Rickenbacker 4003 vs. Gibson Thunderbird with Nicki Tedesco

[@crd560]

You guys are doing something wrong if you can't tell the difference the push-pull pot makes on a Ric 4003. It's not subtle! The older Ric 4001 had a high-pass cap on the bridge pickup. The point of this high-pass was to make the instrument sound better when both pickups are selected. With something like a Fender Jazz, if you set both pickups to the same volume level, you get a kind of hollow-sounding tone because some frequencies in the bass and mids cancel out. The 4001's high-pass cap reduces that problem, giving you a more solid tone when both pickups are active. The downside is that the bridge pickup by itself sounds kind of weak. The 4003 has the same high-pass cap, but disables it by default, so the bridge pickup by itself sounds much better, but with both pickups selected, you get that hollow sound. So the thing to do with a 4003 is to push the pot in when playing on the bridge pickup, but pull it out when using both pickups. And since the pot is independent of the pickup switch, you always have the option of doing the opposite if you want that hollow Jazz tone or the weak solo bridge pickup tone. This makes the 4003 a really versatile instrument in terms of tone.

[@thebathrobebassist58]

I have the walnut 4003. You're absolutely right on this. I also lowered the height on the bridge so it's not completely overpowering my neck pick-up. But you're absolutely right

[@thatmarchingarrow]

You can also solve that problem with the hollow sound when playing with both pickups by rolling back the volume a bit on one of them (doesn't matter which one) and that also gives you a fuller tone (and louder too, surprisingly) but in a different way, so it's yet another possibility there. And of course that hollow sound can be useful in some situations too, as a lot of Jazz Bass players will probably know. Rickenbackers really are far removed from their reputation as a one trick pony.

[@jesusalbertomorletcastillo9511]

Thanks for the explanation gays, I have a Ric 4003 and I surprising that versatile tone bass it.

[@carlosdeno]

Absolutely spot on! and with respect it’s that simple. If you can’t figure it out purely by ear not even knowing what you have explained, it’s time to take up the tambourine.

[@jackbassII]

I switch off between a Jazz Bass, 4003 and 76 T-bird. I get similar sounds out of all three. I've always maintained that a players tone is first in their hands, then bass.

[@scottlapier4797]

Very true. If you listen to Nicky playing them both back to back, it's actually tough to distinguish the two at first. She has a very bright, clear tone in her technique.

[@StephenBecker]

I think for the Ric to truly shine, you've gotta put it through an overdrive pedal. Nothing sounds quite as badass as an overdriven Ric!

[@JuanIparraguirre]

Man, get an AMT BC-1 and you are gonna be blown away, it is a killer preamp with overdrive included!

[@JuanIparraguirre]

@Felipe Giraldo Buena esa xDDDDD

[@ArielNefleman]

@@JuanIparraguirre ese tiene que entrar al vs de los preamps de este canal

[@Minnevan]

Ricks and Darkglass products pair quite nicely, particularly the Vintage

[@funtimemoney]

To know if you're playing your Rick right I feel you need to go and see Church of Misery live.

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

Both the Rickenbacker and the Thunderbird are my two favorite basses for different reasons. If you have a killer rig, maybe an SVT or a classic Fender bassman both of these basses are absolute beasts.

[@dimitrisdiskovolos4749]

own a thunderbird , played with a rick . I dont really get the hate the thunderbird gets. it sure has a distinct voice but is not as muddy as ppl think it is. I never had an issue making it cut through. On the other hand , even though Rics are iconic both in sounds and looks I literally hated it when I picked one up and played it. Didnt like how it sat on my body and was quite uncomfortable to play , which is not actually the case with my Tbird. I find that "forward " leaning character of the Tbird shape very cool actually.

[@karadordarkraven]

I have an Epiphone bird ( the active pro) & I love it as much as my RIC.

[@WizardOfArc]

Dimitris Diskovolos I own a Rick... but I wish I had a P-Bass

[@darthjarjarbinks8953]

Yup. I own quite a few basses. I don’t have more than one of the same types of bass except for thunderbirds. My first bass was a gifted ‘76 Thunderbird. When my grandfather died, I inherited his ‘64 and ‘67 T-bird (this bass kind of runs in the family because my sister also loves them too). I also have a 2001 Blackbird and a 2014 120th anniversary one. I love them . They all have their own unique sound and feel (especially the ‘64 which sounds the greatest imo). I love my P-bass and Rick, but the T-birds are like my children. Edit: forgot to mention that the ‘67 bass is a non-reverse, but I still feel like the reverse is cooler looking and more comfortable to play while sitting (however, everyone I’ve met that’s played it disagrees).

