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1975 ric 4001 on trade me for $2800

Lots of cash but definitely collectable. However how does the 4001 compare to 4003 and if u were to own only one ric bass should u go for a 4001 or a 4003?

Found this article
http://www.rickresource.com/rrp/axtbassarticle2.html

Seems the 4001 had an older truss rod system designed only for medium flat wounds and wouldn't often tolerate the tension of heavier round wound strings. Also lower output pickups and some other minor points of difference.

Probably better to hold out for a 4003 by the looks of things.

So yeah, there's a bunch of 4001's out there with roundwounds on them and they're doing fine. A lot of the problem with the truss rods is that the system until recently was a bit of a headscratcher to deal with; plenty on fretboards have popped off because people didn't know what they were doing. Tension is tension, doesn't matter whether they're roundwound or flatwound strings. You're not going to lose out going for a 4001.

Personally, I'd try and get a more recent 4003 for that kind of money; they're got a far more familiar truss rod system, and a switch to turn the treble cap off and on.

Ricks are also a pretty individual bass, they're not ergonomic at all, you have to adapt to it. You'll either love it or hate it. I enjoyed mine but sold it to a friend who had wanted one his whole life.

I think that is all good advice.
My main bass I have had for almost twenty years and it will probably always be my main bass. I tried a jazz bass but didn't bond with it. My thoughts are p bass or ric. Have always liked to look of the rics but I doubt they are as versatile as a p bass.
Probably better off saving my pennies and getting a nice japanese p bass and putting some smok'n pups in it.
Cheers

Well, I've tried to get on with Jazz Basses and Rics and at the end of all the experimentation I still had my P Bass.
If I was going to get another bass it'd be a Stingray Classic.

now theres a bass!
my brother has a very very nice stingray.

i think that style bass is the coolest looking base ever!!!