Skybone

Another thing I've noticed about mine (old & current), is that they seem to be quite finicky about strings. I've had to try a few different brands before finding some that my bass seemed to sing with (D'Addario ProSteel), all the others just seemed a bit lacklustre in comparison. It may be a case of trying a bunch of different brands and finding the right set for your bass.

And all the more reason to buy one second hand... it's already been "relic-ed" by someone else

Indeed, I always hoped that Geddy & Alex would get together and produce some new music, let's hope that they still do. Let's also hope that they come to Europe & the UK too.

Bullet the Blue Sky - U2

ABC - Jackson 5

World Shut Your Mouth - Julian Cope

Magic Bus - The Who

There's also the question about which socket you're using. If you're wearing the bass, the front one should be the "Ric-o-Sound", the rear one should be the one to use. Ric-o-Sound is a stereo socket, and splits the signal if you're using a stereo jack. Just a thought...

Sweet Like Chocolate - Shanks & Bigfoot

Knocking on Heaven's Door - Dylan

Hazy Shade of Winter - The Bangles

I had a pre-Vintage Circuit 4003 from 2005, and that sounded pretty full. It's the VC that takes the guts out of the sound. According to the Paul D. Boyer book: "From the beginning of the Rickenbacker bass design, a 0.0047uF capacitor was wired into the circuit to cut bass response from the treble pickup, giving it a brighter sound. Simply replacing the capacitor with a piece of wire was the quick and easy fix. In 1984, RIC responded to customer preferences and jettisoned the capacitor, giving the 4003 a more ballsy sound right out of the box" "Starting in early 2006, RIC restored the 0.0047uF bass cut capacitor to the circuitry. But a push/pull switch offers the option to activate it" (p64)

Now there's a thought, a custom 8 string...

Money's Too Tight to Mention - Simply Red

Just be careful you don't miss out the "L" when discussing them...

I had a 4 string built a few years ago, before I managed to track down an affordable 4003. Still have it. The woodwork was spot on, the electrics were a bit meh. I keep meaning to upgrade them, but just never get around to it. Maybe one day.

Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

It's usually advisable to roll off some of the volume on the neck pickup to about 3/4, with the bridge on full volume. Yes, the 1998 is pre-standard fitment of the "Vintage Circuit" push/pull, though a few people did modify their basses with the circuit. Your new toy should sound full bodied and lovely. Enjoy, it's a lovely looking machine.

All the D'Addario's I've bought from Amazon have been legit. At the moment, a 5 string set of Pro Steels is actually cheaper than the equivalent 4 string set. Go figure.

Well, according to that map, I am in the arse end of civilisation... Welcome Reiver.

Blue Moonday - New Order

Steppenwolf - Hawkwind