spongebob

Good advice Mart. I'll definitely give it a few weeks to see if we gel. After that, I'd probably let it go, they can go for good money. The bass won't get sold anyway (famous last words...) as after some years of mucking about, I went mono bass last year, and I intend to just play this one to bits!

Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting this on an setup. Re-strung today in preparation. Ordered from Bass Direct - Mark seems be the only stockist in the UK!

I've been a fan for years, but due to a dislike of big gigs, always stayed away. Did take the plunge with the CA tour, and it was amazing, really enjoyed it. Ged's voice was fine. I'd certainly go again - definitely sounds interesting, and with the band now all over 60, there can only be a few tours left?

I've ordered one today - so we'll see how we get on..... [size=4] [/size]

It's a toughie as the aluminium one is £110! My plan was to fund the purchase - and the setup I'm sure it'll need - with the sale of my old one! I've read elsewhere about wobbly saddles, and was hoping it was a rarity. Trouble is last two posts on here have reported glitches - when all I want is a quality working replacement.....not having to plug the gaps with bags or anything else!!

I'm not sure now, LOL!

Forgot to ask Beedster - were these recent bridges? Only as I've heard of an upgrade on these in the last couple of years?

Ooh....all sounds a bit dodgy! Although the current bridge is far from perfect, I've got no 'issues' at the mo with any rattles, etc.

No love for 'Kings Of Speed'? That would be a great one to do.

Thanks Beer! I have heard that the brass one changes the tone slightly, whereas the aluminium is more of a similar sound. Interested in the weight, as the 4003 is quite weighty anyway. Should get a decent action on there, given the adjustability.

I'm seriously looking at getting a Hipshot bridge to replace the stock one on my 4003. All the time Ive had these, I've not considered doing this until now, just kind of put up with it. I like the looks, the playability, and the better adjustment - all looks good. Notice they come in brass and alluminium.....anyone know what the difference is? Would love to hear any experience of these!

I used to love Celtic Frost when I was a metal headed teen in the late 80s. 'Into The Panemonium' I though was brill....and the mini album with 'Dethroned Emperor(?)) on it. Might have to google play search for it now I've read this!

[quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1395504592' post='2403168'] i am sooo going to pester the rest of our band until they agree to cover this [/quote] I'd pay to see your Haim-style 'bass-face' if you do Steve! [size=4] [/size]

I can't think of that many records that I really, really love that have been released since the year 2000. Some stuff I'm a huge fan of, but nothing that compares to my favorites. Same goes for bass tones on record. I just can't hear the bass anymore - hate to say it - like you can on 'older' stuff. Ric tone like Geddy or Lemmy, Jazz like Jaco, P-bass like JJB, etc. I'd love to be guided here - but I can't think of a single bass tone on record this past 14 years that I actually like. A good, raw, high in the mix tone that cuts right through. Our own band stuff I always go for a 'classic' sound - and sometimes have to push to get it as some engineers want to push the bass to a background thump, which is kind of what I hear on modern records. Probably only me, but it always gets on my nerves - modern mush!

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1395438803' post='2402606'] I know the perfect bass for you mate All joking aside, it's not just about ergonomics with Rics, the QC and variability is shocking in an instrument in this price range, way more so than with Fender, EBMM etc. I love my 4001 but I would never again buy a Ric without playing it for a good few hours. They're lovely when they get it right, shocking when they don't. [/quote] A +1 from me as well on this. I've had some good ones I regret selling, but I've also owned a few stinkers which I don't! It's funny over on Rickresource when every year you read posts along the lines of 'this year is the best stuff they've ever made...etc..' when there's been very few changes in years! How can they possibly get to the point of putting out a substandard instrument, given the idea that it's a hands-on factory? Always amazes me, and it's sad when players who obviously love the bass, are put off by shoddy QC. As I was told (but never learned) some time back - if you get a good one, keep it. Luckily now, I have and will. [size=4] [/size]

Same here - one of the band is on holiday, so we've got some free time. +1 on not being too fussed, we really hit it hard in February, so it's nice to kick back a bit. Saturday night for me will most definitely be a few nice glasses of stout, some great music, good book, and quite possibly a bit of bass playing! [size=4] [/size]

I must be in the minority here - I feel wrong on any bass that isn't a Ric - it's those that have all fallen by the way side.

