I’ve actually seen this basses be overhated not overrated. They play amazing, sound amazing and look amazing imo

How do you miss Paul McCartney's work on Sgt peppers, Revolver, and Magical Mystery Tour as one of the most iconic Ricky Bass moments of all time

Plastic? What about the wood, neckthrough, the SOUND, the look, the style, Ricks are solid pieces of art, all those bass players can’t be wrong. I’ve owned two and among some other more modern basses I have, Rick has an unbeatable sound.

This was an interesting video, and you make some really VALID points. One question: do you ever plug it in and PLAY it? I have a 4003 identical (visually) to the one you are referencing. YES, there are some "quality control" issues that are maddening, like that crap plastic pickup-cover that EVERY player tears off the minute the get it home, but it's a "legacy" thing, the way an old Corvette or a Harley Davidson are: there's a beauty to it's "madness," and in the right hands (and you respectfully make mention of some of them) it is a wonderful tool. I bought the 4003 for the "string-clatter" of Yes and early Rush...but I can play the warmest, woody blues on it when needed. I think this is a good, honest video. I just think you're leaving out a lot. Thanks!

Great electric guitar sound at 0:33, which gear did you use? Reminds me an intro of “since I’ve been loving you” from MSG1973

Just came across this. Made me smile. Buyer's remorse a bit? OK - don't like the finish, the appointments, whatever - I guess if you've never seen one close up it may feel 'different' if you're more used to Fender basses. I bought a 'blonde natural' Rickenbacker about 10 years ago and put flat-wounds on after a while and have used it on a number of pop style album tracks where I want that 'Beatlish' thing and I absolutely love it. When I got it I played it with round-wounds and it was bright and sorta funky and crisp. Sorry it isn't doing it for you - sell it, I guess?

People get whiplash from how fast they snap around to find out what that amazing bass sound is. I get off stage and there's always at least one who come up and compliment the sound. One huge factor is the Rick just really stands out in the mix. Beautiful bass, great to play and really meshes with a live band so well.

I always found the complaint about lacquer on the fretboard as strange. Yes my 4001 had a lacquered fretboard but so does my 58 Precision and no one complains about lacquered maple fretboards

What I don't understand is after all of these decades and the huge consensus on how tedious that bass is to set up for people, why Rickenbacker won't go to a single truss rod. How difficult realistically would that be?

On which album did Adam Clayton used a Rickenbacker? I never heard about that.

I always loved the way a Ric sounded and looked, but every 4003 I ever picked up to play was a real disappointment mostly because the neck profile was just wrong to me. I then heard that the 4001 had a much thinner profile, but I never expected to actually get an opportunity to play one because even 4003 basses are extremely rare where I live, let alone a 4001. This last January, I stumbled on one in a pawn shop; a 1974 MapleGlo 4001. As soon as I got it into my hands, I was sold. I love it and gig it. Sounds and plays incredible.

Apparently he doesn't care for Paul McCartney.

I recently picked up a 4003s/5W, and that so far has been the absolute cream of the crop out of any bass guitar I've ever played in my life. Apparently with this bass they went away with a lot of things that were causing common problems for decades (lifting bridge for example). It sounds crazy good, has a surprisingly versatile tone, deep range, and it plays like a dream with minor personal preference setup. I even 3d printed a thumb rest that I screw into the pickguard (basically the same as the zero mod one) I'm happy this was my first experience with Rickenbacker, I plan to keep it in good shape too. As far as I'm concerned, they have made a lifelong fan out of me

I’m an owner since ‘74 and was initially pleased with the black piano looking finish it was “plastiky” an along with removing the pickup guard took it back down to the maple. Love it still!

It's all relative. Although I agree the overall feel of my 2019 4003S is a tad clunky, I absolutely love the tree trunk neck. It's the only bass I've played where my hands feel totally comfortable.

I bought a RIC 4003 and a 4001 because of McCartney and The Beatles. I love the tone and how it feels when I'm playing. The only bass I love more is my Hofner 500/1. I like my Fender P-bass as well, but not as much as the Rickenbacker or Hofner. However, nothing said in this video is wrong. Because it is subjective whether one likes something or not. I say find the bass you love the most and play it to your heart's content.

