LoveToKnow Guitar:AllComments

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True enough, John. I guess when most people think about Paul McCartney, they think about the Hofner bass. Still, he has spent some time with a Ric in his hands, and the sound that the 4000S captures is very fat and full and warm, not unlike McCartney's. Thanks for weighing in!

-- Contributed by: Kevin Casper

Paul McCartney is much more known as a Hofner player, and the '62 Violin Bass is not only his current instrument of choice, it appears in a vast majority more concert shots, publicity stills, and live footage of The Beatles playing than the Rickenbacker ever did. It's also the licensed bass guitar style for Beatles: Rock Band video game released last month, amongst other things.

-- Contributed by: John

Hi Jeff - The debate continues about this picture! You seem to have a very good idea of the history of Macca's bass playing. Did you see him at the Grammy's? He's still got it. Thanks for checking in, and we appreciate your feedback.

-- Contributed by: Kevin Casper

The Bass in the picture is NOT a Hofner!!! It looks to be a Epiphone Viola. Macca started with the Hofner switched to the Ric in 67. He used the Ric thru the Wings era. Now he has went back to the Hofner.

-- Contributed by: Jeff

Hi Adam - Good eye! We're somewhat limited at times with our stock photography selections, so we have to go with images that are in the direction of the article theme, which the Hofner, as you pointed out, is. We've all sold a guitar or two in our lives that we regretted ... the ones that get away! Thanks for checking in.

-- Contributed by: Kevin Casper

Hi,

Not to be picky but the bass pictured is a Hofner. McCartney started on a Hofner and moved to the Rickenbacker years later.

I owned a 4000 and loved it. Sold it in the 80s figuring it was old-fashioned. Boy I regret that now.

-- Contributed by: Adam

Hi Jim. Thanks for sharing. Yes, there is something about those 60s (or 60s inspired) instruments when it comes to sound. They truly have that certain "something" that is undeniable. Thanks again for visiting us and sharing your stories about your gear! We love it!

-- Contributed by: Kevin Casper

I owned and played a Ric 4001 in 1978-81. Very comfortable bass and got an aggressive sound out of it for my 10-piece funk/rock band. I regret that I sold it in 1981. In early 2008 I bought a 1987 Ric 4003. It's the same instrument with some improvements which, I think, makes it a better instrument. Love the 1-1/4" thin body, very light. The slightly shorter scale and narrower neck makes it a very fast neck. Now with more years of playing experience I can coax a wider variety of sounds from it's two pickups. I also have a Fender Jazz bass which has it's distinct sound personality. I use a pick or fingers depending on a song's composition. Between these two 1960's designed basses, I am able to produce and record the wonderfully solid and full electric bass sounds.

-- Contributed by: Jim Graham
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