Rickenbacker 4003 - The Truth.

Busting a myth about the Rickenbacker 4003.

[@djacobmadrigal]

You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about: there are tons of footage of Lemmy playing a Rickenbacker; I have pictures of Geddy and Squier playing a Ricky bass. I just saw a video the other day of McCartney putting down his Hoffner for a Ricky. Roger Glover played a Ricky up to and including The Machine Head album: pictures of him with it in the box set. In an interview Glover explained why he switched from it but he played it. Definitive. I’ve seen Cliff Burton and Al Cisneros live with a Ricky in their hands. I guess that was a mirage too.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@djacobmadrigal , Sir, it was a joke I was being extremely sarcastic. So called experts all over social media are always complaining about Rickenbacker basses when they’ve never even touched one and my video was simply just an utterly ridiculous response to all the whining about Rickenbacker basses. I do appreciate you watching though. Thank you and have a good week.

[@dadolin01]

There's basses and then there's Rick - the elusive mysterious beauty. Nothing comes close in both looks and sound.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you for watching and for the positive comment.

[@FlatOutBrasil]

They're unbalanced, weird to wear, difficult and limited to set action height and I freaking love my 2012 4003 fireglo every time I hear it, I see it or I play it. It's like a 1966 GT350 Mustang - full of limitations, full of character and inimitable!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching and that is an excellent analogy comparing a Rickenbacker bass to 1966 GT350! Carroll Shelby was a brilliant designer and absolute legend.

[@Metal2TheMaxxx]

I got a Univox Stereobass, which is an exact lawsuit copy of a 77 rickenbacker, and a luthier told me “these are as good as if not better than the real ones, you will not see these often for that reason.” It’s fun to play but very difficult, love the sound for playing old school rock and roll. Not exactly a bass I’d want to use for metal though, I don’t know how some bassists have used one for metal.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

You are so lucky to have that Univox bass, they are real nice and well made. I'm pretty sure they were made in Japan so they're really good quality. Good luck with that Univox and never get rid of it!

[@sergiodambrosio363]

Hi Nick! Good video! You already know that the Rickenbacker is my favorite bass ever! 😆 Mine is a 4001 model made in 1979 and I have it since 1988. My best purchase ever! I really cannot understand those who think that it is unplayable or not easy to use, or even badly made! Even the luthier who refretted mine, 10 years ago, has not a high opinion for it... But he is one who prefers modern type of basses. He made, luckily, a great job refretting, and he builds great basses (I have tried, briefly, two of them), but of course I do not have to agree with him on the Rickenbacker! I still think that I am glad to own one! Probably those who dis the Rickenbacker have not ever played one in real life! Greetings!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Sergio, how are you? Yes, I agree 100% with you and I too can never understand why there's so much negativity toward Rickenbacker basses. Thanks for watching. I have a 1981 4001 and it's the best bass I've ever had.

[@alexestrada1788]

😊 I have a 2006 4003. It's a bass that sounds somewhat different from both the precision and the jazz. At 9 lbs, it's a little heavy too. However, with a wide strap, it is not bad at all to play for a few hours standing up. It sounds good, cuts through the mix well, and I get tons of compliments on my Fireglo's tone and look. If you are a good slapper, and this genre appeals to you, I think it sounds pretty good as a slap bass. However, it doesn't sound like a jazz or a precision. If you are like me, and haven't learned the slap technique, it will not sound good on this bass! I use either flats or tape wounds and that doesn't help the slap sound either. Also, if you are interested in buying one of these basses, first talk to a luthier who has worked on many Rick bases, or call Rickenbacker and ask them to explained thoroughly the double truss rod system. It is very good for next stability, but it is very different from a single truss rod. I have owned this place for 18 years and I think I'm only now understanding the double truss rod system. As I said, the neck is very stable and I live in a dry climate, so I've never really had to adjust it much. But a good working knowledge on the system with benefit you greatly.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks so much for watching and for the interesting information. I appreciate the positive comments and useful advice.

[@kevinsturges6957]

I own a Rickenbacker Bass. I’m very familiar with the complaints, and it’s still my favorite Bass. Subscribed.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you and same here it's my favorite bass. I just subscribed back to you.

[@kevinsturges6957]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 thank you!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@kevinsturges6957 , you're welcome.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

Best bass ever!. Love it...