[@billfraser1491]

The tbird is very comfortable to play sitting or standing (the only problem being the head tilting a bit)

[@dimitrisdiskovolos4749]

I have recently upgraded my Epi TBird ProIV (the active version) with passive seymour duncan soapbars. I wanted to keep the bass passive (VVT) so I had an extra knob hole. I thought what the heck and put a toggleswitch that converts the jack from regular mono to stereo (bridge pup -> ring , neck pup -> tip). I have also put a high pass filter on the bridge pup that cuts anything below 250 Hz. I run a stereo cable out. Neck pup goes to a spectracomp and vintage microtubes , bridge into a modified BDDI and blend them back with a mixer that I have made (you could also use a Boss LS-2). Even though the stereo output mentaiity is similar, I would not say that the TBird is now a Rickenbacker tonally , even though the tones I can get are pretty interesting. The neck pup TBird is always considered to be a tonally gutsier P pup , you can blend that with the grit from the BDDI and you get a very cool crossover-like OD with the clank and definition of a Harris-esque P bass in tact. Plus the SDs are humbuckers so no need to worry about any hiss. @chris_caccamise , before you change the pups , give that mod a try. I can forward you the wiring diagrams and answer any question that might arise. it would then be cool to compare the stereo capabilities of the Ricky vs the modded TBird.

[@IamMarko101]

I think the RIC is trying to say ‘Please take me to the tech I hurt myself and am sickly’. The Bird on the other hand. Was a silky smooth well maintained instrument. If the RIC was healthy it should have smoked that bird. None the less. Thank You both for the awesome comparison vid. The two of you made a great team up !

[@zhengzhao3643]

As long as you can afford a set of new strings, the T-Bird won't let you down.

[@bartosz_xenon]

You could try Elixir - they're a bit more expensive, but the investment is absolutely worth it and saves me a ton of money. A worn-down, 1-year-old set of Elixirs still sounds pretty great and won't sound out of place that much when used as an emergency replacement during a gig.

[@Munchable420]

Aaaaand also if u don't lean it against an amp or even drop the case snapping the HS 😂 seriously wicked sounding bass though can't wait to get mine

[@stevec6427]

If you can afford a T bird, you can afford new strings.

[@martinportelance138]

Cheaper to change strings than to change/fix necks... Is the Rick still vulnerable to roundwounds?

[@hotwheel6663]

How much are they?

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

Never played one myself but everytime i have seen a rickenbacker live, it has always had an amazing tone. Eventually i will spend the money on one but for now my epiphone classic pro thunderbird and p bass do the job. The epiphone has the gibson usa pickups and a through neck but at a small fraction of the cost.

[@karadordarkraven]

The T-bird pro is a great bass!

[@scottlapier4797]

To this day, I still regret not buying a Ric for $800 back in 2009. It was hanging on the wall at guitar center. It played and sounded beautiful. It was so tough to put it back, it was gone when I went back a few days later with enough to buy it.

[@freddiesoverbite6162]

Dude, I hate when something like that happens. Then your at home saying “ please don’t be gone before I can get back.”

[@Thejeditusken2]

I remember having a similar feeling when I got my Ric. They had 1 left in stock in my local guitar store, I called beforehand just to make sure it wasn’t sold or reserved, and I raced like hell, hoping in vain that it wasn’t gone by the time I showed up. Thankfully it was waiting there for me when I arrived 🤩

[@nigelmoscrop9987]

There are some used ones about , where I live it's fairly remote from such luxuries until this year I saves for a long time and saw an opportunity that I grabbed at£2000 and took the plunged ,as I was playing in a 60's style band as well . yes I waited a long time and certainly didn't have the cash for a new one . So now a proud owner of a Rickenbacker 4003 which I'll cherish , mat maple ! I am quite old now at 57 .

[@honeybadger1810]

I love the way my rickenbacker sounds. I feel like It's so naturally mid rangey you can add a ton of bass and it never sounds muddy, and it growls for days. However Its just not very comfortable to play for me

[@creid1980]

I think there may be issues with that specific Ric. I have a newer 4003 and the pull pot makes a WORLD of difference to the tone and if I swap it with a different passive bass through the same rig I don't notice any major drop in volume. I freakin love that Tbird too though, I'm gonna have to kiss another 2 grand goodbye....

