spongebob

I'm going to link this to Rickresouce and you're all gonna get flamed!! (joking by the way!) Love 'em to bits, so I'm always on the plus side, despite some bad experiences! As for the tone, I love my Ric to sound like a Ric - clangy, toppy, middy, and cutting - not for everyone, and I don't use it in both my bands (P-bass for the R'n'B trio, need more floor-shake and bottom). But I've never recorded with anything else, and never will. I don't get 'modern' basses (anything after about 1970 I suppose, before I even existed!), same as some don't get Rics. Don't fret it, just play what you feel and roll with it. For me, there's only three types of bass player - those who love Rics, and those who haven't played one yet, and those who are in denial!

[quote name='Stag' timestamp='1342716902' post='1739942'] And yeah... Dont say it on RR lol... Seen you on there recently actually Spongebob! [/quote] Guilty! I do frequent the police state that is RR on a regular basis for my brain-washing! Must have seen you over there as well? Geofio is also there - like me, he uses the same name on both forums! In fact, I posted my photo just below his playing the Ric the other day.

Keep it as it is! These USA P's are excellent basses - no need to butcher it!

See you over on RR! Wouldn't have this conversation over there would we? Instant flaming and probable lifetime ban!

I've owned a good few of these. TBH, I wasn't too mad on the early '00's basses - but there's good and bad in every batch I suppose. Had a lovely Midnight Blue '08 which I foolishly sold when the market was at it's best - got good money, but TBH, I should have kept the bass. My most recent experiences haven't been good - an '09 which suffered horrendous pickup problems, and another with an angle on the body so sharp, it was almost painful to play! A 2011 which had pitting on the chrome from new - and within 6 months, had a very large crack in the lacquer from the neck right around to halfway down the back. Disgraceful QC. As for the sound, it had changed over the years, no doubt. The most recent (2011) I played had a massive bottom end - a complete 360 from the 'old' Ric sound, compare to an un-modded 4001 - no bass at all! I think our guitarists Strat has more floor-shake than my 4001! For me, it's the 'old' sound I prefer - granted, you can achieve something similar with the vintage tone selector - but I had one go haywire, and vowed to always play one without. I'm currently down to one Ric - through choice, really, one I'm really happy with and just want to play forever, bit like Geddy's Jazz! However, I've still got a list of others I need to one day have......so the hunt is always on..... Great basses, lousy QC....and I'm an unapologetic fan-boy!

Pick for me - bit of FS at home, but just think I play better with a pick. Understand the versatility, etc., but to me, I just bring what I bring to any band - my own style and sound. We all play bass, but we are not all the same - put us in a room together and we've all got subtle differences in what we do. Do what feels right, nobody is right or wrong!

[quote name='Icunningham' timestamp='1342517046' post='1736301'] This two are Beautiful. I got mine last night from a local lad. Next on my list Is a USA standard precision bass [/quote] Recently got one myself, a second-hand USA 2010 P. Having played Road Worn, Classic 50's, various Squier's, I thought it would just be a different variant. How wrong was I? Whacks the pants off all the others by a mile. Great bass, superb build - just an excellent bass. Gives the feel of an instrument that will go on for years - very sturdy!

Pics!!!

Glad to hear some support for 'Tormato'! Don't know why it gets such a bad press. I even love the cover - lovely 70's piece. Granted, 'Circus Of Heaven' is a bit lame, but the rest is great. Even Wakemans's piercing synths have their place! Full marks for the band for not just repeating themselves. Got to say it (maybe we should have a poll!), my favourite is 'Relayer'....but anything from their debut to 'Drama' works for me. I think a big part of Yes' golden period was the magic of Eddie Offord. He gives the music such space to breathe - and Squire's bass in particular. Can you imagine if those albums were made today? I bet you'd barely hear the bass parts within the compressed wall of sound!

My pleasure - nice to see another potential convert!

I do enjoy the older Yes albums, and haven't been tempted to buy 'Fly...', even though it's on Amazon download for about £3.69. Then again, maybe I should check it out if it's panned.....I for one really like 'Tormato'.....!! Really!!

Rickenbacker necks are very strong, despite some horror stories which you might read online! Just make sure you get it set-up correctly, dual truss rods and all. I assume you'd be looking at a 4003 (post-1980..ish)? 4003's were designed for the more 'modern' higher-tension string. I wouldn't feel so good sticking that higher tension on a 4001, especially with age, etc.! Strong necks, yes, but 135-65 is quite chunky....and then there's the whole fretwear, or possibility of, issue.... The 4003's after (I think) mid-2010 have an even stronger 2-piece neck, which will take anything you throw at it! But you'll be pretty safe with whichever you go for in 4003 world.

Markbass 121 amp and cab, so cost well in excess of £1000 together. Best money I've ever spent. But I can runaway very quickly if needs be, with my entire amp set-up in hand!

Just wondering what value of gear people of BC-world use in the murky world of the pub gig. Expensive go-to bass, or modded ol' reliable?

Looks like a great bass - glad you're having loads of fun with it! Welcome back to the club.....again!!

+1 on the addiction here. I've been playing these ever since I could (barely) afford one, I've had quite a few. I too have tried at times to get away - but I just can't do it - and TBH, I don't want to. Us Ric players can retain our smugness that we in the elite! Welcome back to the club, Geofio! BTW - what are you getting - colour, etc...?

[quote name='essexbasscat' timestamp='1341673966' post='1722607'] I hope you're getting enough to cover travelling ex's + your time. [/quote] All loads of help! I'd have no idea otherwise what I (might) be going to. Money is dependent on ticket sales - we're pretty much going on our own, so was just going to chalk it down for a bit of exposure and a chance to play in the capital.....

Through a website, our originals band has been offered a slot here - [url="http://fancyapint.com/Pub/london/dusk-till-dawn-ex-the-archway-tavern/2235"]http://fancyapint.com/Pub/london/dusk-till-dawn-ex-the-archway-tavern/2235[/url] Looks a bit dodgy - and reads it too! Read a few other online remarks, and they weren't that great either! The promoter took about 3 weeks to reply to us after offering us a selection of dates. Finally got got an answer - he seemed alright, and promised to get back me about a couple of gear questions. Once again, after 5 days, nothing. Anybody on BC got any experiences of this place? We've got a bit of a trek to get there - probably for nothing - so alarm bells are ringing......

Geezer-wise, I love 'All Moving Parts (Stand Still') from Technical Ecstasy. Bit funky! Don't forget - 'Junior's Eyes' from Never Say Die too - always love that. In fact, I love to jam with all the Sabs' 70's albums - loads of great stuff. Even though I probably am jamming some of it wrong! Great player, Geezer - never really gets the cred that many others, often unjustifiably, do.

Great story! I remember - last year? - MK was doing the auction of some of his basses, and had a little video to promote it. Must say he came across as a thoroughly decent and nice guy on that as well!

Don't do much for me either...all a bit too much of a re-tread of various things to really inspire. Probably a good live act, though.

Getting Exited? Where are you going? Joking aside, congrats and enjoy a great bass. Couldn't get on with mine a few years back, but wished I could - all red - lovely!

I'll check that out - many thanks Greg!

Have amended the question - now looking for Ric case only!

[url="http://www.soundsliveshop.com/p/Gator_TSA_Bass_Case/GATOR-GPE-BASS-TSA"]http://www.soundsliveshop.com/p/Gator_TSA_Bass_Case/GATOR-GPE-BASS-TSA[/url] Although this doesn't look bad...??