If you like the grungy and trebly tone that Squire, Geddy, and other Prog bassists had (Jon Camp, Dave Meros, Mike Rutherford), there’s nothing better than a Rick. If you’re into slapping, or a James Jamerson P-bass tone, the Rick is poison.

Yeah you forgot McCartney and the Beatles…

Huge Chris Squire and Paul McCartney fan from back in the day. Mostly played a Precision back then. Broke down & bought a used Rick and immediately discovered the amp had go UP about 5 more notches to reach the same volume level as my P bass. The weird fret board finish you reference bothered me while playing too. It always seemed thinner in tone than the Precision and didn't seem to play as nicely overall. Sold the Rick, never regretted it. I think you are correct. But when Chris Squire (may he rest in peace) leaps in the air w/ one in those old Yes videos - it looks really GREAT.

I recently bought a 4001 Ric, it has a laquered Rosewood Fingerboard. I absolutely hate rosewood as a fingerboard material but that thick laquer makes it feel almost superior to even the best maple fretboard I've played. But Rickenbacker now stopped laqouring their fretboards on 2022 and onwards guitars and Basses

My first ever bass was a 4001 back in 1978 & it was an absolutely beautiful bass for many years until I sold it to a friend, about 4 years later, which I regret to this day. First thing I did, was remove the pickup guard plate. I never really understood why that was part of the bass. It just covered the most comfortable part of my play position. I've played & owned a lot of basses since then but I don't think anything ever came close to the tone I got out of that particular 4001.

Just week a go I got my hands on a 2016 4003S an I just love it. One of the craziest thing is that it's so leveled when playing standing up. Love the neck. Love the sound of it. Just the idea of making a Y-cord to get the stereo out to two amps/cabs just tingles me in a very nice and strange way. I just absolutely love it. I have to adjust it though but just learning how to work this piece is just a thrill and joy. I tried to find the plastic feel but don't get it. But I do understand that it's not for everyone to play and use. It's not the easiest bass to use but boy is it still fun!

I played one probably 20 years ago at the only place that locally sold Ricks. Definitely an awesome sounding instrument but if you're use to and grew up playing either a p or jazz bass they feel very weird and awkward to play. The neck is more round than either fender basses and the clearcoat is much thicker than on most. The pickup cover makes your standard right hand position a no go (for finger style) unless you take the guard off, so nowhere to anchor your thumb if you decide to leave it on. Despite having more knobs to play with it feels like a much less versatile bass than a much cheaper one so unless you pretty much only play a style that calls for a more aggressive sounding bass you'll most likely have to get another one if you play more styles. Also agree that the bodies are very thin and since the edges of the body aren't rolled it digs into your right arm.

These basses are great with the exception of the bridge setup. I got the babaiz's retro fit saddle... it plays amazing now

I have owned 2 Ric basses. One was a 4003. I didn't care for that. The one I did like was a 4001s. The one Sir Paul played. Now it had baseball bat size neck. But the tone was to die for. I got so may compliments on the tone of that bass. The problem with Rick basses (IMO) is you can't just order one. You HAVE to play them.

I absolutely loved this video, I really enjoyed the mix of humor and seriousness, very well done.

Me and my friends were playing a drinking game to this video. We take a shot every time he say plastic we’re not super fucked up.😂

A Ric's a tool for specific sounds and designed to be customized (e.g., sanded, parts removed/subbed, circuit modified, etc.). It's not for beginners. Start students on a Fender- or Ibanez-type bass with a front-contoured body and no pickup cover.

I've owned one in the past but had to trade it off because of their lack of versatility, though they are decent basses, but not worth near the $1800.00 -$2500.00 they aquire. At 600-$800, they would make sense. But I have 5 string Jackson version with 18mm spacing, three band Eq with a precision bass pickup place ever so perfect 👌 in the sweet spot, and a jazz bass bridge pickup that turns the instrument into a fully versatile beast of sonic perfection.

