Shim D-A string saddles, "Gibson type harnesses assembly" which is probably acceptable for most. The sound from the "Chinabacker" has more Mid sound which I think makes it sound a bit more modern but overall considering the Non Rick pickups the guitar does indeed have a ring reminiscent of the real McCoy and with a little Outrig tweaking should make it a pretty convincing sounding True 4003.

[@9999plato]

I like the chinabacker better. I can rewire it and make the mods.

[@SprunkCovers]

I want to do the same, but mostly because in my country (Chile) Ricks are VERY rare, and me being left handed, I really preffer a Chinese rick, even if I have to mod it

[@earthbound2772]

An you can smash it without worrying if ya need to 😝

[@piewacket]

thats still a awesome bass for a chinabacker !!! love the color

[@Bass.Player]

Well it sounds pretty good. BTW; I have had to cut the nut on almost every Bass I have ever owned no matter the price. All six of the Peavey cirrus basses I have owned/own have been the exception. I have all the correct tools to work on basses so cutting the nut is very easy...

[@ZeroMod]

Yes TOTALLY TRUE for me as well. The difference here was the huge degree! Even my real Rics benefited from a nut tweak, this bass the nut was cut like a fucking LAP STEEL. strings riding almost 1/8 inch off the first fret ! Never seen anything that sloppy on any bass I owned.

[@kylebeirne9591]

Would you send me that link as well? I love Ric's but I don't have the kind of money to spend on a real one. I also would love to have a project bass! Thanks

[@barell007]

over all as a Ricky player most of my life...The Chinabacker sounds very competitive with the original

[@ZeroMod]

In my examination I found the quality of construction and out of the box playability much more of an issue than the sound. Those things of course do not come across in a video. Ones with actual Ric scale are to me far more playable.

[@alexyerkey3141]

I put flats (chromes) on mine and I love the way it sounds. I just ordered a hipshot bridge so I hope it'll fit nicely. I changed the nut because they put one filed for a righty bass on mine, which is a lefty.

[@ZeroMod]

You will most likely have problems with that bridge as the spacing is for RIC NOT the "Chinabacker " spacing which is quite a bit wider....As I have said in this video all of these basses I have seen have MUCH wider fingerboard at the heel like a Fender bass. Good luck!

[@Beringtunes]

I own 2 vintage Gibsons ('62 ES-330 & '64 B-25 acoustic, yes, American-made), 2 Japanese Fender/Terada-built reissue Gretsches, (very faithful '62 Country Gentleman & '62 Tennessean), both of which I LOVE, & are gorgeously made... better QC & materials than some of the originals had! Also have an early-'90s Fender "Mexi-Strat" which I must say is fabulous, sounds wonderful, & one of the funnest guitars there is to play! I LOVE 'em all. The Gretsches & Fender speak VERY well for foreign-made guitars, though yes, they are both under the auspices of the original mfrs. I also, though, have a '66 Rickenbacker 360-12 (in photo) & an early '82 4001 bass. Say what you will about Rics, CNC-made or whatever (almost ALL solid-bodies are now!), NO ONE builds better-made instruments, with top-grade materials, nor with better hand-finishing work. Their finishes are legendary, and they seem to be holding that standard nowadays, too. With nothing but normal maintenance, despite their ages they both play beautifully & sound incredible. If the company seems to be "stodgy" or whatever, it's because they DO have a tradition to maintain. I do understand they are very slow in delivering orders, & may be "less-than-easy" to work with. But the instruments are legendary for a reason! As far as the sounds of either the Ric 360-12 or the 4001 bass... well, I record & play a lot live, with both, tho' more (live) with the 12-string, & very few shows go by without "almost-swooning" admiration of BOTH those instruments from fans & audience members. I couldn't agree more.

[@ettucassius]

Thanks for sharing. The "Chinabacker" kind of sounds more like a Fender than a Ric to my ears. Or something in between the two. The Ric sounds like it has more bass in the sound overall whereas there is a mid emphasis for the Chinabacker.

[@ZeroMod]

ettucassius Well put.... With the glued in neck, (not neck through body) and that huge honking bridge pickup - you are bound to get a different sound! Like the MusicMan, huge Alnico slug pole pieces often give an aggressive "midrangy" sound.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

I must say the bass sounds pretty good, but it doesn't sound like a Rickenbacker. The bridge pickup is the main cause of the tonal difference, had it been closer to the neck it would have sounded more like a Rick.

[@ZeroMod]

That is true...But even if it were further towards the neck it would still be rather different due to that pickup. Very HOT wound (midrangy) with those huge alnico pole pieces (like a MM). It's a cool pickup but an odd choice for this bass as it really overpowers the neck pickup.

[@brendanlau9426]

wow that bridge pup just roars! much different than the ric but great in its own sense. Also, i see that synthesizers.com modular in the background! awesome

[@ZeroMod]

My friend doing the A/B with the white 4003S is a big time synth restoration person. That is his own genuine Moog rig! Not synth.com gear. Yes indeed, the bridge pickup is HOT WOUND and has huge alnico pole pieces. Noisy as hell (hum) which is why I swapped it out with a Delano JVMC pickup...Keeps the huge pole piece thing but with split bobbins (humbucking side by side)

[@caddelworth6794]

Zero-Mod Yes, I was just thinking when the camera angle changed "WOW! Is that a Moog XII in the background?!!" NICE! Myself, I bought a left-hand Ibanez copy of a cherry red 4001 brand new in around 1973, and though it clearly doesn't sound like a Rick (for starters, both pickups ojn the Ibanez are humbuckers), it has a great sound of its own - especially since I recently discovered Thomastik strings and put a set of their JF344 flatwounds on it. Really really nice deep sound with incredible sustain (18 seconds plus). Personally, I wouldn't swap my Ibanez for any other bass now: after 40+ years, we know one another really well!

[@progrmr]

Wow, the Chinabackercsounds pretty good!

[@paulsummerside]

Generally quite liked the more midrange bark the china-backer has. Both have their own individual tones. Its clear when you played the china-backer, it was throwing you a bit, as would have liked to hear the same selection of riffs and groves you did on the authentic Ricki.

[@ZeroMod]

That huge Music Man style bridge pickup (single coil but very wide poles like MM) is far hotter than the neck humbucker and very much overwhelms it. You can see the same riffs played later in the video by my friend with his 4003S vs Chinabacker segment. At 7:01 is the Ric and 9:00 is the Chinabacker - same riff.

[@theodorekotoff7152]

If one needs to be concerned about price, the China backer would probably do. But, I can hear more than a little difference between it and the Real Rick! And the difference in how they play would be the deal breaker for me. Also, when I am on stage, I don't want to think about reliability of the instrument I am playing. Hence, I always try to have at least two top quality bass guitars in my rack. But, for practice, it might be OK, too!

[@lartensgrill6106]

Wow I was not expecting that. Very good tone on the chinabacker.

[@ZeroMod]

Most of the issues with these are not tonal, they are structural/playability issues. After all, tone is in the ear of the beholder - But hard to play is pretty much recognized by all.

[@lartensgrill6106]

@@ZeroMod very valid points. Thanks for uploading the informative video.

[@ZeroMod]

@@lartensgrill6106 Most welcome! I did not set out to slag them or praise them - just try and offer some honest info. Saw so many dumb videos where a guy says "here's my new copy Ric! it's awesome !" With zero specifics. I just hope those considering such a purchase are more aware of the pitfalls (legal ethical and technical)

[@pedrocerda6574]

yo that's some amazing playing man!