[@larskappeler]

Yes, I thought the same. Makes a huge difference on mine from 2010 also.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

If you want a thunderbird, look for an epiphone classic pro. Has the gibson usa pickups and a through neck. I got one for £400 new and it plays great.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

@@Ryzanu i got the last one in stock at andertons in march and its a discontinued product so you will probably have to look second hand although some old stock somewhere might be left. The classic pro model is now replaced by the vintage pro. The vintage pro has epiphone pickups and a different bridge to the gibson. I went for the classic pro since i bought online and i thought it would be better since it is almost the same as the gibsons but many people like the vintage pro more(mainly due to the different bridge). I am very happy with my classic pro and i think that was the right choice for me.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

@@Ryzanu yeah i heard that the vintage pro has neckduve issues but people say it has a better bridge. That said, my classic pro is setup very well with no issues. Im sure there are some second hand classic pro's but id check the condition of them before buying. Sorry but cant sell you mine, its currentely my favourite bass. Tho id love try a rickenbacker.

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

@@Ryzanu are the active ones any good? To me i assumed they dont have the thunderbird growl and that they would sound more modern yet still be inferior to other basses going for the modern sound.

[@nosecretsbass7471]

I have a 2010 Tbird, which sits a bit strangely with my fretted and fretless Aria SB1000s and fretless Wal, but it surprises me how often I pick up the Tbird. It has a distinct voice! I must say, hearing the Rick on that video has me tempted!

[@PushSueAside]

I'm wondering if there is a problem with the pups on the Ric? I haven't had a problem with volume at all, actually I think it a little "hotter" than my mim Geddy. I just wanted to say thank you guys/gals for such a great show. Loved it. Cheers

[@WizardofFuzz]

I have an Epiphone T-Bird and a very faithful Japanese Rick copy from the 70s. The Rick slightly hotter.

[@arnoldcastillo2054]

36:35 "I just love bass so much!" I'm like, "ME TOO! ME TOO!"

[@BassDiaries]

I have them both, and I think they are so different instruments that it's hard to compare them. Everything is different between them. They are almost like opposites. Also I think that Nicki might have some problem with wiring. In my 4003 "vintage cap" have definitely much more significant impact to the sound. Huge greetings to the whole channel team. ;)

[@caseypayne5138]

"So, I'm gonna take this bass with a distinct voice and tonal character, and then I'm gonna put EMGs in it so it sounds like every single other bass with EMGs!" captainpicarddisappointedface.jpg

[@CorvetteCoonass]

Honestly, I put different pickups in my Thunderbird and it still sounded like a Thunderbird. The EMGs will still make it sound like a Thunderbird albeit quite a bit brighter. As long as he doesn't do dual DCs....he should be okay.

[@cojster5084]

I have had a Thunderbird for about 2 years and love playing this beast, it is longer than all the other basses I have and tuning is a stretch. I have wanted a Rickenbacker for a while and bought one last week. WOW this to me is so much easier to play and I love the sound, it is lighter and shorter than the Gibson. I love both, and to be honest I do feel more comfortable playing the ric

[@bikershark9]

I just lay my strap across the front of my T-Bird to keep it from leaning forward. I think it looks kinda cool too that way.

[@stevec6427]

I do exactly the same

[@stevec6427]

The Thunderbird is great but when I went in to the shop to buy one I just tried the Epiphone Vintage Pro out of curiosity and was blown away that it sounds better than the Gibson for a third the price.

[@michaelsimmons3524]

I don't know, man. My Ric cuts through just fine. If you want to really push it, run the Ric-O-Sound. I have no complaints.

[@daltonpoff4467]

I have both ,I just got a brand new 4003s and is infact pretty loud and low I think the new ones have more presence I love both! Great video.

[@iliasballas3849]

the push-pull knob applies only to the bridge pu and usually makes a great difference in terms of low end.... maybe that ric has been rewired or just has a knob that is not working... as far as i can hear, the bridge pu seems to be really set low and the neck must have been screwed at top level... plus there is no issue with lack of volume, au contraire sometimes there is lots of volume in most ricks (and as some people have stated, that rick might be in need of some set up) !!!! ps: rickenbacker 4003 one trick ponny? harsh !!! :D ps: great show. keep up the great work !!!