I have a Ric 4001 that i have played for over 30 years. When I first got it, I could not for the life of me get the intonation right. So I had the bridge replaced. Then I adjusted the truss rods improperly amd separated the fretboard from the rest of the neck, and had to get that fixed. I wore out the frets twice (i played it a lot) and the bridge pickup had a very weak sound so I mostly used the neck pickup, which is deep and sonorous as opposed to bright and raspy (it’s the other Ric sound that no one talks about). So yeah, the bass has problems and requires the musician to adapt to it and learn its ways. On the other hand, I also have a Ric 4004 L which is amazing. Good feel, sturdy neck that doesn’t need much adjustment, and two himbucking pickups that will give you just about any tone you could want. No one ever talks about 4004’s. One of the finest bases you’ve never headd of.

Interesting point. Some might say the Rick is a one trick pony. I played a 4001 in a small rock band and our sound man said he much preferred the sound of my Rick over the P Bass played by the previous bassist, because the sound was in the middle and was more consistent. Soon I joined another band and the drummer couldn't stand my Rick, said it sounded like "cardboard". So I traded it in on an early 73 P Bass with the thin neck. Best bass move I ever made!

The most important quality of any instrument is the sound. I am surprised you did not play a note on it. Is this bass for sale?

I’ve owned a Rickenbacker bass since the mid 70’s so mine will be turning 50 next year! I absolutely love it. They’re very easy to play and they have a very unique sound.

I owned one for more than 25 years, the criticisms of them are valid, that said, I got a lot of enjoyment out of mine, made some money on the road playing gigs with it. I was 19 when I got it, that was less than 10 years after A Farewell To Kings was released, and I was just not going to be happy until I owned "that sound". Now I own a Fender Jazz, also great, also love it, but it's a different animal. The only bass I've never been able to warm to was the P bass. They're not comfortable to me, and I feel limited on them.

I own a 4003 from 2013. 3 complains i have about Ricks. Price is about 2200 euros (1000€ just for the name), too much varshins on neck and the bridge is garbage. My bridge is changed, all the varnish has been sanded away and replaced with oil. Good instrument and cant deny the looks. Always cool. I also removed that mic cover

I seriously regret selling my 1968 Rickenbacker 4001 bass. It was pure joy to play.

That’s why I’ve owned three 4001,s currently a 1977 Mplglow! They are a great bass!To be honest I’ve never played a 4003 so I can’t comment on yours but I’ve heard the neck is different and thicker profile. The plastic pup cover I agree is ridiculous it is also plastic on the earlier models but most people I know take it off including me! Your 4003 may be crap but mine isn’t! I rarely take it on the road now and instead mostly use my Japanese Fender P/J. Cheers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

Despite my owning a 4003s, i think you (on some cases) may be right. I like the sound of it and ergonomically it's okay. I might come to dislike it if I was touring with it however. If that were the case I would use my deluxe Jazz; overall a better instrument for practical reasons. Either way, to each his own. Peace brother.

Unique Tone. Period.

I own a 4003 and it is my primary instrument. Part of the misconception with the Rick bass is that the Fender Jazz has so thoroughly defined the electric bass both in sound and feel. These basses aren’t for everyone. They are heavy and it is impossible to make them sound like a jazz bass or a p-bass due to the pickup placement. It’s a bit like expecting a Les Paul to sound or feel like a Telecaster- they are simply too different. But if you’re willing to let the instrument’s tone drive the way you use it, then they are quite versatile. The bridge pickup is powerful and works perfectly for aggressive music like rock and punk. The neck pickup is way fatter than a Fender and sits like a giant, squishy marshmallow under the band. I quite enjoy mine but understand why some people don’t like them.

I both agree and disagree. I can think of a dozen things I love about my '14 4003W and the '88 4003 I owned before that, and another dozen things I hate about them, and because their consistency is all over the place, those lists would be different for each. They are, by far, the *weirdest* mass-produced basses out there, not very comfortable (fortunately rectified with the 4003S), and far too expensive for what they are, but I'm still not giving up my 4003W. Owning a Rickenbacker is kind of like being married, I think.

It’s time for them to refresh this model. Get rid of the ridiculous pickup cover / cavity monstrosity and improve the bridge.