[@hawaiianrobot]

Man, I've seen this video a few times now, but really appreciated how well you went over all the features of the Chinabacker, your voice seems to lend itself well to this kind of stuff, can see it on a sales ad.. "The Chinabacker features..."

[@ZeroMod]

Andrew Cross Thanks man, very kind of you! I realized soon after finishing it how much other info I should have included - So check out all the comments below where I tried to add it. If you check out my other videos, the one for Zero Mod has a professional announcer! I will be posting a video soon on how to modify the neck pickup and greatly improve it's performance.

[@hawaiianrobot]

Zero-Mod I rewatched the first few minutes again, no "um, er, ah" or anything while you're speaking. Not something you notice at first, but it makes a lot of difference! Subscribed to the channel as well.

[@ZeroMod]

Andrew Cross Some people have complained that I was speaking too slowly (boring them?) but it helped keep the mistakes to a minimum. Glad you liked it. Took a bunch of time as I am not a video making guy - Some people here on YT really pump them out, which is a skill unto itself. Going to do the pickup mod video in a few weeks!

[@hawaiianrobot]

Zero-Mod Awesome, will be looking forward to it.

[@jimmysnaggles4608]

That Chinese Rick sounds damn good!

[@ZeroMod]

Jimmy Snaggles Many think so, it does have it's own sound - mostly due to the honking huge alnico pole piece bridge pickup.

[@ghmusic8116]

Defunct US (Latter South Korean owned) Guitar Maker"Hondo" made an excellent Ric Copy soundwise it was nearly impossible to tell the difference from the real thing?

[@ZeroMod]

As did Univox way back in the 70s, was a very well regarded copy. Not sure if it was one of the fabled "lawsuit" guitars of that era ?

[@Novalarke]

So, let's do a quick compare: Pro Chinabaker: 1. Bottom line: It sounds better. Massive tone. 2. Humbucker pickups eliminate hum 3. Single truss rod (dual truss rods are stupid) 4. It comes in GREEN (that alone...) 5. It costs about $320 Anti chinabacker: 1. the bridge is screwed and needs shims (that's... really bad - I would probably replace it with a hipshot - $200 which is BETTER than the ricky bridge) 2. the wiring is les paul style (I like les pauls so that's only a half prob) 3. it has a set neck (so much for rotosounds - they would snap this puppy in half, but I play DR's so no big deal) 4. Mono output Pro Ricky: 1. The original deal in tone 2. Normal Ricky wiring 3. Through body neck - super solid and fairly indestructible 4. Plays like a Ricky... 5. Ricky stereo output AntiRicky: 1. It's single coil and noisy 2. It costs THOUSANDS of dollars (I'm a lefty - for a long time Ricky didn't even make left handed basses! Seriously! I've seen a few new lefty ricks, but I don't know if they're real or not. See point 4) 3. The bridge is better than the Chinabacker, but it's still a terrible bridge. 4. Rickenbacker is a terrible company run by arrogant jerks. So, $3000 for a lefty rick or $320 for a lefty copy of a rick that actually has more guts and tone than a Rick, but a craptastic bridge and a set neck? Hmmmmm....

[@ZeroMod]

Nice breakdown. For the most part I agree but - The bridge is really "not crappy" on the Chinabacker, just has a weird design flaw. Otherwise rather beefy and well done (seen lots worse) . And the bridge pickup is NOT "a humbucker" it is a massive MusicMan style single coil and quite noisy! i refer to it as Music Man style because of those huge alnico slug pole pieces. You can get these basses from some suppliers with any pickup you spec, and other changes as well, for somewhat more than "off the rack" ones cost. Biggest problem is the neck pickup field aperture coverage - see my other video on the neck pickup.

[@stephenborg2881]

Play ability is what we need to know, what was the action like,is it heavy,is it comfortable to play, as for the sound , I think the chinabacker had a much brighter sound ,would I buy one after hearing it , yes I would ,

[@ZeroMod]

As said in the review and several times in follow up comments attached -This bass was UNPLAYABLE out of the box.. Recutting the nut was mandatory. The incorrectly radius-ed bridge also has to be addressed to get what any serious player calls playability. Yes, MUCH heavier than it should be as it is not made of Basswood (as advertised) but made of Chinese Elm. Which only leads back to the big problem - massive inconsistency. Depending on which of the hundreds of sellers you go with . I suspect ALL are coming from the same or a few factories but the QC standards a particular seller demands? There are also some operations making demonstrably better versions for quite a bit more $$ - $400-$500 as opposed to $250.

[@WellStudied]

Tubular Bells... one of the most amazing pieces of music on the planet.

[@Mike_the_Barbarian]

I get the temptation to buy one of these. They run between 350 and 450 from the decent china shops but put mods in it, new bridge, better pickups, some fret work.. you're likely halfway to buying a gently used 4003. I was just looking at a new 4003w from musicians friend for 1567.00. Not cheap by any stretch, but I could probably get a decent used one for 1200. I did buy a china made 620 style 12 string from Thomann but that's because I couldn't justify paying 1500 for a 12 string electric when I know I'll rarely use it and Harley Benton doesn't claim its a Rickenbacker. If you buy the china, just accept it'll be a project.

[@ZeroMod]

Yep, pretty much . I have seen a few and none have been fully ready to play and use out of the box. None have been what I would deem worthwhile, (even after extensive corrections) - without upgrades (pickups bridge etc) so indeed reason to pause and consider.

[@anonymouslyawesome895]

funny by your playing and tone china backer is not bad knowing the fact you pay 300$ not 2800$ USD . lol chinese for the win

[@futret1614]

Yep Rickenbacker prices always makes me sweaty af lol.

[@renhoek3851]

that chinese bass sounds really nice. 2 grand is ridiculous when you think about it! we are being ripped off big time lol

[@ZeroMod]

+ren hoek I understand your position for sure. It comes down to what you are buying - With an American Ric you are buying "vibe" and exclusivity as well as a well made bass. So everybody has to make that call on their own!

[@fukiu5154]

I bought a Chickenbacker in baby blue for my Beatles tribute band and no, it is NOT a real Rick but with a bit of work (setup) and a pair of new strings you get a very nice bass at 1/10th of the price. However at that money (250 euro) you will find lots of other nice beginner basses eg. Harley Benton.

[@ZeroMod]

+Fu Kiu Very true that.

[@dfj555]

The China Backer sounded pretty good. Lot cheaper too.

[@ZeroMod]

Many think so. Certainly sounds different in any case. A bigger issue than sound is quality of construction and manufacturing defects. The biggest issue is whether you should be supporting illegal copies. Very touchy stuff! I do not take a side in this except for myself. I DO wish Ric would reconsider licensing and offering an entry level version as all the other majors (Fender Gibson Tobias G&L Lakland MusicMan etc) have done. I understand their position on the matter, I believe time will show they are on the wrong side of history. The others who do offer entry level, saw brand loyalty and "trading up" and helped cut copies off at the knees. But they make the call - we can only offer up opinions!

