Rick's new black and white bass info
 

from Mr.Rick Haynes:

I've been looking for the "right" new bass for quite a while. I've tried to be open- minded and try many brands and customs. The new axe is a Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass, built 2 or 3 years ago, but I bought it new. It's a bit different configuration, not currently available anymore, for the last couple of years, anyway. You see, I really liked the pickup configuration of my Red Kramer. This Fender has that same configuration, which Fender has built off and on in their modern era. That is, a genuine Fender P bass pickup close to the neck, and a double Fender J bass (humbucking) pickup near the bridge + built in active preamp with patented Fender pickup blender and tone controls. Forgive me if I'm getting too long winded, but you asked!
You see, way back when I started playing the bass, almost 50 years ago and I bought my first bass, it was an early 60's Fender Precision. That's the bass on songs like "Read my Mind, Carefree Highway, Big Blue, Beautiful, Edmund Fitzgerald" Later, in the 80's, I found a Fender Jazz bass in a second hand store in Cocoa Beach, while the kids were at Ron Jon's. The Fender Precision and Fender Jazz basses are pretty much the meat and potatoes at the low end of modern music - just ask legends like Duck Dunn or Quincy Jones.
Anyway, I strongly feel that this particular Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass is the best (of both) I could find without going the full Fender Custom Shop route.
so far this new Fender is bone factory stock, set up by Uncle Crusty. Since it has the (preferred) "strings thru body" bridge, I may not need to upgrade the bridge to the "Bad Ass" type I have installed on my other basses.
I'm using the Coated Elixir strings, for a few reasons, and always play a 4 - string bass.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Was waiting for this news. Thanks Rick.

The majority of bass players who I worked with in bands played the Fender Precision Bass.
Although a guitar guy I always took note of the instruments other band members played.
They sure do have that unique "Leo Fender" sound.

I started using Elixer strings on all my guitars after I discovered the band members in"Union Station" (Alison Krause) used them and found they are very durable and although they are more expensive that other brands, they last much longer and the coating they have protects them from spoiling due to outside elements etc.
Cheers,
RJ.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Hey Char.

Sometimes, actually, many times, I can't see the forests for the trees.

Thank YOU for putting this up!

RJ.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

no problem Ron, I learned quite a lot from his info..Now when I watch him play I'll not take it for granted that he just walked into a guitar store and bought the prettiest looking one! altho the black/white one does make it's own fashion statement fitting in with the whole black/monochromatic look of his jeans and shirt when he's performing onstage...
;)

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

The guy's a pro like they all are.
R.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Yes, very interesting. Those of us who dabble at bass are always interested to hear what wisdom the pros can pass on.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

more:
I felt I should clarify....that my new bass ain't "black amd white", maybe it's the lights..
It IS an all black body, but the pickguard is gold, and the fretboard is classic rosewood.
It's actually the same bass featured in a recent UK Bass Guitar Magazine in an article about Matt McJunkins, except his bass has a Blonde (maple) neck.
This color thing reminds me that on stage with Steve's fabulous lights, things can look a bit different!
Rick

Rick broke his foot a couple of weeks ago but figures the rehab etc. will be done by the time they head back out in September..

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Rick's active pickups are part of what gives Gord a more "modern" sound, esp with the bass being so dominant on the last CD (which I assume was the red Kramer). Clear difference in tone from the early passive P-bass sound.

That sucks about Rick's foot. No way to spend summer! Get well soon, Rick.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Rick says:
You can tell "loveabiggibson" that the Red Kramer is not active, but passive.
The last CD, "Harmony" (as almost all of the tracks that I'm on) was recorded using my old, original Fender Precision.
I have "hot rodded" it quite a bit, and it has full stereo output, but it is passive - pickups and controls.
Rick.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Well, now I know! Thanks, Rick. Cool that you are still using that old one and that I was truly fooled by the tone!

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Sorry to hear about your broken foot Rick, the next question is, how did you do it?

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Did the bad ankle roll off side of a piece of 2x4 in the dark - heard it snap - outsde bone on the front outside part of the foot - believe it's called the 5th metatarsal - common break - no weight allowed for 4 to 6 weeks.
Rick

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Yes, get well soon Rick and nice talking to you at the Terry Clements memorial service.

Re: Rick's new black and white bass info
 

Ouch! My wife fell off a ladder a few years ago, and broke two of the middle metatarsels - not a thing you can do for it (except stay off the foot), and very painful!
Get well soon, Rick!
-DellroyGM