I started as a classical pianist and classical guitar player so I use classical hand positions (my palm isn't near, touching, pressing or dragging on the neck, and no thumb over), so the whole neck thing (size, shape, coating) is irrelevant to me because I only touch the strings; the frets too are 'under' the strings so I don't touch or care about them either. By the way, Fender maples are lacquered too. The cover over the 'magnetic' pickup is plastic, not metal for obvious field resistant reasons. The pickguard has a square edge, rather than a beveled edge, which 'does' cause it to 'look' thicker (I simply ran mine round with my router) not more plastic. The white looks 'plastic'! I think you have a problem with plastic in 'certain' forms, but not in the forms that Fender employs apparently RICs have a far wider range of tones than either of the P of J basses, and the new ones can be easily caused to sound like a P or a J; neither of which can return the favor. The bigger aesthetic problem is RICs love affair with plain white pick-guards (and bindings), which it has come to think of as a signature of sorts. I agree, nothing looks so plastic as when it is 'white'. Come on RIC! Aesthetics aside, it is the sound of RICs that defeat any commentary about being overrated. That's the only thing anyone has ever claimed for them, or acclaimed about them. There quality control is as good as it ever was, which is saying something given the number of years they''ve been cranking them out, and the general depreciation of the American work ethic. That's what's changed.

I had a few 4001 and 4003 in my hands. I love the sound and look of them. They feel good. Not for their price though. 2300/2500 €? no way. This bass deserve 1000€ tops. Im pretty happy with my 300€ Chickenbacker, Sounds pretty much the same. Aye it does. No one can guess it on a blind test. No lacquer, and if it get stolen, no love lost. I get another one.

Had my 4003 for 40 years now it’s a love/hate relationship

Totally agree. The bands that made great music with these guitars have made a mark with them. However if they had a choice now, would they have still picked a Rick? Geddy lee prefers Jazz basses now. Paul Mac had his given to him. As for the design, well the bridge is made of two different metals, so over time they fuse. The Frets are of thinner metal, so eventually they need more fretwork, and who puts a serial number on a jackplate? I wont go on, but I must say, they look fantastic!

I’ve owned two - a 4004 and a 4003s/5. They’re not well made instruments when compared to similarly priced basses. The necks are unstable in my experience and they only deliver a great sound about 50% of the time - very variable from gig to gig. And in particular the B string on the 4003s/5 is really weak. The look great, but that’s not enough for a £2.5k instrument

I think the intro needs to be longer 😂 Ricky's are awesome.

Thank You for the review. These are some eye opening points. I will add one of these BEAUTIFUL CREATURES to my collection in time. Can't believe that the horseshoe cover is actually PLASTIC...WTF!!!, and I know people will totally disagree with me on the new necks fretboards without the gloss. I love the old gloss look, just as I miss the older lines these bad boys had back in the day. If you look close around the 19th and 20th fret the binding was above or below depending on the year. The older inlays were better.. at least looking. People complain about having to refinish a gloss fretboard but honestly if you are replacing your fretboard that often you're most likely doing something way wrong. Never had any problems in my 50 years+++

I say ditch the pickup cover, change the bridge out, and I like to put flat wounds on. Played em for years, I dig it.

I waited for years to get a Ricky, I got it, and then kept it for a year before trading it, I did like the body shape, but it had a defect in the neck, and neck throughs are atrocious cause you can't get a replacement, and dual trussrods are the stupidest idea ever

Hello! If you would have mentioned that the low E String is much less loud than the other three... Or that adjusting the primitive bridge tonally is a complete mess... I´d still not agree. The 4001 is a great sounding instrument, I played it for many years.

Coolest looking bass ever made.

I've had one and they are, plus a shit-bag to set-up with the daft 2 x truss rods and the useless bridge :-) Most, if not all, of those players he mentioned changed them in some way or removed stuff (bridges, pickups, covers etc), which speaks volumes. I like the sound of them and to an extent, how they play, but I think the point is that you can get so much more in a bass with what's out there now for the silly amount they ask for. People are still paying for the name and if that bass was released now as it is as a new bass they'd be lucky to get half of their daft asking price.