[@canucklehead0]

Like the Ric, Like the T-Bird,......Adore Nicki!!! Really cool back and forth comparison of two absolutely Iconic Basses!!

[@krisn138]

I’m a Ric fan for the look and feel. Switched out the pickups and bridge on mine for more body. Plays awesome!

[@tman6495]

I gigged and owned the Gibson....played through a Fender Studio (1 x 15)...really had some awesome drive....

[@andrewgocken517]

I"'ll take them both on with my '74 4001. Full vintage setup.

[@MrLouisianaHayride]

I think the pull out tone knob on the Rick is broke maybe. On my 2020 4003W it makes a huge difference in sound. Pulled out its bright and lower volume. Pushed in its as loud as my other basses and brings in much more bottom more bottom end. Of course its possible Rick changed the value of the caps used over the years.

[@pCeLobster]

Thunderbird is actually the better sounding bass. There's a reason people bury Ricks in treble and distortion. They don't have a satisfying band anchoring type of low end. So people compensate with a load of treble. Nikki is correct that they need a lot of help from EQ in order to sound good.

[@jamesroberts7489]

The low action problem is something I totally get, I hit down on my springs so hard that I can’t play low action setups. Almost sounds like a slap hit more the fingers plucks.

[@michaelbrocar9178]

Love the thunderbird, I have a 1991 thunderbird my favorite bass it’s a tone monster. Love your show .

[@gaboquintana3628]

I love them both they are gorgeous whenever i can i'll get them both.

[@ravingsofa...6]

I liked the convo about action. I have mine set medium. I dig in hard and also play busy. Some reason I thought you should aim to be able to play with low action. Good to be reassured that I have my own style.

[@josensototorres7070]

Great video, Two Extraordinary Basses. I respect both sounds, I can’t put in a vs because I appreciate booths. And of course Nice playing by Nicki.

[@Lord_UND_Himself]

LOL Subtle with a capital 'B' Five star joke

[@tchap973]

Her problem with the binding on the 4003 could've easily been solved by getting a 4003S. Not like she uses the ric-o-sound output anyway.

[@philjarch]

I agree the Rick is likely sick. I’ve had two 4003s. My first one was a bit quieter than my Fender P&J basses. On my current one, the pick-ups are overwound and high output. The high output pick-ups just sound better…at least they are way more fun to play.

[@rome8180]

I want a Rickenbacker so badly. Give me a Rickenbacker 4003 and a Music Man StingRay and my bass collection will be complete.

[@pwokaren]

rome8180 I recently bought a Stingray 4H NeckThru . I love it. So much good sounds. Can’t recommend one enough.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Her comment about the Rickenbacker needing more volume to fill out the tone somewhat. I used to have a Rick-O- Sound box and used both channels on my amps to enhance each pick up.

[@joapincha]

Totally agree with the low input on the Rick! I own also a mim Jazz and an American standard PB. These last two have so much output compared to the 4003! But after all, when you get over that... Ricks tone are just Amazing.

[@scub761]

this is trully the bass chanel cuz i;ve been searching for a vid like this since forever

[@rainermichaelcom]

i once bought a ric and immediately sent it back - compared to my sandberg, it felt cheap, too chunky and the neck is too wide for me. the tbird feels better. imo, both basses are not worth the money for the quality you get. but yes, if you want an iconic bass, both are. btw, the stingray in the back looks sweet :)

[@T-Hawkeyes]

The winner here is your sandberg. Once more people know about this company...

[@Highrollinhunter]

I would get a Rickenbacker because of Lemmy and Cliff Burton at the same time I would not get one due to how expensive and how downhill the quality has went

[@AleksP1987]

You are completely right, If you want a TBird - just buy an Epiphone, the same with 4003 - Harley Benton have a similar looking bass for about 300$ :)

[@adriancruse3413]

Really good chemistry between you two. I think wrong strings on the Ric. The shorter scale needs heavier strings. The Ric does sound good further up the neck and on the D and G strings. That said the Tbird sounded much better just about everywhere IMHO

[@r3d5ive33]

I like the comparison of two basses that are so different. I've never played a Ric, so I didn't realize it has such a mid heavy sound. I assume this is why they respond so well to overdrive.

[@BubbaBass_Official]

Came to see the thunderbird stayed to see Nicki!!!!!