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank Mike, appreciate it.

[@Rib13Bass]

I dropped by to say two things: 1) I have a 1976 4001 2) Im also a Mets fan 🙂

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[@johnwilkerson1535]

They all modded the hell out of theirs and eventually gave up trying

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching.

[@jeffunderwood6235]

😂 It is a beautiful bass. Still can't figure out why I have never owned a ric

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Jeff, thank you. It is a nice bass to own.

[@timehasbeenkind]

Great Tee! Sorry about the micetrap! Beautiful hardwear!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks Mark! Hope you're well.

[@jimcoop5663]

Ya gotta be mindful of your bits 😂 ...but seriously, the " interwebz experts " are stoned ijeets. Rock on brother Love and Peace from Myrtle Beach South Carolina USA 🇺🇸

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Jim, thanks for watching and I'll be more careful with my bits! I've got some relatives and friends living in S.C., they all moved there from New York.

[@TinyDragon]

lol this was great! i personally hate the necks on them but they sound unique

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

The necks are a bit odd. Thanks for watching.

[@bobbytubbs5469]

Have a 75 4001 absolutely love it fits like a pair of old tennis shoes

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Bobby, that 75 Rick sounds like a great bass!

[@TAKFULLHOUSE5150]

Looks great! wonderful Bass! thanks for wonderful sharing!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you Tak!

[@viggogrendahl1]

Have a '88 4003 Fireglo. Absolutely love it.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

That’s gotta be a beautiful Rick! Thanks for watching.

[@motorwest]

Damn those mousetrap things...Nice bass😂

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks Nic. How’s Julie feeling after surgery?

[@motorwest]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 hi Nick, it's due at midday French time today...which is right now!... I took her in this morning, she's a bit stressed but ok

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@motorwest ok Nic, keep me posted and let Julie know I hope the surgery is successful.

[@campbell5431]

well the internet is always true

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

I agree and thanks for watching.

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

Great bass. When is Ric going to build a sturdy stable bridge?

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you. Rickenbacker actually did come out with an upgraded bridge a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen one yet but I’ve heard they’re much better than the old bridge.

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

@@bass-hiroshimanick2534 They are better. Much better. But still suffer from separation from what I hear. I have one with the new style on my 4003 ck. No problems with it so far

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

@@nicholasbrowning4558 , thanks for the info on the new bridge I appreciate it. Glad to hear it’s better than the original but unfortunately still has issues

[@bobbytubbs5469]

Must say though played a new one recently not impressed go back to the dual truss rod

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks for watching. I haven’t seen the new Ricks with the single truss rod and updated bridge yet.

[@etherbass]

Hahaha that was good.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@ebeyslough]

Sir I believe this video is AI generated and I can confirm that there is no such thing as a Rickenbacker bass guitar.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks so much, this comment cracked me up!

[@KristianVirtanen]

Looks nice, but for some reason i have not ever wanted one.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you for watching.

[@skinnybricks]

Love it

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thank you!

[@paulscountry456]

I met some big time players while constructing Safeco Field but baseball watching bores me to death, I know if you take steroids and use a corked bat you get some big numbers on HRs...lol

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

That is so true Paul and it's one of the main reasons why I stopped following baseball a long time ago. That must've been a great experience constructing Safeco field and getting to meet players.

[@Jeff-nk5lv]

Cool. If no-one can play one, can you please send it my way. I'll do my best to play it.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Jeff, thanks for watching. The shipping from Japan would cost more than a Ferrari.

[@IndestructibleNopal]

Im in Chicago and would gladly pay for the shipping 😂

[@fernandoalvaradojr.95]

I have a Rickenbacker 4001 1972

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

You are very lucky to own that 1972 Rick, I'm sure it's a great bass.

[@jagerking7020]

Ha!

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks again.

[@sumintegrals]

LGM F-A-N.

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Thanks!

[@WhenHariMetKari]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Hey Hari-Kari, how you doin? Great to hear from you! Have a wonderful week and I look forward to more of your intelligent and well thought out comments.

[@eckie4679]

I’ve got a 4003s/5 and previously had a 4004. Sometimes they sound good but don’t deliver consistently. And the B string is hopelessly weedy. Definitely not worth the price. 🫤

[@bass-hiroshimanick2534]

Ricks really are expensive! Thanks for watching.