I have both. The Rick is a shorter scale so the action is fantastic and very fast. The P bass will give you a better tone though. P bass tone is tight and round. The Rick is kind of lost in the mix.
Damn, that amp has some mighty fine crunch. I prefer the P bass for the simlicity, ease of use, and durability. The rick is a great recording bass, but the fender beats it for bang for buck and distortion. People say, "Cliff used a Rick, and he could get monster distorted tones." His Rick was modded with a mudbucker in the neck, a jazz bass in the bridge, and a strat pickup in the mute position. Also, geddy's has a badass bridge. Look it up, theirs aren't true Ricks.
I've just come back from a gig, playing my Ricky for 2 hours, and it IS by far THE best bass guitar to play, and listen to. As i've said, i've been playing this thing since 1979, and it just gets better each time i play it. The debate should have ended weeks ago! Unless you've been playing a Fander since 1978!
Son bajos diferentes, la ubicación del pickup en el P- bass hace un sonido con mucho bajo y definido , en el rick por poseer dos pickups tiene con el swich en posicion treble un sonido agudo y medio , con el swich en bass posicion mucho bajo y la mezcla de ambos pickups hace un buen balance . Son bajos para sonidos muy diferentes. No me gusta el sonido del bajista del video , es horrible !
No matter how good the Fender is, it just can't be compared to a Rickenbacker! The Rickenbacker has such a unique sound and feel, even if the fender is awesome too, I'm not arguing about that, but I still think the Rick wins in the end! :)
I've had my Ricky 4001since 1979, and still gig with now. It's a beautiful thing to play, but it MUST be driven hard with a pic to get the true Rickenbacker sound. I totally agree with GusFogle. It's by far the most original bass sound you can get. I have 'other' basses, but only the Ricky gets to come out and gig with me.
@viennachan1 the only 'pity' here is that you can't imagine the great combination of that type of sound mixed with a decent sounding guitar -show me someone that doesn't appreciate the multitude of styles & tonal variations and I'll show you a one dimensional asshole.
@trashxxl Depends on what you want. Personally I think the Rick sounds best with a pick. Few basses can match the character of that clangy Chris Squire sound. The precision is more of a utility bass, for every day use. Can you imagine what a song like "Heart of the sunrise" would be missing if played on anything other than a Rick?
Usually I would put my money on the P-bass, Riccy's often sound far too twangy and treble orientated for my liking. But this guy has really extracted a nice thick, rounded but balanced tone from the 4003, and I honestly like it more than the Fender!
both great instruments (tho i prefer j to the p) but my rick feels right in my hands,has the tone i want, and never goes out of tune. and im not a brand snob by any means, my rick does what i want it to do...blues, rock, jazzy stuff, metal (i can't slap well but that;s ok)
does he have some effect over it?? if he does I dont really have an opinion. if he doesnt: the Rick wins by far!! (I like a smoother bass, this is way too distorted)
@ymfarhi the rick is a beauty. mine is a jetglo 2007. im no brand snob, but its cozy in my hands, built like a tank, has the sound i want. bought mine used (good luck finding a new one). enjoy.
And is there any way to get a clean sound, 'cause as much as I love that punchy punk sound I'm also in a Jazz band (long story) so I'm not sure If the rick is the perfect choice
I see Ricks as cumbersome, overpriced, and they don't stay in tune. I had the option to buy a Rickenbacker 4003 for $2350, or buy a Fender '51 P Bass reissue in blackguard blonde for $700. I liked the Fender more, and it was and still is the bass of my dreams. I bought the Fender and will say no to Ricks like they're the Plague or Herpese.
@bassharmonica1 If you experienced with a Rick that did not stay in tune it probably was a particular case, i've owned one for 2 years and it's the total opposite, it doesn't go out of tune easily.. I have a Fender too, just like the one in this video same colors and everything and it is an awesome bass too! I like both :D Ricks are pricey but the finish quality, the tone and it's life expectancy is outstanding! But hey, we all have different tastes :P
I've owned dozens of basses over the past 34 years; Ric, Fender P & J, Alembic, Warwick, Vigier, Spector, Waterstone, & Fernandes. I still have most of them. If I could only use ONE bass, it would be my Fender '57 P-Bass RI. If I could have TWO, I would add my Vigier Excess 2. With those 2 basses, you can get ANY tone. The biggest disappointment? The Alembic S1; heavy & uncomfortable with sterile tone. The runner up? my Spector Euro. The Rick? one GREAT tone, but uncomfortable and too fussy.
I wouldn't like to argue which one has better sound. Of course, b/c FP is waaaay cheaper (always has) compared to a Ric, it was bound to be used far more in different situations. Simple minds need simple things so people tend to think one vol one tone knob is all you need for your sonic needs. On the other hand, the Ric has a very distinct tone. I wouldn't like to be too partial to rick but I always sought that sound until I got my 4001L FP is awesome, but Rics are fare better to me, IMHO.