I've always wanted to like Rics - I think they look cool...the sharp body edge doesn't overly bother me...but the entire neck lacquer and neck shape really ends it for me. Then comes the natural anemic tones from them. ...(unless they're run thru a pedal)...but at that point, ya might as well use a better feeling bass to get the same pedal tones. Just my opinion - means squat. Great vid content - all the best :)

I had a love-hate relationship with a 4003S. Loved the look and sounded. Hated the weird angle it forced my right wrist and hand into. It’s like they were designed by someone who had never seen a guy play bass. But I still want another.

I've always felt that this is such an iconic bass, however, I've never played one.

I picked one up at a guitar shop because Chris Squier and Roger Waters used them and sounded great. I found it felt "cheep" in my hands, and not so easy to play, but maybe that's because I have smaller hands than Squier and Waters.

I found them to be limited as of the styles for which it can be used

They certainly are great looking basses with a unique tone, but with old 60s technology. 1 bi flex truss rod would be better than the 2 that they use. Every ric bas i've owned has a kink in the neck at the 12th fret that the truss rods cant remove. Reverse wind one of the pickups to cancel the buzz when both pickups are selected. Pickups glued on crooked. The bridge never bothered me. Usually pickups with the magnet glued to the bottom are cheap ceramic pickups, but they do sound good. I guess they built the 4004 bass to address people's complaints about the 4003, but the 4004 has different pickups in different locations on the body and doesnt have the looks of the 4003 that everyone likes, so i dont' know what they were thinking. Ric is an odd company.

Loled at this thanks! 😂 I would be so offended 15+ years agon when I fallen in love with Ric and got one! 😄 This is my experience with my 2006' 4003. I bought it online and when I tried it for the first time, I was shocked at this really thick neck. Thick, sticky,.. I couldn't handle the thing. But it looked gorgeous so I kept it. The sound was not my cup of tea either. Years later, it got its famous "bridge lift" 😅 Original bridge is complete shite really, a joke. Designed so it cannot cope with strings forces. But there is a positive side to it and it happened over time.. I now absolutely love the neck. To me it is the best one ever. It feel at home for me now. No other thin neck that I found comfortable or fast years ago, doesnt feel as good as is the tree of the Ric! 😄 So yes, I am not a professional musician, not even in a band whatsoever... Just keep few basses with Ric being one of them. Will never sell it! Cheers!

You are nuts. I have owned four 4001/4003s and they are beautiful, sleek, eminently playable. They have the lowest noise floor of any bass ever made. I have since moved to a P-Bass with flatwounds, but to say the 4001/4003 is a substandard bass is nonsense.

It is the strangest bass I've ever played, but leaning towards "love it" though it IS a quirky instrument. Dislikes: (1) I learned on Jazz Basses, so the neck thickness from nut to body being the same depth was unwelcome and has a very vintage feel. Like it plays like your great-granddad's bass. (2) the plastic bridge pickup cover is hideous, which is why most players remove it. I don't use a pick, so there is almost no good place for a thumb anchor. I've found one but it takes significant effort to keep consistent. Got a lot of cuts. (3) the neck / body union isn't conducive to slap bass - not that I play that style, but if I needed to this is possibly the worst bass to choose from. Like: This is BY FAR the best sounding bass in my collection. Especially unplugged, it has both the highs but also a deep resonate tone which none of my other basses have (I normally practice unplugged, but it becomes more apparent when you put ear to body). Generally speaking, it's my number one bass for recording, but not for playing live.

I first played a Rick bass about 50 years ago, one of the earlier ones without binding and the one pickup. I found it uncomfortable to play and neck heavy. Looked great, though. But I see why McCartney didn't stay with it. So, yes, I agree with you for the most part, but to each his own.

Rickenbacker 4000 and 4001 are so special that they cannot be called bass guitar. Rickenbacker is another instrument. The 4003 will not connect near the two 4000 and 4001.

My Epiphone Thunderbird suits me fine & cost sod all by comparison. Another similarly flat bodied bass that does a great job, both looks & sounds the part onstage. Unlike the Ricks, my Thunderbird has already had the neckdrop issue solved by it's previous owner too. As for unique sounds? My Warwick Corvette has that already covered too, so much that I can get a growl without needing a pic to get the tones... Lots would tell me Im wrong but then I would say a pair of cheap trainers do the same job for me as a pair of Nike trainers & at a lower price.