[@jasonhowell5362]

The chinabacker has a nice sound to be fair, and also your a good bass player which complemented the video, Good job

[@bradbeck4223]

I had a Chinese Rick standard 22 fret as shown in your video. It was ok but not like the real thing, too cumbersome. I contacted the company and had them build me a exact 33 1/4" scale copy which sounds very close to the real thing. Sound is subjective as we all know, but as far as the rick sound it is 95% the way there . The copy is the Walnut "natural" bass in my profile picture. I added standard 4003 wiring to the bass as well as a Bartaloni neck pickup and left the slug magnet bridge pickup. The custom made copy's are much better than the off the shelf ones they sell, and you can get it for almost the same price. Great video, I always wanted to do one just never got around to it.

[@ZeroMod]

Brad Beck Thanks for the comments and for sharing your experience!I was wondering how much the scale thing would impact it. I added that info in "comments"when I finally noticed it (after I had launched the video of course) Between the extra frets and the34 inch scale it is quite a bit longer than a real Ric for sure. I like the Alnico big pole pickup, but it's noisy (hum) like all single coil. Very much enjoy the Delano twin bobbin I replaced it with. Is your body actually walnut?(or just walnut -looking) Mine was supposed to be basswood but clearly is not.

[@westleyp.crawford9758]

How could I get one of these?

[@bradbeck4223]

Zero-Mod I can give you some close up pictures if you would like. The scale and schematics as far as Width, Length, Depth are all exactly as an American Made Rick. It is a Walnut Wood Body with Maple Neck Through. The standard one's that they offer like the green one you have are not neck through. The neck is made up of 3 pieces just like the older Ricks, maybe the new ones for that matter, quite impressive.Single Truss Rod. The only draw back was the electronics which I replaced as I mentioned. I requested a standard OLP Bridge on the one I have because I did not want to have the bridge cavity. They will rout the cavity as well if you want to install the standard Rick bridge. For 1/6th of the cost to get the identical sound is a win for me.

[@bradbeck4223]

I can send you some info privately if you like, as well as some close up pictures of mine Westley P. Crawford

[@ZeroMod]

Brad Beck Please do

[@winstontk]

It looks to me that the bridge pickup on the Chickenbacker is closer to the bridge than on the real Ric. This really should have been mentioned in the beginning comparison.

[@ZeroMod]

Yup...It's called "forgetting"! I have seen other Chinabackers from a superior supplier that did not have this issue. But the majority come from the same factory and do have it about an inch too far to the bridge. NOT as big a problem as the form factor issue with the neck pickup - See my other video on that.

[@trumpeteerTralala]

may have a few inconsistencies and flaws but they sound great!

[@jeffally5386]

there is quite a distinct sound difference.. I noticed the china copy had quite a different tone between the pickup selection.

[@ZeroMod]

For sure...On a real Ric the neck and bridge pickups are not too different. Both single coil of the same design just different amounts of winding. On the Chinese basses, they are totally different pickups! The neck being a small humbucker of modest output. the bridge is a very hot wound single coil with huge Music Man style Alnico slug poles. WAY overpowers the neck pickup in "both on" plus they ship them with the pickups wired out of phase. Every one I have seen shows up that way.

[@batyrlanbopbekoff7717]

It is not neck-thru Chickenbacker, it is set-neck. There is one good sign for determinate set-neck or neck-thru: the heel is larger on set-neck. Also the heel is not in one level with body on set-neck bass.

[@ZeroMod]

Ah...Yes...That was said in the video... refer to 1 :17 in video..... Most of the ones made are 34 inch scale set neck, only some makers offer the neck through with actual Ric scale of 33 1/4. Unless you specifically establish that with the seller you will see a 34 in scale set neck show up.

[@batyrlanbopbekoff7717]

Zero-Mod I have found one seller in Aliexress who can make 4003 replica with close specs to original: real neck-thru, 33.25" scale length, alder wings, twin truss rod. And this custom replica will be cost $360. For soft maple wings - $400.

[@batyrlanbopbekoff7717]

Zero-Mod I forgot to add bubinga fretboard. And some cosmetic modifications, such a moving bridge pickup to neck.

[@ZeroMod]

No doubt there are a few. Trouble is for most people, even if they want to get this, they have to sort out con artist from legit sellers. Both are there on that site.! I got a custom double neck (nothing to do with Rics - original design) fretted and fretless four string necks, showed up being total garbage. Took a Shit ton of serious work to make it playable - replacing a truss rod in one neck, slotting the fretless neck that was supposed to have maple inlays and putting in the missing inlays - The seller laughed and said "sue me round eye" That seller was named Maxtone (avoid these characters for ANY instrument.)

[@ZeroMod]

More updates....The body on THIS Chinabacker is DEFINITELY not Basswood. Had the guard off to change the neck pickup and I gave the wood a poke with an awl, which if it was Basswood would give quite a bit (built many guitars and some basses out of Basswood bodies back in the day - it's SOFT stuff) the wood was rock hard... ALSO - BE AWARE - a dumb design slip up in these basses...... I was wondering why the "E" and "G" are a bit weak on neck pickup only. Even after installing a Seymour Duncan Ric neck pickup - same thing. Did some experiments with moving the strings and it's that way they WIDENED the string spacing! The Chinabacker has a more fanned out string spacing, like a P Bass, about 1/4 wider by the time you get to the bridge, this moves the strings somewhat out of the magnetic field of the Ric style neck pickup.a DUMB design. But then it is a budget bass after all. You can either live with it, or mod it to use a pickup with wider spacing! EDIT : Came up with a simple solution to the pickup output problem! Looks a little odd but WORKS LIKE DAH BOMB! Email me if you want to know how to do it!

[@Desaulnierspf]

+Zero-Mod I noticed that the hole under the neck pickup goes up almost another pickup leight.Knowing that, it may be positioned closer to the 24th fret position ( as on real rick). Putting the pickup higher would also make the spacing less wide but you would need a new custom pickguard to keep it good looking.

[@Desaulnierspf]

Also moving the bridge pickup upper in the bridge hole ( drilling 2 more holes in the floor tile plate to hold it) made it more bassy and less trebly.

[@ZeroMod]

+Desaulnierspf It's 22 fret, not a full two octave board but more than the real Ric...I am not sure what you are referring to "hole under the neck pickup" ??? Please explain! The neck pickup is basically the same location as the real Ric - It's the bridge pickup that is way off location. about two inches closer to the bridge than a Real Ric.

[@ZeroMod]

+Desaulnierspf Yes you can try that but there is not much leg room in there - Not nearly enough to get it over to the location on a real Ric! The Chinese location actually makes for easier playing but does sound different. PM me for more info.

[@Desaulnierspf]

what i mean by 24 fret is :you will find an harmonic at the place where a hypothetical 24th fret would be.On this spot exactly the neck pickup is located on your real rick.On the chinese one, because there is two extra frets, the pickup would need to be upper on the body , closer to the neck, to be undeer the 24th fret harmonic. By hole under the neck pickup i mean : If you remove the pickguard, you will find that the routing for the neck pickup is wider than the pickup is. there is room closer to the neck already.

[@ZeroMod]

You will never see "a link" posted here for these basses as (for the time being) purchase of them in the US is illegal. If you are in Canada, UK, or other places this may not be an issue. Less than ten minutes of Googling will supply you with all the info you could need if you are so inclined! IT IS OUTSIDE THE SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF THIS VIDEO TO ENCOURAGE OR EXPEDITE THE SALE OF SAID BASSES. This video is about the basses themselves - What they are, and what they are not!

[@CorvetteCoonass]

Zero-Mod That took longer than expected. Rickenbacker is usually on top of their lawsuit game.