The Rick is a beautiful instument and sings on those high tones but...the P has way more balls! It would be nice to hear in this context an ash-bodied P with maple neck, instead of an alder-rosewood one: the sound should be more crispy without losing that bass balls the P is capable of...
Said that, the amp is the REAL Man of The Match...
Honestly, a Ric is a lot more maintanance, a lot more uncomfortable to play on a strap, and more dough spent on it anyway you put it. The P got the attention it did because it was the most successful bass in terms of comfort, simplicity, sound, and price which all equated to the essential way a bass guitar should be. A Ric has 2 thinner truss rods for example, which can create more problems on top of being a neck-thru construction and having a slightly shorter scale with an odd feel to the neck.
Owning a P-Bass and playing a Rickenbacker, I can tell you right now I love the pickups on the P-Bass. I plugged in my friend's Rickenbacker and played it for a bit, but when I got my P-Bass plugged in the sound was much louder than the Rickenbacker, and I didn't touch the knobs at all! I would so choose a Rick over the P-bass, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
you can't really compare the too. I use my p bass for slap songs and funk and disco. I use my rickenbacker for if im doing like something heavy like rock or whatever. Rickenbacker has way more versatility, but the p bass has just amazing playability and is WAY better for dance music.
I strongly disagree with the Rickenbacker being more versatile. Rickenbacker basses have been around since the 50's, and they appear on only a fraction of tracks that the Precision appeared on. The precision can be used in almost any music setting EASILY. The Rickenbacker can still be used in any setting, but it takes a lot of tweaking to get it to sound right. The Rickenbacker lacks that versatility that the Precision has. That's why the Precision was always the go-to bass.
@WeCamefortheDead They are muddy sounding and ugly as hell! I own a P bass and it sucks compared to both my Rics. In fact I hate Fenders except the Jazz Bass. The strat is too twangy and the P bass sounds like it is being heard under water, and they have to have to HUGE head stock on them. The P bass was used more because it is mass produced and cheaper. You can buy mexican or japanese versions as well. Rics are USA made, and are the bass equal to Gibsons!!!!
But wait! What is the contraption I'm playing through?! Could it be that this thing you call a 'cabinet' allows me to manipulate the sound coming from the bass? I think it does!
Regardless, the precision bass is still more versatile. What will be EASIER to get the right tone for a reggae band? Precision. Country? Precision. Jazz? Precision. History has proven that the precision is more versatile. Argue with history all you want, you'll lose.
@WeCamefortheDead History has nothing to do with this, fucktard. The question is which one is more versatile. The fact that the average musician can't afford to spend $2000 on a Rickenbacker pretty much determines that the majority of players are going to be playing P basses (or any other cheaper instrument). But that doesn't make the P bass more versatile. You obviously don't know what you're talking about, I doubt that you own either of these basses (**cough** or know how to play them.) LOL.
Way to ignore the fact that you can manipulate the sound through a cabinet. This isn't a place to flog what gear I own, so I'm not going toot any horns. How thick is your skull? MORE PICKUPS AND KNOBS DOES NOT MAKE A BASS MORE VERSATILE. What is so hard to comprehend about this? Just because a jazz bass has more pickups and knobs doesn't automatically make it more versatile. It's all about sound that can be applied universally, and the Precision has this.
The Ric is better on the higher melodic stuff (it has a thinner but more extroverted sound), but the Fender has more "authority" as a bass instrument (by the way I like both instruments--I prefer Precisions to jazz bass sounds). They are really quite close in tone, I think.
I've been through two Rics over the years, and have come to notice that the weak necks can be a problem. When you route out enough wood to fit two truss rods, you compromise the overall stability. I had to keep a bunch of tools in the case, cuz every time the climate changed, I'd have to adjust the setup.The Fenders are more reliable, and if you know what you're doing, you can get ant sound out of them...PEACE!
@Ekkyzor Getting that sound from a P-Bass is easy. A new set of roundwound strings is the first step, and cranking the tone knob on the bass is the second. Having an amp with a good EQ Helps too...just listen to The Who's "Live At Leeds"...Entwisle's tone on that disc is amazing!
what is that rickenbacker finish and where can i find one like it? the bassist in my band owns a midnight blue version which is pretty rare i hear. never seen one like this
@acp025 question i've played on a Fender Jazz bass and found the laquer on it to be a pain, my first bass was a dean edge, and obviously there is barely if at all any laquer on it. My question is does a Rickenbacker has as much as a fender does, in laquer that is.
Vaya que cantidad de dinero invertido tienes allí en todo esos aparatos jajajaj Yo tendría que trabajar unos 20 años para comprar todo ese armatoste que tienes mas el Rickenbacker jajajajaj... ... rickenbacker 4001 ????
