Rickenbacker 4003 Bass - Rules and Regulations.

Here are the strict laws for owning and playing a Rickenbacker bass.

[@MrTeijo]

Police are going to arrest me any day now for multiple reasons. I wonder how much it's going to cost me.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

MrTeijo, thanks for watching and I love this comment!

[@chickenlickin3820]

Yes, by law it is necessary to call it a Rickenbarker! lol loved this video, it cracked me up.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you were able to find the humor in my video.

[@gilt1014]

I've heard also that you're not supposed to Slap n Pop on the Rickenbacker! Is this true??

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Gil T, you are correct! I missed that very important point. Thanks for watching.

[@Book-bz8ns]

No slappa da Rik. That's what the Stingray is for. J-bass is ok too.

[@dbvetter7485]

Uh-Oh I’m in deep trouble now😂

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

db Vetter, thanks for watching. Hope you’re well.

[@Scrimjer]

This is cracking me up, I was told putting Flats on a Ric was like slp@pping your grandmother....haha

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

That is a good one too and made me laugh! Thanks.

[@irontail4264]

Oh shit...I'm going to do some real hard time at the penitentiary.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks so much for the great comment!

[@paulsimmons5726]

I chuckled at these rules until I figured that I’d broken most of them over the years on the Ricks that I’d owned. My current Rickenbacker is a 2015 Mapleglo 4003S that I’ve put the Rickenbacker “Toaster and Horseshoe” pickups on it along with the 60’s vintage styled knobs on it. It also has a Hipshot D-Tuner and bridge. The one rule that might get me indicted though is that I’m using Thomastick-Infield 344 Jazz Flatwounds. It’s a player.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Paul, thanks so much for watching. It sounds like you've done some really nice upgrades on your 2015 Rick, I'd love to get my hands on one of those Hipshot bridges. How do the Toaster and Horseshoe pickups sound?

[@DanielDroz]

Flatwounds?! That's it, I'm calling the Vatican 🤣

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@DanielDroz , thanks again Daniel, I appreciate the comments.

[@paulsimmons5726]

@@DanielDroz Well, I thought that’d be the one that got me! The TI’s deliver that perfect McCartney tone though, something different than the Roto-66 sound I’ve used all these years. Light tension and fun to play also.

[@paulsimmons5726]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 The bridge looks like a Rickenbacker unit from 10 feet away with the same outline so most people won’t notice it’s been changed. It’s an intuitive bridge to adjust with each string being totally independent for all movements needed. I love it. As far as the pickups go, they seem to have a bit more bottom than the originals did. I also think they’re almost balanced with the neck having a 55/45 volume advantage. Their tone is classic “Rickenbacker” but with a bit more bottom. They’re not all treble with no bass like some Ricks I’ve played but they’re not a P-Bass either, sort of like a nice Jazz bass only less low-mids. Don’t know if these descriptions helped because instruments are so subjective and none of us hear them exactly the same. The TI’s are low tension and the bass plays ridiculously easy, that’s for sure!

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

A lot of the truss rod supersition is from the 4001 where adjusting its odd truss sytem could result in snapping the neck in half. And its neck-through, so its not like you could just bolt on a new neck.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Can you imagine actually snapping the truss rod/neck on any guitar? Talk about a nightmare! Thanks for watching.

[@VioletsInspirationSoup]

lol i love Yogi bear and boo boo. Rules help so you know how to break them. Great share

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Violets Inspiration Soup, thank you for watching. I hope you're well.

[@WhiteNacho]

I don' have to worry cause I'm not rich!

[@KAUSIcovers]

Beautiful Rickenbacker my friend! Have a great day!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you KAUSI.

[@craigdamage]

Most nightmarish bass I ever owned was a 74 Ric 4001. I got fed up with constantly fighting it. In 85 I traded it for a brand new Ibanez Roadstar Bass and felt like I got the better deal. The Roadstar had a stable neck and workable bridge. I actually learned how to play on that Ibanez. The only thing the Ric taught me was disappointment.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Those Ibanez Roadstar basses are nice basses, do you still have yours? I sold my Ibanez to a friend a few years ago and of course regret it.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I'm still laughing😂 Excellent Video.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

FULTON STREET BEATS, thanks so much! I had bit of free time so I thought I'd have a little fun.

