Sparky Mark

I went to a bass show at Olympia many years ago. Every few minutes a klaxon would sound to quell the slap bass cacophony. It would then build up until the klaxon sounded again. Although the noise didn't really bother me, I was annoyed by the "access bedroom area only" players who thought they were impressing everyone else with their non melodic 150+ bpm machine gun slapping. I've never had the desire go to another.

Brilliant artwork!

I've got a not so posh first year of production Mexican 4 string RH and can confirm they do sound huge! Mine is average weight for a jazz so not as light as yours; but you'd hope CS would use the best timbers all round.

^^This. More low end; reduce bridge vol 10%. More mids; reduce neck vol 10%. Both vols 100% = meh.

I've no idea which is which but I prefer no 2. Pity if that's the Squier as the upgrade is a waste of money IMO.

Reading all the changes that have been made it's probably worth less than half the asking price.

That's great news. The difference is subtle but significantly improves playability for those (of us mere mortals) that the binding aggravates.

How's it going with a 4003S?

Pencil or nothing back in those days was common. I think stamps came in later.

That is brilliant; all that technology to replicate what we do almost without having to think about it.

Yes thanks, I had to click on the link at the top of one of those threads. The old no Ricky sticky was front and centre previously.

Found it! Rule 8. Cheers.

I can't find the answer either. Although others on here believe the ban on genuine Rickenbacker product sales/trades has been lifted. Maybe one of them could point us towards the evidence?

That's great news. I might add another to my brace of 4003S if they start appearing here.

If they're "brilliant" and "great" (and cheap) why didn't you keep them please?

Your Italian cabs may well have B&C drivers in them. These have quality die cast frames as opposed to the pressed steel frames of the later (cheaper) Yellow Line drivers. Assuming you're not over driving your cabs I'd expect them to outlive your amplifier. Personally, I'd buy secondhand B&C loaded MB cabs before Yellow Line versions.

I agree those artists played Japanese basses at some time but those aren't the models they are now associated most closely with.

For me the major difference is that Fender guitars have been associated with so many iconic artists since the the 1950s; I can't think of any bassists of iconic stature that have the same relationship with these 1970s/80s Japanese basses (John Taylor included).

So you're wanting to compare the most expensive non Custom Shop Fenders with the cheapest Rickenbacker? A Fender American Professional Jazz is £700 cheaper new than the £2200 cheapest Rickenbacker. However I was hoping to hear ftom Rickenbacker players about their playing technique not argue over pricing.

Those 80's Japanese basses will only appreciate to a certain point. Like all vintage stuff, once us oldies that have fond memories of them first time around retire, their prices will probably decline back to their intrinsic value.

There are probably better PJ available new than the Westone. They were decent basses in their day (esp. Thunder 1A) but are average by today's standards and possibly heavyweight if that's a consideration. Aria SB1000 is the only model I'd look at owning again if it was cheap enough.

Really? You won't get much change from £2500 for a new 4003. That's several hundred pounds more than a USA Fender. Plus Rickenbacker don't have a lower entry point such as Mexican Fenders or Epiphone. Rickenbackers are a big investment/risk if you're not 100% sure you'll eventually gel.

Absolutely agree that Rickenbackers are versatile but their unique ergonomics stop many bassists from even trying to use them. (Maybe their relatively high price compared to many FSOs plays a role in this too?).

Not wanting to extinguish your BBQ, but I wouldn't say that the S versions have contouring, simply a radiused slab body. It does soften the edges compared to the bound tops but still not as comfortable as a Fender IMO. I hope I've overstated it so please keep us updated.