[@ZeroMod]

CorvetteCoonass ??? Not sure what you are referring to - Please fill me in!

[@saemikneu]

Zero-Mod He meant Rickenbacker does a lot of lawsuits against plagiarism of their instruments.

[@ZeroMod]

That is a long standing fact (going back to the 70's). The way he said it, seems to me to imply something new has happened. Has there been some kind of new accord with Ric getting China cracking down on the Chinabackers?

[@MichaelCasanovaMusic]

Zero-Mod To my knowledge they can't enforce their trademark outside of the country. Rickenbacker copies are freely sold overseas and in Canada.

[@davidjameschamberlain]

I actually like the sound of the chinese one better

[@ZeroMod]

David Chamberlain Totally cool opinion as far as I am concerned. There's a lot of political and agenda "hating" directed at these basses for reasons I understand but don't agree with! No other "copy bass" gets this much bad press. But then that's the politics part - Chinese making counterfeits rather than copies. It is not a "Ric for cheap" as some you tube videos claim, but it is interesting!

[@gibeb3]

David Chamberlain i

[@frankjuster8726]

you gotta be kidding!

[@Ston247]

Aww... I just want a Ric Bass because they look cool. A fake one would be fine as long as I can set it up for comfortability (is they're such a word).

[@youtert]

I think the word is 'comfort'

[@sideparting6845]

Very informative, thanks! Nice bunch of gear there including that modular synth in the background. I have only tried a real Rick with either disgustingly old strings on it, or with that pickup cover in the way so you can't actually play the strings! Thanks.

[@ZeroMod]

No joke that ! (strings) I am an old guy and have been playing since 1972, took me years to realize the importance of good strings. When I was a kid I bought what was cheap or on sale. Now I spring for the real quality stuff. DR, GHS, Tomastik, etc - Fender is good affordable stuff as is D'addario . The only place "old" strings work in my opinion is on a fretless (if then). The strings that were shipped on the Chinabacker were AWFUL. - harsh feel and NO output. The guy doing the "play-off" is a major synth restoration guy, that's his own vintage Moog rig in the video ^_^

[@sideparting6845]

Zero-Mod Yes I recently discovered D'addario Pro Steels and although a bit harsh on the hands, they sound ever so bright and lively. Better than the no-name brand of nickel strings I bought in bulk years ago (and am still sadly trying to get through). Lovely Moog. How do you find the fretboards on Rickenbackers? The ones I tried were very very glossy, and quite different to other basses I have used (I have Warwicks and their fretboards are dry and very flat, like a ruler).

[@ZeroMod]

Side Parting The fretboards on my Rics are spectacular. The workmanship on the frets is immaculate. The heavy coating is a blessing in that it reduces seasonal humidity shifting, which is a big issue here in the North East , if you are like me and keep your basses adjusted for maximum playability . The Ric boards are Bubinga . Ric is also unusual as - as far as I know, no other maker specs their finger board to be dead flat in setup.Fender, Gibson, what have you, all spec some manner of relief. The fretboard on the Chinabacker is good - A clean piece of dark rosewood of some sort, but well worked. What you get on an inexpensive bass, with "budget" frets.... Wish they used industry standard fretwire, as it would cost very little more.

[@sideparting6845]

Zero-Mod Again, thank you for a very informative comment. The Warwicks I have all have wenge fretboards apart from the fretless (that's mahogany); I believe that like the Ric, Warwicks also have flat fretboards - no radius on it at all that I can see. Unless I am misunderstanding? Does the Ric have an adjustable nut? All this looking at the Midnight Blue 4003 is making me want to save up and get one!

[@ZeroMod]

Side Parting Warwicks are lovely! A fretless with mahogany fingerboard????That would be very odd. Mahogany is very soft - Never seen it used for a fretboard. Perhaps it's mahogany -looking wood? There are a LOT of woods out there, and we all tend to think "ebony/rosewood". I have a fretless with an Ebonol fingerboard - a synthetic that they make bowling balls out of (!) It wears like iron and feels great. Sorry if I was unclear - Not referring to radius (which is the arc of the curve across the fingerboard low to high) Relief is the amount of forward or backward arc from end to end. Pretty much all basses require some MINUTE amount of forward arc - if you hold down your "E" string at the first fret and same time at the 12th or higher fret you will (most often) see a tiny gap off the frets, that's the relief. I forget Fender spec but it's like 1/16th or less. Ric specs ZERO relief. That is the biggest screwup with these Chinabackers, how that have a zero radiusbridge yet a 12' or so radius neck!!! I am amazed more people did not notice it. I am crazy for a proper set up on my basses. ___YES ___Rics have that magnetic effect on people. They are not easy to play and take some getting used toand have their idiosyncrasies but they are just SO COOL LOOKING, especially the colors/finish. My Blue Burstfretless blew my mind when I saw it on Ebay. Borrowed the money from my kid's college fund to buy it ($2400)My wife gave me six months to sell off gear and do side jobs and pay it back before she would change the locks ^_^I made the deadline...You can see it on our Zero Mod Facebook page or in my other video on this channel.

[@bobbyfields7359]

China Backer sounds better to my ear! More range and punch. Being it’s wired LP style I wonder if you rolled off the volume a bit if it would clean up and be closer to the traditional sound?

[@ZeroMod]

The "stock" pickups on a Chinabacker are not capable of sounding really like Ric pickups. VERY DIFFERENT pickups! The bridge unit is a single coil very hot wound with huge MusicMan pole pieces, You will NEVER get the high end articulation out of that pickup. The neck pickup is a humbucker, and with very low output compared to the bridge unit. Dumping the bridge unit and putting in a more full range pickup would get you closer. But due to the strange string spacing you CANNOT just stick in a Ric pickup.

[@dogcowrph]

I like the green colour, although I'd choose a different shade like a British racing green.

[@ZeroMod]

You can try - But they give you want they want! From my experience they will "yes" you to death after you send them pics and such , and still send you what they feel like. Part of the experience, your mileage may vary.

[@livebass99]

My real Ric is harder to play than my China Ric, it has thinner neck at the headstock, while the body is thicker, not by much, it sounds a bit brighter than my real Ric. I had to find out for myself, and now i gig with the China Ric and keep my real Ric safely at home.

[@ZeroMod]

Chinabackers vary wildly depending on the source. But the vast majority of "cheap cheap" ones are identical and have the same flaws. Funny you say "brighter" NEVER heard a bright one! Ones I have seen all have that Music Man style single coil bridge unit (huge Alnico poles and fat wound) Totally understand that strategy, a "club Ric" you don't need to worry about and your "Sunday best" Ric for home and studio.

[@livebass99]

I am debating swapping stuff out but still not sure it is even worth it, it just may need a few little tweaks. I enjoyed your video a lot and i jotted a few things down and will be checking them soon. So thanks.

[@ZeroMod]

You are welcome. Just remember swapping the neck pickup with another "Ric" type of the same form factor solves nothing. See my neck pickup video! I expect yours has the same odd fingerboard geometry - Never saw one of these that did NOT. For some reason they gave the neck/board a Fender style fan out from nut to heel. Rics being far more narrow at the heel, meaning the string spacing is about 1/4 inch tighter on a real Ric and that leaves you with the E and G overhanging the effective area on a Ric neck pickup. Really ODD that they did not notice this during development. I am also AMAZED how many players do not notice. Again, see the sound file comparisons in the neck pickup video.