A long time ago,I was playing on a 68' Fender Precision with rotosound strings..It was an amazing sound like John Entwistle (listen My Generation with the bass chorus). Later, a friend of mine send me a 72 'Stereo 4001 Rickenbacker.I was a Chris Squire 's fan and I think that both of these two basses have their own qualities and specifities and a lot of similarities too. I think they are symbols of rock'n roll sound.
the amp is pretty boss, but the truth is that both of these basses sound here like they do everywhere. my two basses are a ric ('84) and a P ('07) and the sounds he gets here are very representative of their distinct tones. i use an old ampeg B-18 but i also have a yorkville solid state, and have recorded both direct into a board before; they always sound like this. this massive amp rig does add its own colour (as does the OD pedal), but these basses are for sure the true winners in any rig!
Why are people saying there's too much drive? Doesn't sound likes there's a lot to me, what is there is pretty mild and adds good extra aggression to the sound...but that's just me.
Just found this video - dammit folks, some of you are as bad as guitar players with your comments. LOL. Anyway, personal opinon is as much as I love the looks of a Rick, they just dont feel right to me - had 2 of them.. The feel is one of the main things I look for. And I cant slap comfortably on a Rick. Also it seems like a Fender is more responsive to your right hand position and attack . So, a Fender style with P-J pups is much better for me - I can get that Rick growl and so much more..
What is amazing is how similar they sound but that's at least partly due to the fact you didn't try different settings on the two basses. The Rick having, 2 pickups, will have a greater range of sounds available.
I have a number of basses (Fender Jazz & fretless Jazz, Rickenbacker 4003 & 4004 and others), always wanted a Precision and went into a guitar shop with the intention of buying one. Played several, didn't like any and bought a Stingray instead. As much as I love all my basses, if I had to reduce my collection to one, it would be my Alembic Epic (followed by one of the Ricks).
@BeeFrogMan Listen again. He played several "grooves" between the solo lines. When you are demonstrating a bass with no band You have a tendency to play a lot of different stuff just to keep from getting bored.
@Interst890 hi there I have a rick 4003 with Bartolini pickups I think it is a combination of electrics (i.e the inductance/capacitance), pickup spacing and position, plus the fact you can split the signal and drive two amps from the bridge and neck pick ups.
They don't all sound trebly that depends on your amp settings and speaker set up. I must say the guy here has a fab set up...
Apples VS Oranges?
TheTomRich 3 days ago
I have both. The Rick is a shorter scale so the action is fantastic and very fast. The P bass will give you a better tone though. P bass tone is tight and round. The Rick is kind of lost in the mix.
MyPat9999 5 days ago
rickenbacker vs precision? that's like comparing a fender strat and a gibson les paul.
ldesomma97 5 days ago
The Rickenbacker wins hands down. more definition and tonal qualities that the P just doesn't have.
meathdetal 1 week ago
Damn, that amp has some mighty fine crunch. I prefer the P bass for the simlicity, ease of use, and durability. The rick is a great recording bass, but the fender beats it for bang for buck and distortion. People say, "Cliff used a Rick, and he could get monster distorted tones." His Rick was modded with a mudbucker in the neck, a jazz bass in the bridge, and a strat pickup in the mute position. Also, geddy's has a badass bridge. Look it up, theirs aren't true Ricks.
bassharmonica1 1 week ago
aint no contender for a good ol fender
boobengarden666 3 weeks ago
Comment removed
irok84pl 3 weeks ago
I've always felt that the Rick has an almost "tinny" sound when compared to the Fender Bass. But, that's just my opinion.
Joshisjoshingu 3 weeks ago
Imho, nothing beats the Rick...
DrLubitel 3 weeks ago
Nice Tuxedo :)
joxter74 4 weeks ago
Ricky=Awesome but the Preci = KICKASS it's just because of the Pickups I got a Fender Aerodyne Jazzbass with P,J but i more like th p style pickup
IronAndi97 1 month ago
i play clean bass and distorted bass, Rickenbacker is very good for clean such as precision, but i like precision better for distortion
RayThaBassist 1 month ago
what about an Aria pro ll SB1000? xD
CamoteMaster 1 month ago
@CamoteMaster of course, cliff burton fan that searches for rickenbacker because he wants his bass.. am i right? :D
luchobassify 2 weeks ago
@luchobassify No,I'm a fan of duran duran :P
CamoteMaster 2 weeks ago
@CamoteMaster fuck.. xD
luchobassify 2 weeks ago
Rickenbacker has a cleaner sound, precision more louder, more "dirty".
Cocorikot 1 month ago
fuck my life i want both
azerty7889 1 month ago 3
No no no... i think you're all talking shit.
I've just come back from a gig, playing my Ricky for 2 hours, and it IS by far THE best bass guitar to play, and listen to. As i've said, i've been playing this thing since 1979, and it just gets better each time i play it. The debate should have ended weeks ago! Unless you've been playing a Fander since 1978!
