I am mostly a studio musician who records a lot in his home studio, I occasionally play in bands too, but not very frequently. I own a great number of basses and guitars (I also play the guitar). The styles I play are funk with a jazzy undertone, alternative, pop, and rock. I have played the bass for 11 years now.

I bought the instrument in a guitar shop in Utrecht in the Netherlands, I paid 1500 Euros for it (=$1800). The instrument turns out rare here, so I was quite lucky that I just stumbled on one accidentally, while inquiring about a different bass. I decided to buy it right away, because I didn't think I would get the chance again very quickly. I haven't regretted it.

I like the deep grumbling sound of it. It punches through everything, even if you play it at a very low volume.

I have read many times that it doesn't slap very well, but I have no problem slapping it. I think the problem is just that the attack is not as steep as many other basses, which require you to adapt your technique a little bit - slap it somewhat further on the neck, away from the pick-ups. It gives a wonderful metallic sound when you do this. I absolutely love it.

I think the neck is a little too wide. I very much like the width (and sound) of my Fender Jazz bass, and I always have to acclimatise when I put the one away to play the other.

The seller told me that everybody who buys a Rick bass always screws off the pick-up hood. I did so too, I think it is tremendously in the way. Unfortunately, it leaves an ugly hole when you do this.

I also think the scaling screws are placed in quite an inconvenient position. You have to unscrew the entire bridge to adjust them.

I have never understood how people can think it is a beautiful instrument. I think it is absolutely hideous. It reminds me too much of a cadillac.

It's built like a tank, plays like a tank, and weighs like a tank, but I don't mind so much.

I mostly see this bass as a valuable addition to my other basses, which have a completely different feel and personality to them. So, if you are looking for a powerful, grumbly, dominant sound, and if you don't mind the weight, I think it could be a wonderful instrument.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com