BassBus

[quote name='sprocket123' timestamp='1334681586' post='1619700'] @ the end then , is each his own isn t it [/quote] Yes it is... [quote name='4000' timestamp='1334680544' post='1619676'] I don't really get why people worry about it all. If it doesn't work for you, move on. [/quote] ...and yes I have.

I didn't start this thread to bash Rics but I think I'm now beginning to see what it is people like about them. They are starting to sound like quite a personalized bass. You need to add in your own touches like choice of string, amp and speaker. It's maybe that business of overpowering the speaker that gives it a good sound. Maybe it's the Fenders, Musicmans, and Warwicks of this world that need a bashing. Personally I don't get why everyone loves Fenders so much. I had a bass setup recently and the luthier wasn't half giving Fenders a bashing. Is it not better that a bass can be what you what it to be instead of just giving you what the designer/builder wants you to have?

Now, now, boys and girls. Don't forget to take a Gramma for protection. Keep the neighbours happy.

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1334657205' post='1619125'] Hur hur huuuuurrrrr Silliness apart that is a beautiful bass................. stunning !!! Are you ashamed of our love ? [/quote] Not at all. All for free love. It'll just be more comfortable for you all now that bluejay is joining in.

Maybe we have all become used to picking up certain basses and just getting that tone that they produce. Be it a Wal, Jazz or whatever. Sounds like Rics need a bit of coaxing with the right gear and if you are willing to put that time in you will get a tone to love. I've read about varying quality before in the brand. I suppose if you want that look and sound and you're willing to put the effort in then go for it. Think I'll be lazy and just stick with the tone I love from my Status basses.

My PC goes through some decent monitors. A search for 4001 produced one or two better sounding instruments. But they did have the gain cranked a bit. Still some others sound no better than a F*****. May be it's just a case of the hands that are playing them. As I said the big name players do get great sounds from them.

I know I'm going to get a bashing for this but here goes. I've been listening to a few clips of Ric 4003s being played on youtube recently and I must say I am very disappointed with the sound. They sound so bland. You might say "how uninformed". Well not really. I was and am a huge fan of early to mid period Rush when Geddy played the Ric. I love Chris Squires playing and sound and still love Mike Rutherford's playing on early Genesis songs with his Ric. They all sounded great but those clips on youtube make them sound so ordinary. Is the sound all down to processing with effects and EQ or is it just me (or the clips)?

I went through a period of loving John Pattituci's music in the Nineties and bought a six string about ten years ago. As has been commented on the neck is WIIIDDDEEE. The one thing I really did not like was the sound of the low B string. I still don't when I hear one played. Sold that bass last year and am focused on 4 strings now. Never needed a fifth. If I went that way it would be tuned E-C.

Oh, get a room.

I remember seeing one on Talkbass years ago. It looked like what it is. Bet it sounded a lot better than a P bass though.

[quote name='littlegreenman' timestamp='1334107673' post='1611076'] Not sure which band you mean. [/quote] Sounds very Pink Floyd to me, very David Gilmore. Great feel to it.

I think I'll complicate things further. This is the chart we use in our band.

Never sell a bass. How many posts have you read where someone has sold a bass only to regret it later. Buy the second bass. If after a year you find you are not using the MFU then it might be worth considering a sale.

Well I'm always a sucker for the influence of that band. Sounds fine to me. At least you haven't fallen into the trap a lot of guitarists do and play the bass like a guitar. A nice simple line and it fits perfectly. Nice playing all round. Good job.

Have you considered a John East preamp at all? The neck job looks great so far.

Wish I could lift the lid on that one. Is that prototype #1 or #2

Seems someone has woken up to it. No longer listed.

I wouldn't call them hidden charges. They are standard charges applied to anything over the value of £18 (I think) imported into this country from outside the EU. You are charged VAT and import duty. That can be anything up to 30% added onto the purchase price. These will be charged when the item reaches this country not by the store. A friend bought a £1000 guitar from the states last year. The store were good enough to mark the value on the customs declaration as £500. He was charged £95 VAT and duty. So not exactly hidden charges but charges you have to be aware of.