MrReghelmet 1 month ago
rickenbacker: more nasal sound
precision: kick to the chest
elchizo 1 month ago 3
I'm in love with that P bass.
I really want to know how he gets that sound.
Ekkyzor 1 month ago
The Fender has more balls.
dvdfrnzwbr 1 month ago
Man I'm a guitarist but the Rickenbacker is a beautiful sounding instrument. It sounds translucent; timeless.
username91ification 1 month ago 3
The Pearce pre's are a big reason for the tone too. Look 'em up. Good stuff.
themacstack 1 month ago
yea this amp is totally doing all the work for his tone
rectalbomb 1 month ago
Am i the only one who that thinks that the precision sounded a lot like Geddy Lee's Rickenbacker in the 70's?
Fredrockroll 1 month ago
@Fredrockroll I think it does to hahaha I think its his amp settings though
RatRaceTV 1 month ago
@Fredrockroll I agree. I does sound alot like Geddys Rick. Very nice growl!
bordinco90 1 month ago
doesnt matter what bass if you got ampeg...
hiephoi058 1 month ago 5
Son bajos diferentes, la ubicación del pickup en el P- bass hace un sonido con mucho bajo y definido , en el rick por poseer dos pickups tiene con el swich en posicion treble un sonido agudo y medio , con el swich en bass posicion mucho bajo y la mezcla de ambos pickups hace un buen balance . Son bajos para sonidos muy diferentes. No me gusta el sonido del bajista del video , es horrible !
1962amth 1 month ago
What kind of strings are you using on the Ricky?
PilchersSquad 1 month ago
Hey that $1 Million ampeg is fucking boss.
TheActiveAssault 1 month ago
am i missing something here or is this a joke?
my grandmother can play better bass and she's been dead since 1934
guyclark1958 1 month ago
No matter how good the Fender is, it just can't be compared to a Rickenbacker! The Rickenbacker has such a unique sound and feel, even if the fender is awesome too, I'm not arguing about that, but I still think the Rick wins in the end! :)
Perfixesus 1 month ago
A shame to destroy these beautiful sounds of the two beatiful basses with distortion, and a player who really should have been a guitarist...
m1kk3l2 1 month ago 2
@m1kk3l2 gayyyyyy
Brozotheclown 1 month ago
that is a sick set up
magnokor 2 months ago
There's something about Rick basses that just want to make you play them aggressively. IMO that's when their best tones come out.
POskio66 2 months ago 3
I've had my Ricky 4001since 1979, and still gig with now. It's a beautiful thing to play, but it MUST be driven hard with a pic to get the true Rickenbacker sound. I totally agree with GusFogle. It's by far the most original bass sound you can get. I have 'other' basses, but only the Ricky gets to come out and gig with me.
MrReghelmet 2 months ago
precission hands down.... growly, punky, poppy, great to play, rick's are awkward and bulky, the only rick I would want is the 4004, well nice,
seerymseery 2 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Both awful with this kind of dirty, clangy, distored, noisy sound. Frustrated guitar rather than bass. Pity.
viennachan1 2 months ago
@viennachan1 the only 'pity' here is that you can't imagine the great combination of that type of sound mixed with a decent sounding guitar -show me someone that doesn't appreciate the multitude of styles & tonal variations and I'll show you a one dimensional asshole.
MightySaturn5 2 months ago
This guy's playing is more suitable to the P-Bass, both basses are good--but the bass has to match the player/style.
the8thasterisk 2 months ago
I'm sorry man I just can't stand the sound of an Ampeg. Too pricey for a worse sound than my little Acoustic half stack that I paid $500 for.
Yamazuki23 2 months ago
precision wins, obviously.
trashxxl 2 months ago
@trashxxl Depends on what you want. Personally I think the Rick sounds best with a pick. Few basses can match the character of that clangy Chris Squire sound. The precision is more of a utility bass, for every day use. Can you imagine what a song like "Heart of the sunrise" would be missing if played on anything other than a Rick?
GusFogle 2 months ago
OMFG is Jamie Hyneman from Mythbusters
tazco123 2 months ago
Ricky all day long....Geddy played it....Chris played it....why? because it sounds awesome.
myg0tBUTTPLUG 2 months ago
@myg0tBUTTPLUG yeah, and nobody ever played a precision -.-
petersktet 2 months ago
Never been a fan of Ric, They look and play great but, I'm not so big on their tone and output.
Mightypaul 2 months ago
How do I get this sound? Seriously, that sound is amazing. Talking about the P bass that is. :P
Ekkyzor 2 months ago
P-Bass hands down winner by a long shot.
Rics look like some 5 grade school project.