[@livebass99]

Will do.

[@SmokeBreakGaming]

@@livebass99 Which one did you pick out of that mess on aliexpress?

[@GayCaballero]

Thanks for this Zero-mod, very informative. I have seen others say that their Chinabackers played ok as is; guess it's just pot luck! Slightly off topic, but what is the purpose of the bridge pickup cover? when your friend was picking it was ringing a lot, and it seemed to me that he would either have to play higher up the neck or remove the pickup guard in order to dampen the other strings. First thing I would do is take that guard off (real or fake). I have never played a bass with a guard, so sorry if I'm being an idiot :)

[@ZeroMod]

+GayCaballero No man, not an idiot at all..totally fair question. The whole "Ric Thing" is a kind of retro obsession. That "cover" hides the workings of the pickup support and removing it will give you way better access but looks (in my opinion and others) "half assed" the original intention was shielding and protection of the pickup. Go to Joeys Bass Notes and you can learn a LOT about the Ric... So the Chinese just copied it(the cover) too ! This bass was designed over 50 years ago (came out in 1961) And Ric and it's followers have a big attitude thing about keeping it "just the way it is" which either you dig and agree with or you do not (up to you) . It is one of the LEAST modified basses around. I base that on my years in a guitar shop where we saw very very few Rics ever come in for customizing unlike so many Fender basses. Music Man is another that people tend to love as-is stock.

[@GayCaballero]

+Zero-Mod Thanks. What pickups did, or would, you put into the Chinabacker bass.

[@ZeroMod]

I installed a Delano JMVC 4 FE/M2 in the bridge of this test bed bass. As I wanted something QUIET that kept the flavor and style of what they were doing (which is NOT like a Ric would be!) Then I did a mod to the neck pickup to improve the E and G string response - I have a separate video about that situation. Here is the thing - If you are trying to make this knockoff bass "sound like a Ric" you will have a really hard time with that! They did this strange thing with the string spacing that makes it impossible to use Ric pickups or aftermarket Ric style pickups. So you are really on your own. The bridge position is a mashup of a Ric style pickup cavity with a Fender Jazz style pickup. The neck position you really need a wider across pickup to properly get the strings covered.

[@ClaudeColmars]

Very instructive video ! I used to have a Chinese made copy sold by French budget brand "AZ by WSL" and it was a killer bass for its price (it featured the same bridge pickup that you have on yours with the huge MM style pole pieces). Unfortunately it died in a car accident few years ago and since then I'm searching for another decent Rick copy to fool around with (I tried and Eastern Europe made copy by Jolana but there was definitely no comparison with my fellow AZ). May I ask you where you got yours ? I know you got this question tons of time but I didn't find any proposer answer in your video comments. :) Thank you sir for your help ! Cheers from France ! p.s. You had a very good taste with that demented green finish. :p

[@ZeroMod]

+Claude Colmars Thanks much. I could have been more "polished" but it gets the job done! check your PM.

[@Czyszy]

The Chickenbacker is great for a Scott Pilgrim cosplay. For playing, not so much.

[@conky7819]

True.

[@ZeroMod]

+Conky Have either of you guys actually played one???

[@conky7819]

+Zero-Mod As a matter of fact, I own one. Don't get me wrong, its a great bass, it just needs a lot of work, and it is virtually useless straight out of the box.

[@ZeroMod]

That is why I made the video... To "heads up" people about just that!

[@InfiniteRhombus]

+Conky this this this, i own a legitimate rickenbacker 4003 and a chinese copy, the copies need quite a bit of maintenance but after that they are completely on par with the legitimate ones and I often find myself playing the copy more than the legitimate rickenbacker. when I received mine though I had to shave the frets down a bit, wrestle with the neck (ironically it bows as much as a real rickenbacker! and causes the same amount of frustration) among other things, but for 400 bucks you cant really beat them and like I said, after all the work the copies are more than playable.

[@jeffmclean7054]

What's that awesome bass line you're playing st 7:00??

[@ZeroMod]

+Jeff McLean I don't know! I made the video but the bass playing is by the main guy from "The Lost Patrol" and "The Lovely Intangibles" - I will ask him when I speak to him and post the answer. You can hear songs from both bands here on YT, but I am pretty sure this line is not among them.

[@capitolemiproducer]

Look at the bridge pickup, it's too close to the bridge on a Chickenbacker

[@ZeroMod]

Yes, that is covered in my "comments" but should have been mentioned in the video too. Also the scale being off - Fender 34 in not Ric 33 .25 among MANY things!

[@Voltanaut]

That chickenbacker does sound pretty good, but most knockoffs don't sound nearly that good, feel that good, or anything.

[@Ronno4691]

Rocktile make Rickenbacker bass copies now. Seen them on eBay. I love Rics and would love to have Jetglo and a Fireglo 4001s or an Ibanez copy....!

[@jimmysnaggles4608]

Are you Dave Thomas from SCTV?

[@ZeroMod]

No, just Tim from Zero Mod (as I said in the intro) maybe you thought I was using an alias. But then all fat blonde guys will resemble each other! Had to look the guy up, haven't seen SCTV in a long time.

[@snafu1957]

1st thing I notice is the bridge pickup placement.

[@ZeroMod]

Yes, one of the many odd things the Chinese do. Seems they "mix and match" features from popular basses! Most of these are 34 in scale (Fender) not 33 1/4 scale. And they use a Jazz style bridge pickup which may be why they push it towards the bridge , more like a Jazz Bass. You CAN custom order them with all the issues made Ric like for considerably more $$$. I have seen some with a Music Man style bridge instead of something "Ric like" the way this one was.

[@MrChris-bx7ss]

Strange bevel on the side? That's to make it more ergonomic and comfortable to play...

[@ZeroMod]

Ammo Man Most assuredly - Except no such thing exists on a Ric! It is a perfectly good idea and found on many other basses. But if you are trying to "copy" a Ric it would not be there. Just another one of the odd things the Chinese do with their "copies" - slavishly duplicate some aspects, totally disregard others.

[@ZeroMod]

Zero-Mod The oddest thing they did with this design is carefully copy the size and look of the Ric neck pickup, but use a string spacing too wide for that pickup style. The bevel would look a lot more natural in a version without binding - the way the binding swoops down to follow the bevel is also "a miss" in my book.

[@rickenbacker40011]

omg is that a keith emerson module behind you, wow!

[@ZeroMod]

+rickenbacker40011 The guy playing the face-off on both basses owns that unit. It is an original full Moog rig! He does mods and full restorations on Moog products and is authorized by Moog.

[@rickenbacker40011]

Zero-Mod aweeesome

[@ZeroMod]

Check out his bands "The Lost Patrol" and "The Lovely Intangibles" - Strangely enough he plays guitar in both bands.

[@rickenbacker40011]

i will!

[@9999plato]

That Chinabacker sound good from here. I have heard from a Lutheir who is on You Tube and he has a negative opinion of Ric construction he himself having a new Ric on the road come apart. Perhaps a single truss rod is an improvement.Some people feel the double truss rod was an attempt to fix an inherently weak neck design. At the right price I would buy that bass if Ric imported it like Music Man imports the Sub 4 line of basses.