[@boomerbassmeme]

🤣😂🤣😂 That was Epic Nick! 😊👍

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks boomer. That what happens when I have a bit of free time on my hands.

[@mauriceholder1386]

To think ive been pronouncing it wrong all these years. Thanks for clearing that up, haha.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.

[@shiningumbreon4322]

😂😂😂😂 this is the best video on KZbin hands down buhahahahahah

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@shiningumbreon4322 thanks so much, I really appreciate it.

[@shiningumbreon4322]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534dude me and my dad were cracking up on our necks watching this. Really great stuff man

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@shiningumbreon4322 , I’m glad to hear that I really do appreciate the positive comments and tell your dad thanks!

[@AdamBurseMusic]

Great video Nick, that was awesome man 😂🤘

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks so much Adam! I hope you're well.

[@areagray]

This is genius.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you.

[@1965JB]

The main Rick law that I’ve broken was selling my black 76 Rick. I’d love to have it back with a set of flats on it.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

That 76 Rick must’ve been a beautiful bass. Thanks for watching.

[@1965JB]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 It was. I bought it because I played with a pick and wanted to sound like Chris Squire. Then I got snotty and switched to finger style, didn’t like playing it that way and sold it. Man I need a time machine.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@1965JB , I hear ya about the time machine and great story! I also bought a Rick because of Chris Squire and wanted to play like him. Did you get to see YES, "In the Round" way way back in the day?

[@1965JB]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 Yes I did! They were lowered to the stage in some pods, which you may remember from Spinal Tap, only when Yes did it the doors worked. It was somewhere around 77-79, my friends and I all lost our minds, it was so good.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@1965JB , Yes, I remember the pods well and I saw them during those same years in New York at Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum.

[@motorwest]

Follow the April 1st rules man😀😀😀😀🤟

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Nic, funny I didn't even realize I did that on April 1st.

[@junkgyre5301]

You sir are hereby sentenced to a total of ten consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@junkgyre5301 , that could be a bit unpleasant! Thanks so much for watching, I appreciate it.

[@Book-bz8ns]

My first good bass was a Rick just like that, but 4001. I agree with everything. There is a ten commandments for ricks

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching. Do you still have that 4001?

[@Book-bz8ns]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 no. It got stolen out of the van after a gig. Never saw it again.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@Book-bz8ns , I know that feeling. I bought my first Rickenbacker 4001 new in 1978 and it got stolen in 1980 and I never saw that one again.

[@Book-bz8ns]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 damn thieves.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@Book-bz8ns , I've been saying the same thing since 1980!

[@garagebinnotoys2122]

Wow awesome bro 👍🏼👍🏼

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you.

[@spookysocks5914]

I heard that if you attempt to slap it, it’ll self-destruct and the warranty will be voided too.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

I forgot to include that one, thanks!

[@BrendanPerkins]

That was awesome! 😂 😂

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you Brendan.

[@DanielDroz]

My Rick is a 4001 so maybe I can get away from stuff from being grandfathered in 🤣. I hope they don't drag you to the gulag for using those D'Addarios 🤣. I've been interested in how those 4003 s/5 are that came out a few years ago. I've never actually seen one anywhere. Thanks for the refresher on the legal aspects of owning a Rickenbacker. 👍

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Daniel Droz, thanks so much for watching. I had a bit of free time on my hands so I thought I'd have a little fun with the Rickenbacker. What year is your 4001? I have a 1981 4001.

[@TheDevnul]

Funny. I think I’m in trouble 😂

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

Shit i was annoyed that the action on my 1990s 4003 was as high as a slide guitar so i lowered it. Ill turn myself into the police. I also think the plastic fake bridge thing looks cool and im leaving it. Thats gotta be 5 years at least :) edit: oh no its currently in the shop being set up by a professional who says he wants to mess with the truss rods

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching and commenting, I appreciate it and I enjoyed the humor. Let me know how all the adjustments go with your 4003.

[@martindoman7315]

So, apart from that, you're happy with it?

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching. I’m ok with a Rickenbacker bass, I have no problems with them.