TheJagzy 2 months ago in playlist Liked videos
@TheJagzy you don't know shit about design, holy fuck.
magicalbilly 2 months ago 8
It has the rush sort of sound. Amazing!!!
bordinco90 2 months ago
Really great playing, friggin amazing amp, showed off both basses like they should. I'm more of a J player, but damn, sweet tone on that P
Slappinstyle 2 months ago
The Rick sounded great, but the P has a much better low end while still maintaining the grit. Great playing and monster amp!
TexTroll 3 months ago 2
Wayne's World! Party time!
RCAvhstape 3 months ago
@sj33k yes!
javafreak257 3 months ago
Why?
alwaysopen 3 months ago
it just occurred to me how big those ampeg speakers are. Dayum
lespaulguy101 3 months ago
The Rick sounds like John Entwistles Leeds tone. Yay!
hansolo989 3 months ago
If i had the money I would actually choose the Rick over my all time favorite bass ever (pbass)
metaltera86 3 months ago
I think the real winner is the amp.
TheRedSandwitch 3 months ago 126
@TheRedSandwitch
yeah. and i got one of those, too. and a rick. and a precision. :D
hayzeephantayzee 2 months ago
Usually I would put my money on the P-bass, Riccy's often sound far too twangy and treble orientated for my liking. But this guy has really extracted a nice thick, rounded but balanced tone from the 4003, and I honestly like it more than the Fender!
ROONTANG 3 months ago
P-Bass sounds more tight and focused. I prefer that sound. But the Rickenbacker is more responsive/expressive.
I'd be happy with either.
pentagonoenllamas 3 months ago
Billy Gould xD
jko0511 3 months ago
The Rickenbacker just sounds so fucking gnarly. Can't beat it.
Staffhiya 3 months ago
rickenbacker vote here
NatesRockMusic 3 months ago 5
Nice job man. My back hurts just looking at those two 8X10s
maxbak1 3 months ago
Precision sounds cleaner, but Rickenbacker has the big punch and growl
RedRicky590 3 months ago
Rickenbacker no doubt. Impressive playing btw
Thrarin666 3 months ago
@Thrarin666 true
mguygh 3 months ago
Dude rocks
F3502000 3 months ago
both great instruments (tho i prefer j to the p) but my rick feels right in my hands,has the tone i want, and never goes out of tune. and im not a brand snob by any means, my rick does what i want it to do...blues, rock, jazzy stuff, metal (i can't slap well but that;s ok)
ferox965 3 months ago
Thought I might need to add a Ric to my collection but after listening to this, I think I'll just stick with my P-bass.
The Ric has just a little too much 'click' and 'zing' for me. I want TONE not noise artifacts.
totallyfrozen 3 months ago
p bass, rickenbacker just looks cooler.
iammichaelcarr 3 months ago
Rickenbacker
XTH3BASSMANX 3 months ago
rickenbacker---nice grooves and tone.
fender p-bass ----- great punch and style.
please comment below.
guitar2585 3 months ago
Comment removed
guitar2585 3 months ago
Think I prefer the Rickenbacker :)
C4LXD 3 months ago 3
I do not want him in the band. I want his rig.
LudwigBeefoven 3 months ago
you sure love pentatonics
javafreak257 3 months ago
does he have some effect over it?? if he does I dont really have an opinion. if he doesnt: the Rick wins by far!! (I like a smoother bass, this is way too distorted)
iceblaze1907 3 months ago
I like the Ricks , but being put face to face..the P wins...hail to the master Mr. Leo Fender.
Sanson101 4 months ago
what chain do you use in this case? bass - comp - svt II or bass - comp - final ? i like this sound.
shoreborn 4 months ago
i want that color for the rick i am gonna, but no they dont make it in that color anymore!
footballXcrazyX2012 4 months ago in playlist footballXcrazyX2012's favorites
I want to marry that rickenbacker, at least for me, the Rick is a kick in the fender's ass
XaviOrtega1 4 months ago
Both great Basses.I still want both:]
poshi12 4 months ago
Do you use any kind of distortion or overdrive?
anapofasistos123 4 months ago
that amp <3 <3 <3
mariorossipuzza 4 months ago
i prefer my ibanez rd 300 its a good allrounder although i do like rickenbacker.
pemby39 4 months ago
Fender P wins
bullrushdotnet 4 months ago
i want this guy in my band....and im the bassist
yaoilover126 4 months ago 78
@yaoilover126 Yeah, man. This guy is pretty fucking good.
keysignify 4 months ago
@yaoilover126 lol
MightySaturn5 3 months ago
@yaoilover126 lol
PooPooOnMyNewShoe 3 months ago
@yaoilover126 i'd rather have him as the guitarist. rickenbacker beats guitar ass
Motorheadsup 1 month ago
both are wicked basses. This dude may shred the fender, but he holds way better grooves on his Rick. its really all about what your feeling playing.