[@ZeroMod]

I never heard that story ( reason for double truss) I can only say in my experience as guitar repair in the 80's and with my own two Rics, never say ANY problems related to the truss rods. I like double action truss rods the best myself- Something entirely different than two truss . It is true that many people do not know how to properly adjust a two rod neck _ Some high end Ibanez has the two rod as well. I recommend "Joey's Bass Notes" Ric page for excellent info on setting up Rics. Ric is TOTALLY hostile to the idea of EVER making an entry level Ric bass so don't hold your breath.

[@9999plato]

Yes I have double action truss rods on my Warmoth basses. One of the sources I mention who talks about his bad experiences with Rics is here. It seems to be a bad idea to jam 2 nuts so close together. A special tool is needed? Why 2 rods in the first place? He mentions other things. I came close to buying one in the late 70's but got a Spector instead. It was wrong for me, just me.

[@ZeroMod]

That's fine - To each their own! I never had any trouble adjusting twin rods, not really a "special" tool just a hollow tube nut driver. We had them in the guitar shop and they work better on ANY truss nut as they get in easily and are right angle handle. Twin truss does give the Ric the unique ability to deal with bow on "E" and "G" sides independently. can do a lot more with a neck twist than a single rod can. I do not think it's the "best" way but has it's good points. Like I said double action or classic single compression truss with graphite reinforcement rods. I have a USA CUSTOM 62 Jazz neck from them with the classic rod and graphite, super straight and well behaved! But I must add - my two Rics very rarely need adjustment. My Fenders and Fender types need adjustment at least twice a year. This is all about humidity! If you live in a stable climate much easier! Here outside of NYC humidity in Fall / Winter is 10% in Spring /Summer goes up to 90% VERY big swings that will really swell and shrink neck wood. Got a Mighy Mite Jazz neck ( BEST cheap neck around) in March and it came up from Florida, NO fret sprout - three days later - MASSIVE fret sprout! That change of 70% in the air for it was a killer. I installed many Warmoth necks for guys, very nice stuff. All the ones I ever saw had reinforcement - But they use steel I believe.

[@9999plato]

Yeah they have steel or carbon fiber as well.Though the 3 I purchased were all used I think they all had the steel necks. I have always had great luck with their products, all top notch.

[@3wheelrider]

I too liked the sound of the Chickenbacker. I own a 77 Ric and I'd play it more, but I hate the neck.

[@337camo]

I'm genuinely impressed by the "Chinabacker". Depending on the price range I would honestly consider getting one. A real Ric is my dream bass and, well, I doubt I'll be able to invest in such an expensive instrument, especially because I'm not a great bass player. Pretty cool review, thank you!

[@ZeroMod]

I totally get where you are coming from. I own two real Rics but will be the first to say they are pricey! Price and quality of these varies DRASTICALLY depending on the source. The one in this video was "ok" but needed a boatload of work to get there! I am odd man out in the Ric community for saying I think Ric should do what all the other majors have done with much success - cut copies off at the knees by offing their OWN "copy". Fender has Squier, Gibson has Epiphone, MTD G&L, Lakland, Ernie Ball, and so many others, offer one. Proven long ago it builds brand loyalty and interest, and an appetite for "the real thing". But Mr Hall is DEAD SET against it so that is that. instead they play whack-a-mole trying to stamp out imitators. One thing we ALL agree on is the need to stop the "counterfeit" shit with imitation TRC and logos, as I TRIED to explain to a China fan there is a difference between "copy" and "counterfeit". If you want more insights or have more q's PM me.

[@fuckthisshitimoff679]

It sounds great.I like the price & the pups are in opposite position to the Gib sg, which I loved till a friend "fixed up" a full scale Epi sg.Thanks for sharing.Peace..

[@MeatyM8]

gonna buy one of these just to wreck it in a video for school people are going to think its a real thing when they watch the video

[@ZeroMod]

Then I suggest you buy the CHEAPEST one! Also - if you want it to "look real" get black (Ric calls that color "JetGlo") it is by far the easiest to look correct and many say it's the most iconic Ric color.

[@MeatyM8]

saw one for 99 bucks i will try to get it thanks dude

[@aldouskilmister201]

Very good video, I got a chinabacker but when it arrive to my house the neck was fucked but I repair it and now it's a very good bass. But the copy had a similar sound to the real rick anyway for his price it's a very good option.

[@brosefmcman8264]

I really don't understand the problem with "knock Off" guitars. The quality in materials and setup are subpar at best. The only thing you're getting is the ENORMOUS price reduction!

[@ZeroMod]

Yes. All you say is true. But with Rics there is a "culture war" element it seems. People shrug at Fender or Gibson knockoffs but get glowing red eyes and foaming at the mouth when they see a Ric knockoff. Probably because Ric the company has worked hard to gin up that feeling. Now I OWN two real Rics. And have worked on many for people and worked on / modified some of the knockoffs for people. But i STILL believe Ric should license a deal like the other major bass makers, and have an entry level instrument out there. But that is a very unpopular opinion in the Ric community.

[@TinyDragon]

Curved tops on a ric seems so wrong....how could they overlook the top should be flat....

[@ZeroMod]

It kind of makes sense actually...Definitely more comfortable and they follow the curve well with the binding , BUT not accurate if the goal is "a copy", But that is the LEAST of the odd things the Chinese do with their copy Rics !!! The bridge pickup choice and placement, and the use of Fender not Ric scale is WAY more annoying.

[@TinyDragon]

@@ZeroMod Yeah I bet that would seem strange....

[@ZeroMod]

@@TinyDragon The Music Man style single coil at the bridge drowns out the imitation toaster mini humbucker at the neck. Doing them with extra frets and 34 inch scale instead of 33 1/4 gives it a really neck heavy feel. But the biggest mess is the neck pickup and the string spacing not matching. See my other video on that.

[@TinyDragon]

Zero-Mod yes I’m going to check that out now. Most bass players seem to forget about the importance of intonation. This is a perfect example of why Chinese copies are not quality instruments

[@im1337ninja]

at 9 minutes is that a old vintage synthesizer in the back covered in dust?

[@ZeroMod]

That is a fully functional fully restored Moog rig. The guy playing the basses owns it and restores them professionally . it is NOT "covered with dust" ...NOTHING in this guy's place is ever "dusty"...There is a plastic drop cloth over it.

[@ZeroMod]

As a matter of fact, all this guy's friends including me have made fun of him for years over how much of a "Felix Unger" he is about his gear. He used to store his road cables for his gig rig in individual zip loc bags!

[@Voltanaut]

Why did you cover up the Chickenbacker's logo?

[@ZeroMod]

Cause Ric is a mean mother when you help propagate counterfeit activity! My video is ABOUT the basses not to SELL the basses. The logo is a counterfeit Ric logo. To the weak minded this implies some connection with Rickenbacker and could confer some manner of legitimacy . They would be doing themselves a favor off the bat if they came up with their own logo/name. The only reason Ric Corp has not come down on my video (believe me they are aware of it) is because I worked hard to maintain objectivity in my comparison. I KNOW I succeeded because I see references to my video by pro and anti Ric copy factions! There is a lot of legal and social baggage to unpack with this whole "copy Ric" issue. My goal - a solid comparison - has been achieved to my satisfaction. And the viewer is to draw HIS OWN CONCLUSIONS.

[@MrJibby11]

Just wondering if you've ever tried the 5 string version of the Chickenbacker?

[@alankodonnet9100]

A great video. It is strange that I've never seen a Chinese copy with the bridge pickup in the right place. It is always too close to the actual bass. I guess it doesn't have the 4.7nF bass cut cap on there either.