[@martindoman7315]

@bass-hiroshimanick2534 Glad you like them! Took me fifty years to get mine, a 4003 Mapleglo. Only one issue so far, output socket keeps spitting out the transmitter, so it's a lead instead.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@martindoman7315 , great to hear you got your Rick 4003! Is this one of the newer basses with the upgraded bridge/tailpiece and single truss rod?

[@martindoman7315]

@bass-hiroshimanick2534 Sadly no. I am frightened to make any adjustments to anything, as you said in the video! It's very well set up, so far so good. Had it about four years now so fingers crossed.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@martindoman7315 , I joked around a bit in this video but I have other Rickenbacker bass videos on my channel showing how to adjust the truss rods in 4003 and 4001. I also have a couple of videos showing how to adjust the action and intonation on the bridge/tailpiece.

[@learnmusic488]

Lol love it. I’ve owned a few as well. So true…. so many design flaws on the 4001/3… a very overrated bass guitar… if Chris and Geddy played something else, these basses would be $300 at a thrift store🤷🏼‍♂️

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.

[@davidturkos8502]

I have played rickenbacker basses for

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

David Turkos. thanks for watching.

[@ajawam]

The new 2003 4003's have a single dual action truss rod...

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching.

[@cliffords2315]

$2,200 freakin Dollars.........damn in this inflation its a no go

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching. Yeah sadly everything is expensive these days.

[@markdaniels7174]

Your local authorized Rick dealer may partner with Affirm, which allows you to walk out of the store with the Rick and then pay it off over a couple years. I’m no Rockefeller and I can easily afford the payments. Love having my Rick! I should’ve done this years ago. BTW, my Rick is also a 4003 Mapleglo, identical to the one in the video (except I removed the two stickers).

[@GuitarBassCigar]

I got rid of both a 4001 and 4003 for the most obvious reasons and got a P-bass...for the most obvious reasons

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching. P-Basses are nice I've got three myself all made in Japan, great quality instruments.

[@goldmidwest]

I'd subscribe 6 times if I could (one for every violation) lol

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you.

[@alfredotorres2376]

I never heard of that law but you know what I can't afford one

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks, I appreciate you watching.

[@surfinbuddha3119]

I prefer my pickup covers on.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Me too. Thanks for watching.

[@markdaniels7174]

I’m torn on this one. I prefer the ascetic look of leaving it on, but I think I’d like plucking hand access to that Sweet Spot it’s covering. For now, I’ve left it on, and I love the look.

[@simonsmith2642]

😂😂😂 I rock stock like an outlaw lol

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Simon, thanks for watching.

[@tombeyerlein3813]

Congratulations on being able to pronounce 'Rickenbacker " correctly!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks!

[@tombeyerlein3813]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 As you point out, it's appalling how many people pronounce it wrong, even when they're shown to be wrong.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@tombeyerlein3813 , That is so true. The funny thing is, I'm from new York so I really shouldn't be criticizing anyone else's pronunciation. Thanks for watching Tom.

[@ThunderBassistJay]

Do NOT install strings any fatter than those the bass came with, or else the trussrods will have to be adjusted, which is forbidden by law. 😂

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

That is a good one Jay! Thanks for watching.

[@paulscountry456]

Wow,strict laws in Japan...lol

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Paul, how are ya? Thanks for watching. The Rickenbacker laws are strict but they're pretty easy going on Fender! Just kidding.

[@nigellacey559]

Funny

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@nigellacey559 thank you, appreciate it.

[@RobertGraham]

It's a shame that a bass that nice sucks so hard.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Robert, so true. I hope you're well.

[@richardtorres3299]

😆

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you.

[@PooNinja]

Your gonna get caned for playing that!!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Poo Ninja, now that would hurt even more than my usual back pain!

[@PooNinja]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 I just got me one of Them deep tissue massage guns mmmm so nice… I used to have the Mrs. hit me with a little acrylic mallet to “tenderize”my muscles, this thing is way better and it doesn’t look as awkward to others. 🤣

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@PooNinja , for some reason that cracked me up, I've never thought about having the wife hit me with a mallet but I might give it a try. Yeah, those massagers are great.

[@marcbolan1818]

And the law has been laid

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching.

[@matteopessina8570]

Nonsense video

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate it. Have a wonderful weekend!