Radmast3r 4 months ago
do you know what kind of rack he is using in the top left rack . the ones with the moving signals of the bass
acoldcitynight 4 months ago
Im going for a rick yet im so worried Ive made a mistake...
any thoughts?
ymfarhi 4 months ago
@ymfarhi the rick is a beauty. mine is a jetglo 2007. im no brand snob, but its cozy in my hands, built like a tank, has the sound i want. bought mine used (good luck finding a new one). enjoy.
ferox965 3 months ago
@ferox965 Do you get a good punch?
If so what amp?
And is there any way to get a clean sound, 'cause as much as I love that punchy punk sound I'm also in a Jazz band (long story) so I'm not sure If the rick is the perfect choice
ymfarhi 3 months ago
I see Ricks as cumbersome, overpriced, and they don't stay in tune. I had the option to buy a Rickenbacker 4003 for $2350, or buy a Fender '51 P Bass reissue in blackguard blonde for $700. I liked the Fender more, and it was and still is the bass of my dreams. I bought the Fender and will say no to Ricks like they're the Plague or Herpese.
bassharmonica1 4 months ago
@bassharmonica1 If you experienced with a Rick that did not stay in tune it probably was a particular case, i've owned one for 2 years and it's the total opposite, it doesn't go out of tune easily.. I have a Fender too, just like the one in this video same colors and everything and it is an awesome bass too! I like both :D Ricks are pricey but the finish quality, the tone and it's life expectancy is outstanding! But hey, we all have different tastes :P
gustavito7 4 months ago
I've owned dozens of basses over the past 34 years; Ric, Fender P & J, Alembic, Warwick, Vigier, Spector, Waterstone, & Fernandes. I still have most of them. If I could only use ONE bass, it would be my Fender '57 P-Bass RI. If I could have TWO, I would add my Vigier Excess 2. With those 2 basses, you can get ANY tone. The biggest disappointment? The Alembic S1; heavy & uncomfortable with sterile tone. The runner up? my Spector Euro. The Rick? one GREAT tone, but uncomfortable and too fussy.
432ps1 4 months ago
...P
MORGAN1992FREEM4N 4 months ago
I wouldn't like to argue which one has better sound. Of course, b/c FP is waaaay cheaper (always has) compared to a Ric, it was bound to be used far more in different situations. Simple minds need simple things so people tend to think one vol one tone knob is all you need for your sonic needs. On the other hand, the Ric has a very distinct tone. I wouldn't like to be too partial to rick but I always sought that sound until I got my 4001L FP is awesome, but Rics are fare better to me, IMHO.
kiyoshi11 4 months ago
Uffffff ... Rickenbacker is superior.....!
EIYH58 4 months ago 3
Damn I can't pick a winner, they both sounded kick ass.
JAYcovey706 4 months ago 2
The Rick is a beautiful instument and sings on those high tones but...the P has way more balls! It would be nice to hear in this context an ash-bodied P with maple neck, instead of an alder-rosewood one: the sound should be more crispy without losing that bass balls the P is capable of...
Said that, the amp is the REAL Man of The Match...
VanniZeroZero 4 months ago
Honestly, a Ric is a lot more maintanance, a lot more uncomfortable to play on a strap, and more dough spent on it anyway you put it. The P got the attention it did because it was the most successful bass in terms of comfort, simplicity, sound, and price which all equated to the essential way a bass guitar should be. A Ric has 2 thinner truss rods for example, which can create more problems on top of being a neck-thru construction and having a slightly shorter scale with an odd feel to the neck.
syndrome666 4 months ago
Rickenbackers are overrated in my opinion. Not saying its a bad bass, but there are better out there.
XtraPibbDude 4 months ago
Anyone else have this crazy John Entwistle flashback when the P-bass kicked in? Killer tone.
MQRED011 5 months ago
Rickenbackers are so expensive (
1135Roman 5 months ago
the fender won in my opinion.
RadblasterRax 5 months ago
Owning a P-Bass and playing a Rickenbacker, I can tell you right now I love the pickups on the P-Bass. I plugged in my friend's Rickenbacker and played it for a bit, but when I got my P-Bass plugged in the sound was much louder than the Rickenbacker, and I didn't touch the knobs at all! I would so choose a Rick over the P-bass, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
NJP695 5 months ago
Love them both,...
I own a P. and i really want a Rick,....
Two of the greatest instruments,...
druben138 5 months ago
you can't really compare the too. I use my p bass for slap songs and funk and disco. I use my rickenbacker for if im doing like something heavy like rock or whatever. Rickenbacker has way more versatility, but the p bass has just amazing playability and is WAY better for dance music.
You play sick though, and ur amps are way cool
TheTelepathetics 5 months ago
@TheTelepathetics
I strongly disagree with the Rickenbacker being more versatile. Rickenbacker basses have been around since the 50's, and they appear on only a fraction of tracks that the Precision appeared on. The precision can be used in almost any music setting EASILY. The Rickenbacker can still be used in any setting, but it takes a lot of tweaking to get it to sound right. The Rickenbacker lacks that versatility that the Precision has. That's why the Precision was always the go-to bass.