[@ZeroMod]

I think they put the bridge pickup further to the bridge so they can use that big pole piece pickup. The spacing of it is larger than regular Ric, so which came first - the fanout of the fretboard? the pickup? the placement? Only some guy in China knows! And NO CAP! It has 500k "B" taper pots in the "vol" positions and 500k "A" taper pots in the "tone" position...Opposite of what you would expect.

[@ZeroMod]

Another interesting difference I neglected to mention !!! (going to have to put out an updated version of this vid) Rics have an odd slightly shorter scale - 33 1/4 inch The Chinabackers have a standard 34 inch scale. Practically it's not a big difference to most people but it IS a difference. Basses run 30 inch (short scale) 32 inch (medium scale) 34 inch (long scale) 35 inch and 36 inch - Extra long scale. The longer the scale - the higher the string tension for a given note and string gauge. (it's why the "E" on short scales sound farty)

[@mosrite1977]

+Zero-Mod can you tell me where you bought the chickenback I want to buy one but from a good seller there are alot of them online

[@Charlyaraya]

Moog modular synth in the background?

[@ZeroMod]

That belongs to the guy doing the play testing between the Chinabacker and the real Ric. The white 4003S is his as well. That synth is NOT a "reissue" it's the real deal! He does repairs and restorations on vintage Moog gear for a living.

[@aarondavis4341]

I set my phone down without looking at the screen at all,I couldn't really tell the difference

[@Junebu99ie]

Where is that cool riff that you play on the Rickenbacker 4003 Midnight Blue from?

[@ZeroMod]

+Diego Medina Thanks, actually it is just part of a thing I made up years ago a a "warm up" exercise . I will post a shorty of the whole little thing as it is fun to play and makes a good jam kickoff. It sounds (to me) like something Little Feat would do.

[@Junebu99ie]

+Zero-Mod Wow! I thought it was an actual song! It sounds great and I can't wait for the video!

[@ZeroMod]

Diego Medina Thanks, I guess it could be - i am bad about finishing songs... If you want some really fun tasty riffs to play check out Scotts Bass Lessons here on YT, the guy is awesome and has (in my opinion) the best how to videos, many are just fun cool grooves to play as well as serious lessons.

[@Junebu99ie]

+Zero-Mod Awesome! I'll check em' out thanks!

[@frequencies7392]

Fooly Cooly anyone?

[@futret1614]

yep. the Rick o sound and FLCL is one of the biggest reasons im thinking of getting one of these.

[@MagickFlavour]

+Tender Felecaster FLCL is one of my favorites. As a bass/guitar player, the instruments in the show get me excited whenever I see them.

[@aesthetic_apples888]

There's my FLCL bros! im trying to get Haruko's bass but the 4001 in azureglo is so rare!

[@krimsonphantom8958]

Frequencies73 don't forget the shotgun & pull start engine mod and you too can fight aliens.

[@GuyRorschach]

It would have to be left handed to be the exact FLCL guitar

[@mercury8117]

The chinabacker sounds really good but if it was made in usa from exactly the same materials it would cost an awful lot more of course. Many people would love to own the real thing ( me included) but simply cannot afford one so in that respect i can understand why they would buy one. For me i will stick with my squire jaguar ( troy sanders version ) until i can afford a real rick or a top notch fender.

[@seanflora397]

Take your snares off when filming. :)

[@ZeroMod]

If you bothered to read the "comments" that was addressed ! Its called "I am not a video maker". Hopefully you got more than just that out of the video .

[@NaanosVEVO]

Sorry this guy is such a bitch

[@orionsharmony9845]

is it worthy to put some original rickenbacker pickups on the fake one?

[@ZeroMod]

You really cannot do that! Watch my 2nd video about pickups... The Chinese made these with Fender string spacing NOT Ric! so Ric pickups will NOT line up worth squat....

[@alexyerkey3141]

Hi, can you explain the difference in the wiring with these? How does the les paul wiring differ from real rick wiring regarding tone/ tone blending? thanks

[@ZeroMod]

Sure thing - Gibson wiring is "the standard" with the output of the pickup going across the pot - One side the hot from the pickup - other side is grounded as is that leg of the pot. The wiper of the pot (the moving part) goes to the output jack and tone pot...This keeps an even load on the pickup which is considered optimal. BUT (if in "both pickups on position on your switch " as your turn the pot or EITHER pickup - You will drag down the output of the OTHER pickup. (some active systems avoid this by buffering the outputs of each pickup but we are talking old school classic wiring here) SO you will notice when you get near full down on either pot - BOTH pickups go away... Ric wires theirs with the output of the pickup to the WIPER of the volume pot and uses the other terminal (end of the pot) as the output. This way either pot can be in any position and you can get any blend you want. But of course there are issues this way to - You are loading the pickup with the pot resistance at lower levels, but there is "no free lunch" ! The Gibson way was more intended for people using either pickup and not concerned so much with "both". Passive guitar/bass wiring can get pretty involved when multiple pickups and complex tone ckts get added - like the "multi" switch on a Gibson EB3 bass.

[@alexyerkey3141]

Awesome, thanks. Do you have a preference? Can you still blend both pickups with the Gibson wiring or is it just only neck, only bridge, only both?..

[@ZeroMod]

You can certainly blend with Gibson style wiring, but it has limits. The range is about half of what you can do with Ric style. Both have their advantages. Maximum range is had with Ric style.

[@ZeroMod]

Really the best thing? Try it both ways and see what gives YOU the results you like! I do all my basses with multi pickups Ric style. But that is just my preference. if there is a complex tone ckt (like EB3 bass) a different game.

[@alexyerkey3141]

Great info, thanks again!

[@chivisstar5912]

Would it be possible to install a real Rickenbacker bridge pickup on the Chinese copy?

[@ZeroMod]

Yes and no. The Chinese version has Fender string spacing! So you *could* install it but you would find you have a lot extra space on either side of the G and E strings. Plus you need to route out the needed mounting cavity for a Ric bridge. All the Chinese versions use a flat plate bottom bridge of some sort. On the plus side a real Ric bridge would improve the alignment of the strings over the neck pickup!

[@chivisstar5912]

Zero-Mod Oh okay I understand a lot better now thanks. 👍

[@ZeroMod]

@@chivisstar5912 Good luck - If you want a "better" bridge for a Chinabacker you can use one of many flush mount bridges to upgrade - Babicz, Schaller, Hipshot, Badass II.

[@briangira4891]

Dude...nevermind the Rick....what on earth is that modular synth behind the guy at the end playing the demo?! I subscribed and will check out your other videos and maybe I'll learn what it's all about! Anyway, nice vid on the chinabacker. Still not sure what I'll end up doing!

[@ZeroMod]

THAT is an honest to God old skool Moog system. All original! the guy playing the basses in comparison is a synth guy as well as a great bassist. He restores them for all the heavy hitters around the world who use them. You can see one if his bands if you look up "the Lost Patrol" or "Lovely Intangibles" both on YT.

[@briangira4891]

Wow! Cool! I actually have a few things in the basement that are not working well anymore. Moog Taurus pedals, Oberheim OB8 and OBXa that need lots of love. One of these days when I get some cash I'd like to get them up and running again! I'll look up these bands. Great vid on the Chinabacker....or Chickenbacker, by the way. I'm trying to decide if I should take the plunge on some of these knockoffs, both with guitars and basses.

