Author Topic: Ritter Roya, my 2 cents (Read 196 times)

jbybj · « **on:** February 16, 2007, 08:34:23 PM »

I noticed the bass shop near my work had a Jens Ritter bass in the store. link I thought this would be a good opportunity to fondle one of these beautiful instruments

As I scanned the wall of basses upon entering, the Roya did indeed jump out visually. While it did feel nice in my hands, and the tone was very pleasing, and somewhat versatile, the noise it produced was not mind blowing, and for my tastes, fell short of my 4 string Epic. What is undeniable though, is the beauty and profound physical presence of the instrument. In person it is drop dead gorgeous. In the vast lanscape of handmade basses, the Ritters stand out for their woods, shapes and especially, the finishes. So, I guess the point of this post is, though you may have seen pictures, if you get the chance to check one out in the flesh, by all means, avail yourself of that opportunity.

Just when you thought you'd seen it all in headstocks.........

(Message edited by davehouck on February 18, 2007)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2007, 12:03:56 AM »

That certainly is a good looking bass. I'd love the opportunity to try some of these more exotic basses but where I live the most exotic basses you are likely to see in a music shop are the regular bread and butter basses like Fenders, Yamaha, Musicman, Sandberg ( which i quite like).

Not that I'm looking to buy one but it would be good to hear what the other basses in the higher end of bass and guitar market sound like.

If my memory serves me right,Alembic is the only high end bass I've played.

I will keep my ears and eyes open for a Ritter.

richbass939 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2007, 11:45:49 AM »

The Feb 07 Bass Player has an article on the most expensive bass guitar in the world. It is a $100,000 Jens Ritter. Too much to describe here but it makes for an interesting read. It's a bit over-the-top for my taste (and definitely my budget) but it was fun to read about.
Rich

applejuice · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2007, 11:56:32 AM »

Looks like a Carl Thompson...

jazzyvee · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2007, 12:16:46 PM »

Just had a read, a lot of extra's that are more visual rather than sound improving. So I doubt if I'll be buying that one. Like you say it is a good read and very ott.

Jazzyvee

adriaan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2007, 01:50:17 AM »

That is a picture of a very conservative looking Ritter. Stunning, but conservative.

You should see the bolt-on setup on these.

dannobasso · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2007, 05:30:35 AM »

If you go to www.bassplayer.tv/ you will see the maker and some of his wares in the NAMM section.

bigredbass · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2007, 10:55:15 AM »

I tried a Ritter and was very impressed with the build quality, and I'm impressed with anyone (there's so few . . .) that make their own hardware and electronics. I'm like Adriann, I don't know WHY you need that many bolts for the neck, and ultimately I don't like bolt-ons, ESPECIALLY in this price range.

In the back of my mind, take away the figured woods, shoot one in Kawasaki lime green, use colored hardware and voila!, it's straight out of Dr. Seuss ! ! Would look perfect with the Grinch or Horton.

OOPS, gotta go, my green eggs and ham are burning while I'm typing this ! !

J o e y

bigbadbill · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2007, 05:00:49 AM »

Jazzyvee, I think they had a Ritter in the Gallery/Bass Gallery in Camden a while back. They often have other higher-end stuff in there, including Martin Petersen own (very, very good) Sei basses. Check the Gallery out if you haven't already. Martin is a great guy. In fact I need a trip there soon...

tubeperson · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2007, 08:24:25 AM »

Jens Ritter is said to have experimented with several bolt on arrrays. He has a degree in egnineering and to his ears this 10 bolt alignment sounded best to him. I own a Roya 5 string topped with Macassar Ebony, and consider it a fine isntrument, but both of my Alembic Series are still in the next universe. I'd say the Ritter competes better against my Mark King Deluxe, with Rory Lane imaginitive on the fly sly electronic switches.

Keep in mind everyone, Jamerson and Jaco made magic with the Feral Fenders. Some of us fortunate souls may be able to afford these beasts, but it still comes down to the music, not the appearance.