[@justsomedude5727]

I love my thunderbird to death, rics are amazing too but the neck profile on the t bird feels so much nicer. It sounds very high mid and still a good low end

[@justsomedude5727]

Crank the mids on your amp

[@karadordarkraven]

I put a Hipshot bridge on my RIC & play it through a BOSS BBX pedal & give it a bit of distortion & it sounds classic. I also added a zero - mod thumb rest which makes finger style a lot easier.

[@fredherfst8148]

Karador Darkraven ...same thumb rest for me. I use an old sansamp stomp box..gives me everything re tone and volume and drive. I use another box, zoom multistomp, for compression, doubling, chorus. Low action so I can burn some notes. My only issue is neck tends to want to go low.

[@JoseRojas-kv7kv]

I'm a Pianist, I've played piano since I was 8 years old, I've been playing that instrument for 30 years, as well as organs and synthesizers in two bands, and I can only say that I love the sound of those 2 basses, I don't know how to explain it despite having a marked difference in sound, they are in turn very similar. What I can assure you is that you either love their sound or hate them for your whole life. When it comes to finding a vintage sound these would definitely be 2 of my choices, and don't get me wrong the fender presicion is a great instrument that sounds great, but not for that choice, it would just sound funky or motown.

[@nickc7735]

I'm a huge Thunderbird fan, i love it, especially the old '64, '76, vintage pro etc. pick-ups with higher treble output. However, i realize that Thunderbird has a specific tone, that can't fit in a large spectrum of music styles, while other basses can.

[@beornthebear.8220]

I love RICs. I alway use compression and boost the signal to get a bit of growl. I don't have a RIC now, but I loved the 4001 that I had and had to sell. I always use RotoSound Swing 66 strings, regular gauge. I've also tried Warwick Black Label Medium gauge Roundwound Stainless strings, and they sound good, but I find they don't tend to last as long as the RotoSounds. T-birds around really good, too. I would love to get one of the newer 4003s with 5 strings and the triangular pickups; RICs done right command authority.

[@geraldhartley]

The Rickenbacker 4003 is just such a cool looking guitar. Sounds amazing too.

[@newbiebass]

My 2 dreams, Thunderbird and Rickenbacker

[@billfraser1491]

Gibson basses are so underrated... I wish they get the love they deserve

[@TheBassChannel]

That’s my life’s mission!

[@billfraser1491]

@@TheBassChannel that's a noble mission

[@mauimarcus]

I agree

[@blop-a-blop9419]

well.. they wouldn't be so underrated if they weren't so overpriced... :I (+improvable bridge, pickups, and neck dive...)

[@voiceofexperience]

They don't get much love from Gibson either.

[@elementalmedia8139]

I used to own a Ric. Started playing with a guy who played a les Paul through a big old Marshall. The first time I played with him I knew I needed to get something with more beef. I traded the Ric for a Thunderbird, and it did the trick. I traded in the Thunderbird for a P for a long time, but ended up going back to the Thunderbird. The reason? First, the Thunderbird just always felt nice for me, with its thin neck. But mainly, because the Thunderbird just has the roundest sound of any bass I have ever played. It stays big and thick, but it still has tone and cuts through just the right amount without having to mess too much with it. I know they are looked down on, but for over 25 years I keep going back to them.

[@iliasliakos6692]

love this style of podcast would like to see more

[@samuelherman4859]

Both are my faves bass Rock on guys

[@ferox965]

I've got a Ricky. It's a 2007 with the switch (I never use the vintage circuit) I want to love the Thunderbird because of the look-but just don't care for the sound. The only except was the 2015 (I believe). It's the one with the splittable option. That thunderbird is awesome. They're hard to find.

[@robertotakahashi9950]

Both of these basses are true beasts. Their sound character are really specific. I’d love to have both, but if I have to choose: RK. Nicki is so cool, and brings so much fun on this vids. Loved.

[@bhayes1912]

never had an issue with a RIC regarding volume....play trough a Mark Bass and a Pod Go.....always has great tone and vol.

[@lurklingX]

EXCELLENT VID! love that bit played at the end right before metallica ("sounds more impressive than it is" lol) and also the metallica bit. looking fw to thunderfingers on thunderbird hahaaaa. i'm new to the channel, so maybe it's happened already. have to admit - felt like the metallica needed a little more boom than the Rick had. but i do like it's clarity and stuff overall. MAN. i really like both of these things. how does one even decide? (currently looking at the harley benton version of the Rick. and they also have a Tbird cheaper, IF they send to the states from Thomann. waiting to hear back.)

