Thinking of buying a Ric 4003

Leroy La Qua · Newbie Alert Joined: 16 Feb 2003 Posts: 2

Hi There

I have been playing a musicman for the last few years which i love dearly. However its not really cutting it for the rock stuff. I play predominantly fingerstyle. Whats the learning curve like on the Rick? Are they very different in terms of playability?
One of the things i love about the musicman is the fact that the pick up is in the perfect position to rest your thumb on?
Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Scott

Doctor J · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:37 am Post subject:

The Musicman and Ric are very different. The strings are a lot closer together on the Ric, which may take some time to get used to. They aren't exactly great to pop/slap on either. Plus, the body isn't contoured and it can get a bit uncomfortable playing fingerstyle. However, it is the coolest bass around, it built like a tank, it stays in tune for weeks of playing and you get Ric tone, which can move houses with it's depth.

My advice would be to spend as much time as you can playing one before you choose to buy and don't sell the Musicman. I have a 4003 and I love it, though it does have negative aspects as I said and sometimes I opt for a different bass. But that tone just kills. I play in two bands and both are disappointed when I bring my Jazz or my 6 string, they love the Ric. It's also the only bass where I've had people come up and congratulate me on my tone after a gig.

I love my Ric, but I think they're not to eveyone's taste or playing style. Just try one out, definitely try it out standing up with your strap set to your usual length. Good luck.
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BassMan02 · Tiger Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 848

Yeah, Rics are great. Some people say that they are heard to play, but I find that to be wrong. The tone on a Ric is very unique and second to none.
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