Olá amigo, você esqueceu do Mike Rutherford do Genesis em the lamb lies down on broadway ; foi muito bom. Parabéns, excelente vídeo. Angra dos Reis, RJ 🇧🇷

I tried the Ric. Loved the sound but it was uncomfortable and a pain in the ass to set up.

I love my 4001C4 Rickenbacker Bass. Plays & sounds amazing. Not "Plasticy" at all. I also own a Beatle Bass & an American Standard Fender Jazz Bass.

Alright, bit of a long post ahead, but as someone who is neither a Rickenbacker apologist nor a Rickenbacker hater, I'll say a few things: Ric's, at the end of the day, are alien-marmite instruments, so you either love or hate em', that's just how it was, is, and likely always will be. So I wouldn't worry if you don't gel with one! The plastic pickup cover is there because the original 4000 series basses had a Horseshoe pickup, you can identify these by the slit in the middle of the "cover", except it's not a cover at all, it's the horseshoe magnet itself, it's *a part of the pickup.* Rickenbacker switched from the horseshoe pickup to a regular single coil sometime in the late 60's/early 70's, but to keep the vintage look they used a chrome plated plastic cover that could be removed, since it wasn't integral. It's a bit of a shame they didn't make the cover metal, but since most take it off, I guess there's no real point, since those who like the look of the vintage cover would just buy an actual horseshoe pickup. As for the plastic knobs, I mean, Ric's have almost always had plastic knobs since their inception, from the gold diamond TV knobs, the black knobs with the white slit, or the chrome tops. That's just kinda their thing. Either way, you can always change the knobs, so the point just seems kind of moot. I'm not sure how pickups can look like they came out of a toy factory, but I suppose you should ask Danelectro haha! The lacquered Fretboard is definitely a "Ric thing"; always a subject of debate in Ric circles, some like it, some don't, but I can say as of August 2021 they no longer ship with a lacquer over the fretboard, and are now "all natural" (save for some fretboard oil) The body and the neck are actually the same piece of wood, it's a neck-through instrument, the body wings are glued on later. If Rickenbacker needs to be called out for anything, it should be on the account of the Awful "R" tailpiece on the guitars, the now redundant 5th knob, and the neck profiles/widths on both the basses and the guitars!

Agree and disagree…I own 3 4003’s, one maple, one walnut and one black. 2013 and 2 2014’s. I did change out the pickguard on all as did with the control knobs. Don’t get the plasticky feeling on the neck, pick up cover is gone on all of them. I like the way mine are set up and play. I do have a complaint about the pick up switch ( which I also have up graded and changed on all of them ) They are what they are and are my first choices in basses for performance and recording.

I've owned 3 Rickenbacker basses. Yes they do feel cheap. But, there are a few things you must know about them before you buy one. In my opinion, don't buy the one like the guy has in this video. The one in this video has the binding and the "Shark Tooth" fret markers. Buy the more basic one with no binding and "Dot" inlays. That binding jabs into your wrist because it is at a sharp angle. The one with no binding has a curved body and is more comfortable to play. If you look at the one Chris Squire used, it was the basic one with no binding and dot inlays. Paul McCartney used the basic one as well. You would think the fancier one would be the bass of choice for rich rockstars but they got the basic one. I think Lemmy had the basic one as well. Secondly, get rid of that pickup cover thing over the bridge pickup. It serves absolutely no purpose - it just gets in the way. There is a product out there that is a fitting designed to replace that cover. Get one. Lastly, the more recent Ric basses have a better bridge than the old ones. Don't get sucked into that : vintage is better than new nonsense. It was almost impossible to set the intonation on the old bridges. The new ones are actually real good. I had one with the binding (like the one in the video) and I could only play it for about 20 minutes before my picking hand got sore. The 2 other ones that had no binding were easier to play. One had the old bridge so I got rid of that one as well. The one I still have is a 2021 natural with no binding and the new bridge. It plays fine.