[@eriktippie978]

Having the same person playing the bass really matters if you actually want a controlled comparison. Everyone plays differently and can bring different things out of different instruments .

[@mikemayberrysr.8049]

Love the bird..what type strings are the best to put on ???

[@TheBassChannel]

Elixir Nickel Wound of your preferred gauge would be a great choice. The strings in the video are 40-95.

[@thepaulmacfarlane]

I own both and the pickups single coils vs humbuckers mean a LOT

[@SonicXRage]

Perhaps there's something wrong with that Rick because, normally, the modern/vintage control makes a much more noticeable difference in the low end. It works that way in literally every other demo I've heard.

[@handybunny]

Rics are so comfortable for me to play. Both sound great.

[@shaunmatthews4601]

I have a 2015 Epiphone T-bird, it’s a Classic IV Pro. I wanted to get one that looked as close to a Gibson as I could get on my budget. My only issue with it is the way the neck tapers as you get closer to the nut. It has the full sized humbuckers, through body construction and the jack is on the bottom, as opposed to on the face. I really had to nit-pick to find a complaint about it, otherwise it’s just about perfect for me. I would like to eventually swap out the pickups for some EMG, probably the P/J combo for fun.

[@longsnapper5381]

Gimmee the Thunderbird. Basses should be enormous.

[@martinportelance138]

Beefy basses sounds chunkier, yeah. Problem however with such beefy basses as the T-Bird is the lack of an elongated 'fin' for the strap, which makes the tuning keys and neck harder to reach in the lower range. It's easier to play these basses while seated. That and the weight must be tiring in the course of a live show.

[@jgsheehan8810]

I have a 2011 Gibson Tbird and love it. But I could imagine having a 4001/3 as an additional bass for different purposes.

[@davidetheridge5123]

Ric 4003 was first released in 1980!

[@RetroPlus]

Where can i buy one of these transformer bases?

[@gregoryelliott8521]

My RIC 4003 sounds GREAT! I can hear a big difference when I pull my tone knob up. Don't know what is wrong with hers? Also you don't have to have the volume turned up high to get a great tone and sound. My Acoustic amp has my RIC sounding great! No way a Gibson is in the same class as a RIC!

[@jorgesoaressilvafilho9871]

yeah..agree..i think the rick is more of a killer but only when connected to a very good power amp..on a small amp both are almost the same, in a sense..but with a hartke LH or an AMPEG SVT the rick is a beast..

[@jta1973]

Ric basses... If they're good enough for Geddy, Squire, Entwistle, and Lemmy, they're good enough for you.

[@mauimarcus]

Placebo knob 🤣 thank you both for doing this vid. I desperately one of each, and I'm an old fart diehard Fender jazz guy who mostly plays upright bass for my living. Thanks a lot... I don't need more basses 😎

[@jacksparr0w300]

Damn that’s dope. That sound of the rick is awesome.

[@pwokaren]

Love my Stingray. Now want a T-Bird 😎

[@hitsfromthebong7629]

The Rickenbacker slays the Gibson Thunderbird!

[@eljapel]

Different basses, I do not think the rick is a one trick pony, secret is to change the tone of the bridge pickup (neck is too muddy) neck is super comfy, and the sound is super even through the neck, also playing with flats is great (Beatles tone) I love mine (though mine is a high end japanese copy)

[@merciless2032]

Both of them are soooooo fucking cool. If I had a Ricky, I'd say ofc Rickenbacker won. Same with the thunderbird.

[@slugcult1973]

Completely useless fact of the day: Jean-Claude Van Damme's name in the movie "Cyborg" was Gibson Rickenbacker. True story. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, the bad guy's name is Fender Tremolo.

[@Oldtanktapper]

And (according to Wikipedia), there’s also characters called Marshall Strat and Pearl Prophet.

[@haatock]

☝😂👌

[@samlelowitch]

I like Ric basses a lot but the affordability is a real issue.

[@samlelowitch]

Toxic Potato It’s more costly to build in the USA, even more so in California-and Rickenbacker is one of only a few bass/guitar manufacturers without an overseas sub-brand.

