Product: Rickenbacker 4004CII/5
Price Paid: US $2179
Submitted
03/10/2006
at
10:09pm
by
Greg
Email: gshadoan<at>comcast dot net
Features
:
10
The RIC 4004CII/5 5 string passive 2 pickup bass. I was at NAMM the year they introduced this model, and took my local dealer to the RIC booth, pointed at this beutiful bass and yelled "I WANT ONE OF THOSE!!!!" It was ordered, and 3 years later, YES, 3 years, finaly got it. Trans Green finish. Unbleiveably gourgus bass. Workmanship of the highest qualaity. Made in USA.
Sound
:
1
The sound, hmm, well this is where the story starts to go bad. The pickups on this model from the factory are not wide enough to cover the strings, even with the fantastic adjustable bridge, and with 3 different gauges of strings (one of which the CEO himself said would fix the problem), the low B was about 7-10 db lower than the rest of the strings. Others I've heard have had the same problem, with the low B, and G strings. Mine was just the low B. I had two choices. Return the bass, or get it fixed. I got it fixed. I took it to a bass maker, and he verified my opinions with electrical measurements, and installed 2 new pickups. Now it functions properly, but the RIC sound is really not there. I use a varity of amps, and the bass sounds the same through them all. Although it does not have the classic RIC growl, it sounds fantastic. Very versitile, and with the addtion of mutes, I can get a really cool macca sound out of it.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
When I had the pickups installed, I also had a brass not installed, and had the action lowered. Plays like butter. The best bass I have ever owned. The pickup mess was my only issue.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This is one extremly well built peice of wood. Not only does it preform reliably, it looks absolutly fantastic.
Customer Support
:
1
Up until the pickup issue, I was fine with RIC in general. After I expressed my concerns over this major malfunction, I wouldn't ask them for a breath of air. I dont ever expect to buy another RIC new, and since this model is now discontinued for "updating", I doubt that I will ever see the opertunity to buy another.
Overall Rating
:
10
This is the bass of my dreams, and play it every chance I get. I own several other basses, and 1 guitar. There is no other bass in my opinion, that even comes close to this peice of art. I guard it with my life. If I can ever find another "USED" I would jump on it in a heart beat.