I wish you would have plaid it on your video, the things you hate are what make it a special a P bass it's not a Jass bass it's not a sting ray anything else it's not. You should get a metal pickguard nobs.

I totally agree with you. I've never owned one, and for good reasons. Not only the things that you pointed out, but others as well. I'm a small man and this bass feels awkward, clunky, and uncomfortable to play. The neck is not up to snuff even compared to cheaply made basses. I like a bass that not only is comfortable, but graceful and effortless to play as well. And this is not one of them. This is personal opinion of course. Everybody likes something different. I really wanted to like these basses, but I am NOT a fan. Sorry!

I’ll never get rid of my Rickenbacker but I’m not too proud to admit that it’s not my go-to show bass all the time either. Biggest show I ever played I used my first ever bass that I got when I was 9 years old; an old Squire P-Bass that was probably worth $100. It’s still my favorite bass that I own, if only for the legacy it has built for itself. However, when I want to make a GOOD impression, I’ll use the Rick. It never fails to catch the eyes and ears of the audience and that’s just an objective fact of my career.

Awesome points! I’ll be the one to say it, tho. Sir Paul made some of the best music in the world on his Lefty Ricko. I got the joke - now fishslap thyself

I have a 79 all black 4001 with the lettering in white. Has had some neck damage near the nut fixed by a previous owner. I have to use thinnish strings so as not to put too much stress on the old lady. I don’t play her much now but will never sell her as she’s so damn beautiful.

Glad to see someone give an honest review of Rickenbacker basses. You left out, perhaps the BEST tone ever achieved on a Rickenbacker - or ANY electric bass- notably a left handed 4001 S model, by Sir Paul McCartney, on "Penny Lane", and on much of Sgt. Peppers as well. Dead flats, pick, and his uncanny sense of melodic composition. I'm a Luthier. I've been repairing primarily, for about a half-Century. I'm 72 now. I have many criticisms of Rickenbackers. Like any other instrument, there are both good, and bad things about them. Ricks are somewhat problematic, and I'll list them, is the order of what I least like about them first. 1. The dual 'hairpin' truss rods that I've had to pull out of some and replace, are just stupid, weak, and poorly engineered. Players and some amateur techs frequently strip the rod ends. 2. The abysmal bridge that is both unnecessarily hard to adjust, and the pot metal saddles and weak alloy tailpiece housing that almost always lifts away from the body, are just bad quality. 3. The stupid tone killing capacitor, and absolutely unnecessary stereo system. WHY put a muddy, 'bloopy' neck pickup through one amp, and a thin, wanky treble pickup through another? The sound will just mix offstage into a mono signal anyway. 4. Fender lacquers maple fingerboards- some are horribly coated with poly. That was done to keep them clean. How'd that work out? I don't like lacquered boards, either. Refretting Ricks, is no fun at all. 5. Some of the mid seventies 4001's have routing under the pickguard , treble pickup cavity, and under the bridge, that look like a Chimp did them freehand. 6. They are overpriced, and overvalued in the vintage market. Now, for the things I like about them. 1. They can sound quite good, the newest ones have addressed- FINALLY, the horrible truss dual rods and bridge, and there's a cap bypass that allows for some decent tones. 2. The woodworking and CNC routing is vastly superior than in older basses. I played, and almost bought a lefty here in Reno, Nevada.. but something felt odd- then, I realized these basses are generally 33.25" scale. I can feel it. I'm an old school Fender 34" guy- So, I built my own 4001 S out of some pretty outrageous flamed maple, and it's 34" scale. I love it. Oh, I used all Hipshot hardware..and new Rick pickups, which are actually pretty good.

You must have the Adam Clayton Plastic Pop signature Rickenbacker Bass mate!