[@AlexhPDX]

Rickenbackers aren't that spendy when you consider the craftsmanship, features and tone you get from them. These are american made instruments, you can easily find the standard 4003/4003S for around $1600 new. Most American made instruments cost much more than that, it costs money to have quality american labor where people are actually paid a living wage for their craft. You know what's actually BS? Brands like Ibanez and ESP charging $1200-1500 for their Indonesian import guitars. They pay the people making them pennies and most instruments out of the indonesian factories consistently have QC issues. There's no way those guitars should cost that much.

[@creid1980]

@Toxic Potato false

[@PhoenixFlight94]

@@AlexhPDX Rick QA is abysmal from all the ones I've tried.

[@terranboot9405]

These are basically the two muscle cars of the Bass world.

[@raffaelecrupi9347]

i love the Thunderbird bass !!

[@klauszwinger4452]

To all those who feel they‘ve got low input on their Rick: get Seymour Duncan SRB1‘s, that‘ll do the trick and get rid of the hum too. Also another thing regarding the push-pull switch: it only affects the bridge pickup and Nicki had selected both bridge and neck, which is why there was virtually no difference in tone.

[@mattbryant2447]

what do u have your action set too?

[@danielrodcf]

Got a 66 Non Reverse T bird and a 2016 Fireglow 4003. Wonderful instruments. The Thunderbird would be the keeper if I had to let one go.

[@riffwizardsupreme]

I got a vintage pro t-bird when i was a sophomore because I was convinced I was getting Ric tones out of it. Turns out Lemmy just often had a t-bird in the neck and I was very confused when I didn’t sound like Chris Squire.

[@riffwizardsupreme]

I didn’t realise half the tone I was going for was the strings hitting the pickup cover.

[@MrSparks54]

I have a '78 Ric 4001, I prefer it over either the 4003 or Thunderbird. Cheers

[@DimiLeventis]

I really wish we could combine the Rick's neck pickup and the Thunderbird's bridge pickup into the same bass.

[@craigdamage]

This just makes me love my Jazz and Precision basses even more. Thunderbirds and Ric 4000s are flawed gems. Fenders are just gems.

[@Minnevan]

Fenders are generic and dime a dozen. Yeah they sound good, but really not the best of all time.

[@martinportelance138]

You can't beat a Fender for simplicity, playability, polyvalency and dependable reliability. They do however sound and look generic due to their success. It's fun to have basses with more variety, but one always go back to the Fenders.

[@craigdamage]

@@Minnevan you have a 70 years of electric bass legacy to argue against. Good luck. Fender made the best right out the gate......

[@samlelowitch]

Are there some Rickenbacker basses with a forearm contour?

[@creid1980]

The 4003S series are a lot more comfortable and a bit more affordable. The dont have the white binding, but the edges are rounded so a lot more comfortable to play. No ricosound, no sharktooth inlays on the fretboard. The electronics and hardware are the same, great guitars. New for around 1600usd. If you are not going to bi amp with the ricosound thing its a great option.

[@samlelowitch]

I wish they would make one with all the features: sharktooth inlays, binding on the neck and body, Ric-O-Sound, and the rounded forearm contour .

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

@@samlelowitch get a normal 4003 one in the mapleglo colour and sand it down to the shape of a 4003s?

[@samlelowitch]

@@jupiterjames-reynolds2260 An interesting proposal but no thanks.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

. The Thunderbird isn't the best bass out there, but it easily beats the Rick in every way imaginable.

[@dbvetter7485]

Love the Rick 4003

[@edg2919]

The t-bird sounded great playing Sabbath. I think the Ric needs some rotosounds or cobalts something with some mid.

[@bassistwithadeathwish7277]

For me, has to be the 4003, just the best sounding production bass I've ever heard

[@Playdry]

Rick, for me

[@taker1971]

Just do what Lemmy did Thunderbird pickups in a Rick.

[@everythingjingabell8416]

Both look cool on eachother’s basses

[@mariuskozokar4341]

Skip the EMGs on the T-Bird and get Alex from Avedissian pickups to wire you a set. They are incredible.

[@JuanIparraguirre]

Thanks for the comparison between both basses, I would not pay such amount of money for a Gibson, would rather buy the Epi, for 2200+ bucks would buy another Ric xD, a white 4001 or a mapleglo 4001 v63

[@josensototorres7070]

Nice playing Crist to you too