WeCamefortheDead 5 months ago
@WeCamefortheDead They are muddy sounding and ugly as hell! I own a P bass and it sucks compared to both my Rics. In fact I hate Fenders except the Jazz Bass. The strat is too twangy and the P bass sounds like it is being heard under water, and they have to have to HUGE head stock on them. The P bass was used more because it is mass produced and cheaper. You can buy mexican or japanese versions as well. Rics are USA made, and are the bass equal to Gibsons!!!!
ironcitydevildog 5 months ago
@WeCamefortheDead
Rickenbacker: 2 completly different pickups.. 3 way pickup selector.. 2 tone and 2 volume knobs..
P bass: 1 single coil pickup.. 1 volume knob.. 1 tone knob..
but yeah of course.. the rickenbacker totally has far less tonal versatility (sarcasm alert)... that just makes complete sense...
if you're a fucking retard...
TheTelepathetics 5 months ago
@TheTelepathetics
But wait! What is the contraption I'm playing through?! Could it be that this thing you call a 'cabinet' allows me to manipulate the sound coming from the bass? I think it does!
Regardless, the precision bass is still more versatile. What will be EASIER to get the right tone for a reggae band? Precision. Country? Precision. Jazz? Precision. History has proven that the precision is more versatile. Argue with history all you want, you'll lose.
WeCamefortheDead 5 months ago
@WeCamefortheDead History has nothing to do with this, fucktard. The question is which one is more versatile. The fact that the average musician can't afford to spend $2000 on a Rickenbacker pretty much determines that the majority of players are going to be playing P basses (or any other cheaper instrument). But that doesn't make the P bass more versatile. You obviously don't know what you're talking about, I doubt that you own either of these basses (**cough** or know how to play them.) LOL.
TheTelepathetics 5 months ago
@TheTelepathetics
Way to ignore the fact that you can manipulate the sound through a cabinet. This isn't a place to flog what gear I own, so I'm not going toot any horns. How thick is your skull? MORE PICKUPS AND KNOBS DOES NOT MAKE A BASS MORE VERSATILE. What is so hard to comprehend about this? Just because a jazz bass has more pickups and knobs doesn't automatically make it more versatile. It's all about sound that can be applied universally, and the Precision has this.
WeCamefortheDead 5 months ago
Comment removed
WeCamefortheDead 5 months ago
Fender P-bass makes YOU JIZZ OVER, AND OVER, AND OVER AGAIN!
njegos88 5 months ago 32
@njegos88 They both do but p bass more
jimbo666ist 4 months ago 2
I would also totally have you in my dream band
ThisIsStomper 5 months ago
4001 rickenbacker is where it's at!
light072695 5 months ago
okay I'm getting both at some point in my life but I know of a new American Standard P-bass that was dropped in store that is now going for 600-700$
ThisIsStomper 5 months ago
Both are amazing basses, unfortunately rics cost.
ClockworkFacility1 5 months ago
Both sound great on that amp, but would prefer the Rickenbacker since it's sexy.
Lompebroed 5 months ago
The Ric is better on the higher melodic stuff (it has a thinner but more extroverted sound), but the Fender has more "authority" as a bass instrument (by the way I like both instruments--I prefer Precisions to jazz bass sounds). They are really quite close in tone, I think.
garygomesg 5 months ago
It all depends what you want to sound like. They both nice.
aivopark 5 months ago
i have p bass, but rick rules
redrot1 5 months ago
I've been through two Rics over the years, and have come to notice that the weak necks can be a problem. When you route out enough wood to fit two truss rods, you compromise the overall stability. I had to keep a bunch of tools in the case, cuz every time the climate changed, I'd have to adjust the setup.The Fenders are more reliable, and if you know what you're doing, you can get ant sound out of them...PEACE!
shantypiker41367 5 months ago
The impressive thing in this video is the giant sunn amp
711Rod 5 months ago
i love both basses but the ric totally kicks the fenders ass on those clean melodic tones
footballXcrazyX2012 5 months ago
The Ricky just needs some flats! ;)
FriendlyShadow1 5 months ago 2
How do you get that sound from the P Bass?