Oh i forgot one more thing. 4th complain about Ricks. Mine had 7 frets total witch were not on line with others and needed some work

I disagree. I own two Rics. Both are great instruments that are completely different from one another. One is a 1978 fretless 4001 with a thin neck and the other is a 2004 4003 with a substantially thicker one. Both sound and feel great. The fretless can almost sound like an upright. The plastic parts don't bother me. Most players ditch the pickup cover because it's in the way of the sweet spot and it doesn't serve any function other than aesthetics. The original horseshoe pickup was shaped like that, the newer ones just copy the style. Nothing sounds like a Ric and the stereo capability makes them extremely versatile. Like a Telecaster guitar, their signature sound is what people expect to hear from them. Being versatile doesn't matter, as long as the trebly clank is there. No. The Ric is a fine instrument capable of an impressive variety of tones.

Had one 45 years and never loved it. Sold it, got a Jazz and never looked back.

I agree. I'm trading mine in tomorrow in fact.

I love the sound of Rickenbacker's. I hear complaints about neck width, clear coat on the fretboard, and etc, but I guess I'm not too picky and can adapt pretty easily. Maybe because I'm left-handed and my choices are limited so I don't really get to be a snob. More like take what I can get when I can get it. Nah to me the two most overrated basses are 1) Hofner whatever that thing was that Paul used. Terribly boinky dead string sounding piece of crap, and 2) the Warwick Thumb Bass. Terrible sound and bad neck dive. I actually owned one of those. Remember I usually have to buy sight unseen so I didn't get to play it before I bought it, and spent the return period trying to like it.

You forgot to mention the crap stamped tin bridge. And often these come with a really dead E string, which just can't be fixed by pickup height, string guage or anything else. They SOUND really cool and look really cool, but they are plastic junk, as you mention. And because Geddy, Chris, Lemmy, Paul have SOLD so many of these to up and coming bassists, there is no market pressure for Rickenbacker to fix all of the obvious flaws. Why would they, when people keep buying them?

If I'm playing some Squeeze or Yes, the Ric sounds heavenly. If I want to go into Larry Graham mode, this thing is a fckin nightmare! Like dry toast, it's crisp but not buttery.

the worst part is the mechanical mute

Yeah none of that stuff bothers me... But I like Danelectro's so obviously a "plasticy feel" isn't a barrier

As an ex pro bass player who has never owned a Ricky but I have played one on several occasions, (particularly at recording studios) yeh they look good and the sound is a personal thing, I'm personally not a great fan. BUt I agree with a lot said in the video, these are seriously expensive instruments and for this sort of money I would expect better fittings. But my biggest gripe is that neck, it is like a telegraph pole, why anybody would acctually prefer that to a nice slim, slick neck I really don't know. Also the lacquer, These days my prefered go-to bass is my fairly heavily customised, (bridge and pick-ups) Jazz with a totally non lacquered neck, running you're hands up and down this neck is like stroking a virgins thighs.

it sounds like really good quality wood, very sensitive to touch and dynamics, and the sound inspires you to play with genuine creativity because the tone is no Anonimous, you should play some nice YAMAHA with Nokia pickups, a real plastic finish, so you can hear the sound of the pick-ups.... ,, Rickenbacker PLastiky.. haha 99 percent of the bass has pickups made by plastic and the pickguard too.. also fender musicmann they also have models with lacquered fingerboard, 4004 rick are unlaquered.etc..so...in regards the finish .. Rickenbacker finish does not stop the sound, in most brands does... go with Ibanez..Yamaha

They sound fantastic. Hate the low frets. Dual truss rods, the bridge is crap. But they sound so good.. fix them up with a better bridge and a refret.

First, the intro is too long ... even before the "thank yous"/product plugs. I've played a lot of basses, some of them expensive, but NOTHING plays as smooth as my 4003 Ricky built sometime in the early 2000s.

Former Rickenbacker owner here. I agree on all points.

Just gotta say that I'm in complete agreement.

It's a unique bass with a unique sound. It's not necessarily suited to every style of music. But it's irreplaceable on lots of music. Oh, and thanks for the Rage Bait video.

I agree. I played on one about a year back and it felt really cheap, especially that lacquered neck. Horrible. I like the sound though.

I always wanted a Rick. Then one day I actually hung one around my neck and played it….not for me..

Just bought mine. I've always loved them.

So basically it's a bad bass because the metal parts don't feel like metal?

B S. They are great basses and the weakness were the shitty plastic chrome bridge that they finally woke up and improved in tecent years