[@ZeroMod]

If you get to that point of needing the synth work PM me for his contact info. Also if you want the name of a top shelf China maker of instruments.

[@briangira4891]

Definitely! I'll take both, actually! I think I'm a youtube idiot and don't know how to PM on here.

[@ZeroMod]

brian gira just contact me through the Zero mod website then

[@toxictophat711]

I'd love for a China brand that looks nothing like a Ric but has a similar kinda sound but better

[@ZeroMod]

There are many companies making "custom" requests for very affordable $$$ in China. Will work over a designs of all sorts to suit your needs. PM me

[@toxictophat711]

Zero-Mod I don't know how to but look for toxic top hat on Facebook

[@ZeroMod]

Better yet ? Go subscribe to our Facebook page and contact me there.

[@toxictophat711]

Zero-Mod no problem

[@ZeroMod]

Cool - Now send me a FB message when on the Zero Mod page! I cannot message you - Don't know why but that is how FB makes it

[@b4truthlynn434]

i played a 4003s for many years. i also noticed the chinabacker back pick up is closer to the bridge. i am one of those guys that if i want to "dig in " i play closer to the bridge. I dont care for the chinabacker being closer to the bridge

[@ZeroMod]

It absolutely changes the tonal issue. But the odd choice of a Ric copy pickup for neck and a Music Man style big pole hot wound single coil for bridge is REALLY the problem. Totally mismatched in terms of output. The position is strange as they copied so many things fairly accurately (headstock) yet ? I really think whoever rendered this copy does not play bass and esp not Rics. It was just a job for them. You *can* get custom run off ones with many of these issues set straight for quite a bit more $$

[@b4truthlynn434]

@@ZeroMod can see that would be a problem. I've recently looked at a website selling these china copys for around 400 bucks, from china. Pics looks good. But. 400 bucks for a copy really screamed at me. I couldn't help but think scam. Lol. Thanks for the video.

[@ZeroMod]

@@b4truthlynn434 Is a messy market to be sure. Quality is ALL OVER the map. Seen and worked on some that are good "not great"(close to Epiphone quality) and some that are pretty shabby. Even the better ones STILL use substandard fret wire. An odd thing to cut corners on.

[@ZeroMod]

If you pursue one, get a custom and spell out clearly with picture illustrations what you want! (pickup placement etc.) also make sure you get "neck thru" (most are glued in) and actual Ric scale no Fender scale.

[@b4truthlynn434]

Zero mod thanks for the reply. Keep on doing what your doing. Rock on bro

[@fenderfunk]

That blue burst model behind you... is that a an actual Ric or a copy? Interesting to see dots AND binding... looked online and can't find anything.

[@ZeroMod]

It is an actual Ric. 4003 Fretless in Blue Burst the 2005 "Color of the Year" Yes, "dots and binding" only happens on fretless! the big triangles would not be good on a fretless.

[@ZeroMod]

Fretless Rics are a rarity overall. Few are made.

[@gjesberger1]

If I can ask a question, and I do not mean to sound like I am trying to start something. But you say you are against counterfeits and you covered the Rick name on the nameplate. Then why did you buy one of these basses? Was it simply curiosity or so you could educate the rest of us or do you intend to use it? I ask because a guy brought one of these into my shop and he wants me to do some work on it. I told him 'no', it would be like asking a jeweler to work on a fake Rolex. If the bass had a different name plate or was licensed in some way I think I would feel differently. I am hoping you can give me some perspective on the subject. Thanks!

[@ZeroMod]

+rockinbass I covered this pretty well in the "comments" section but - I got this bass to evaluate the whole phenomenon of Chinese copy Rics. I own the two blue Rics in the video so I didn't "need" one. Saw many You Tube videos about them but they were incredibly poor with regard to specifics! Pretty much some guy going on about how great it was and how it was a "Ric for cheap" and I thought how likely is that? My video was meant to be specific on the good the bad the odd...The Green Monster in the video was sold not long after and has a happy home in the Midwest, it was rebadged with a "Chinabacker" truss rod cover before it left me! As has been discussed several times in the "comments" it is common knowledge Ric is very hostile to the idea of copies counterfeits and the whole idea of "an entry level Ric". That is their choice it's their business. But - By NOT having an entry level Ric they attract the copy /counterfeit thing. All the other majors indeed most bass makers offer one to help cut copies off at the knees. Fender has Squier , Gibson has Epiphone, MusicMan has Sterling and SUB, G&L has the Tribute line, MTD, Sadowsky, Schecter, Ibanez, and most others all have one. I realize I am in the minority on this among Ric owners! At least after seeing my video people can make a more informed choice about avoiding one or seeking one.Many Ric fanboys have ripped me for not making the video a "hit piece" to slag the copy in every way possible. But that's not how I roll. I wanted to be as objective as I could and I believe I did that - Doesn't celebrate or promote copy/ counterfeit Rics - Doesn't make them out to be "firewood" or "junk" - The truth is messy-er than that, they are a curiosity and certainly not "a Ric for cheap".

[@amyrogers7628]

As cheaply made as it probably is, a Rickenbacker with dual humbuckers and extra frets sounds far more appealing to me than a regular 4001/4003

[@ZeroMod]

You would think...But the geometry of that humbucker is wrong for the string spacing (!) (See my video on the subject,) And the pairing of a very low output neckpickup with a crazy hot midrangy bridge pickup really doesn't give you a lot to work with.. That bridge unit is a single coil - not a humbucker.

[@bepivisintainer2975]

Fantastic Video!! I would like to ask you a thing. I've recently bought one of these basses myself. It sound and feel great but the bridge s just useless. No regulation possibility at all. Is there any solution that you are aware of ? some bridge manufacturer that would actually mach ?

[@ZeroMod]

Depends on the version - I have seen MusicMan Stingray style bridges adapt to these well. And the classic Badass II bridge also adapt well. Remember the string spacing the Chinese use is actually Fender spacing NOT Ric!

[@bepivisintainer2975]

@Zero-Mod thanx for the answer. I've noticed the fender spacing myself actually. Thank you to pointing it out, it is always better a confirmation about it. Sonic-wise which bridge would you reckon it would perform better for a Rick ish type of sounds ?

[@ZeroMod]

@@bepivisintainer2975 Considering the pickups in these basses, you will never get really "Ric" sounds, but they can sound acceptable when dolled up with the right EQ amp etc. A Schaller Roller Bridge is very adjustable in all parameters and so a good choice. Get them at StewMac or Ebay etc. Like $60

[@bepivisintainer2975]

Off course not. I use an Ashdown amp and I think a can actually achieve a more convincing "ric" sound out of my P bass. Nonetheless being a ric clone I would like to keep her original tone. She sounds more ric ish than I would ever expected, If I wanted a proper Rick I could easily buy a 4003. They are more affordable nowadays . Ta lot for the good tips. You are very kind , Cheers form Europe :-))

[@ZeroMod]

@@bepivisintainer2975 one of the little understood "keys" to Ric sound ala Geddy and Squire is to run the action low enough for "fret grind" which is contact just short of out and out buzzing or choking, strings just kissing the frets... Really the "secret sauce" !

[@angryretardcereal]

Please message me a possible link to where you obtained your ric copy from. So leery of where to order mine from. I want a decent copy that I can gig with and not be worried about theft and wear and tear. Great video by the way! Cheers

[@ZeroMod]

Did PM you....

[@angryretardcereal]

Thanks I'll check now