Ekkyzor 6 months ago
@Ekkyzor Getting that sound from a P-Bass is easy. A new set of roundwound strings is the first step, and cranking the tone knob on the bass is the second. Having an amp with a good EQ Helps too...just listen to The Who's "Live At Leeds"...Entwisle's tone on that disc is amazing!
shantypiker41367 5 months ago
Is this a Billy Sheehan setup?
davec629 6 months ago
the tone on the Ric is serious!
bigscore 6 months ago
fender rules!!!
pedrinchi666 6 months ago
virtually no different - the bass effects drowned out the subtleness of the tone
The300x300 6 months ago 2
what is that rickenbacker finish and where can i find one like it? the bassist in my band owns a midnight blue version which is pretty rare i hear. never seen one like this
passion4drums 6 months ago
Hyvä soundi molemmissa. Rickenbacker tosin kuumottaa enemmän
TheKaappari 6 months ago
man that rick .... fml lol enjoy it ! maybe someday i will find one laying on the ground
fishonade 6 months ago
@acp025 question i've played on a Fender Jazz bass and found the laquer on it to be a pain, my first bass was a dean edge, and obviously there is barely if at all any laquer on it. My question is does a Rickenbacker has as much as a fender does, in laquer that is.
willychimp 6 months ago
Vaya que cantidad de dinero invertido tienes allí en todo esos aparatos jajajaj Yo tendría que trabajar unos 20 años para comprar todo ese armatoste que tienes mas el Rickenbacker jajajajaj... ... rickenbacker 4001 ????
RriverJJ 6 months ago
can you tab this? lol...
brandeenarox 6 months ago
@sj33k Yeah I agree!
bullsnake70 6 months ago
A long time ago,I was playing on a 68' Fender Precision with rotosound strings..It was an amazing sound like John Entwistle (listen My Generation with the bass chorus). Later, a friend of mine send me a 72 'Stereo 4001 Rickenbacker.I was a Chris Squire 's fan and I think that both of these two basses have their own qualities and specifities and a lot of similarities too. I think they are symbols of rock'n roll sound.
yannbongo 6 months ago 2
@yannbongo You sir, have an amazing opinion :)
CamoteMaster 6 months ago
like the p-bass, but ricky has more charm!
overdriven77 6 months ago
Just 3 things:
1. Fuck Precision
2. Buy a RIckenbacker
3.Buy and Overdrive
There you go... you have Cliff burton's amazing Tone
XaviOrtega1 6 months ago
the amp is pretty boss, but the truth is that both of these basses sound here like they do everywhere. my two basses are a ric ('84) and a P ('07) and the sounds he gets here are very representative of their distinct tones. i use an old ampeg B-18 but i also have a yorkville solid state, and have recorded both direct into a board before; they always sound like this. this massive amp rig does add its own colour (as does the OD pedal), but these basses are for sure the true winners in any rig!
sloppyphil420 6 months ago
Thumbs up if you're in love with the Rickenbacker...
SomethingforNothingR 6 months ago 112
Why are people saying there's too much drive? Doesn't sound likes there's a lot to me, what is there is pretty mild and adds good extra aggression to the sound...but that's just me.
bullsnake70 6 months ago
There's so much distortion on the amp they both sound like shit.
Both basses are great for specific things -- neither of which are demonstrated here.
plangentmusic 6 months ago
@plangentmusic haha then you'd hate my bass tone
mrwiskerz666 6 months ago
Just found this video - dammit folks, some of you are as bad as guitar players with your comments. LOL. Anyway, personal opinon is as much as I love the looks of a Rick, they just dont feel right to me - had 2 of them.. The feel is one of the main things I look for. And I cant slap comfortably on a Rick. Also it seems like a Fender is more responsive to your right hand position and attack . So, a Fender style with P-J pups is much better for me - I can get that Rick growl and so much more..
andk5591 6 months ago
What is amazing is how similar they sound but that's at least partly due to the fact you didn't try different settings on the two basses. The Rick having, 2 pickups, will have a greater range of sounds available.
tbcass 6 months ago
@tbcass Thanks, I missed that.
tbcass 6 months ago
I have a number of basses (Fender Jazz & fretless Jazz, Rickenbacker 4003 & 4004 and others), always wanted a Precision and went into a guitar shop with the intention of buying one. Played several, didn't like any and bought a Stingray instead. As much as I love all my basses, if I had to reduce my collection to one, it would be my Alembic Epic (followed by one of the Ricks).
fillinblankspace 6 months ago
Too much overdrive -_-
SgtZaqq 6 months ago
Why isn't there a bass player playing these basses instead of a guitar player. !0 minutes i wasted and didn't hear a single grove
BeeFrogMan 6 months ago
@BeeFrogMan Listen again. He played several "grooves" between the solo lines. When you are demonstrating a bass with no band You have a tendency to play a lot of different stuff just to keep from getting bored.
tbcass 6 months ago
Fender all the way. More reliable, better tone, and usually, a better warrantee
killumoron 6 months ago
can someone please tell me what it is about rickenbackers that makes 'em sound so trebly and overdriven?
Interst890 6 months ago
@Interst890 hi there I have a rick 4003 with Bartolini pickups I think it is a combination of electrics (i.e the inductance/capacitance), pickup spacing and position, plus the fact you can split the signal and drive two amps from the bridge and neck pick ups.
They don't all sound trebly that depends on your amp settings and speaker set up. I must say the guy here has a fab set up...
christopheralvey 6 months ago