[quote name='originalfunkbrother' timestamp='1394903423' post='2396537'] Right on brother! That record is solid! Love, Love, Love, why did you take so long to come to me! [/quote] Nice one! Well worth checking out is 'Just You 'n' Me', the album by J.R. Bailey, writer of 'Love, Love, Love', and contains his version. One of the finest soul albums ever made. He did a follow up, far lesser know, and only availble on deleted vinyl (I've not heard it). JRB died, from what I've read, in early 1980, but details are scarce. But for any DH fans, an essential purchase/download/stream album

I've got all Donny's stuff - I particularly love 'Extension Of A Man', really excellent. His material with Roberta Flack is no slouch either - prefer the 'later' period, although there's little of it due to Donny's problems. 'Back Together Again' is timeless (although no WW on bass). Check out any Curtom (Curtis Mayfield's label) compilations - Donny worked for the company and features on some tracks there - [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpA9DtQLV70"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpA9DtQLV70[/url] Such a tragic, and mysterious end to a great man. 'Someday We'll All Be Free' always reduces me to a blubbering heap!

[quote name='topheteatwo' timestamp='1394818650' post='2395636'] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5yeUlj1_M0 Surprised Lou hasn't been mentioned yet, him and Lemmy are the first people I think of with a Ric [/quote] Good call - LB is indeed great, and Dino sublime in my book. Seen them a couple of times now - firstly he had the F*****r Mike Dirnt (must admit it sounded good), secondly his Jetglo Ric (a '73 I believe), the replacement for his original Fireglo 4001, stolen some time after the initial reformation. Just wish he was more audible on the new records...... [size=4] [/size]

As a good 10+ year Ric player - with a few diversions elsewhere - I can only state for personal opinion that my playing on any other bass, doesn't sound anything my sound like a Ric - I played a P for a bit last year, and my sound, well, sounded like a P! So much so that I soon moved straight back to a Ric.....

Many thanks, Mr. Moose! It's available to buy through Amazon, iTunes (only £3.16), etc., and also can be streamed through Spotify, Google Play, and others. It's called 'Bring It...' Amazon charge a fraction more (£3.56) - they all choose their own pricing! [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bring-Howlin-Wolves/dp/B00HZX4BHI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1394623932&sr=8-7&keywords=the+howlin+wolves"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bring-Howlin-Wolves/dp/B00HZX4BHI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1394623932&sr=8-7&keywords=the+howlin+wolves[/url] 4 tracks and 20 minutes of maximum R'n'B - all with the glorious tone of a Ric thrown in! Perhaps I should stop pushing the free option....!! [size=4]Love to know your thoughts if you indulge......[/size]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkwBOSAfr1w Nothing new? Our new EP, recorded and released this year, 100% Ric. Available to buy and stream from all leading sites (shameless plug!)

I saw the band in Folkestone on Friday. Second time after going to Brighton 3 years back. Support band Nine Below Zero were excellent - I knew them, but not really their stuff. I was really impressed - especially as I was most looking forward to seeing drummer Brendan O'Neil, who was Rory Gallagher's longest-serving drummer. The Stranglers were really good as well - great setlist which took in some a real mix. Only two downsides - the bass mix was appalling - far too low, and not what it should be. Lacked any kind power until it was cranked up for the encores. Jet Black has apparently been unwell, and did not appear - despite numerous calls for him! I wonder how long they'll carry on - JJ has said that without Jet, that's it. So maybe it's getting to that stage now. Overall, a really good gig. Don't think it topped my last time (Jet did the whole gig), but they were solid.....and NBZ were a cracking opener!

Very sad. First heard him playing with John Mclaughlin.