michaelhansonThey ALWAYs say that they thought they were all trebley like "the guy from Yes".

Ricks get the reputation for being trebly because they can be, which makes them great in a small band with space to fill. As demonstrated by Lemmy in Motorhead. They can also produce seriously deep weight as well, as demonstrated by Lemmy when he was in Hawkwind or Hawkwind's current bassist Haz who also plays a Rick and produces trouser-flapping levels of low end.

Despite their reputation, not even Rick guitars have to sound bright and jangly any more than a Tele or Strat does.

There's no two ways about one thing though, all RIcks have a feel, ergonomics and construction that's all their own.

There's also Paul McCartney... who's Rick bass sound is at the other end of the tonal spectrum.
A 4001 or 4003 with flats sounds nothing like Chris Squire.  

Jim Roseberry
There's also Paul McCartney... who's Rick bass sound is at the other end of the tonal spectrum.
A 4001 or 4003 with flats sounds nothing like Chris Squire.  

Exactly! They also have two pick ups with different tones. The neck obviously gives a more bass tone response. Then there is the amp, with eq adjustments. I love the natural growl that comes out of the Ric; adjustable to how hard you dig in.

As far as Chris Squires tone, I believe I read some where that he played through a Marshall and was purposely after that trebly tone,

I agree Jim, they hold their value. In fact, I bought mine new in 2002 for $950. I'm sure I could probably get more than that for it now. As far as changing Ric's over the years, they have stayed much the same in overall design, with small changes. I can tell you that quality has overall improved. I owned a 1963, model 330 when I was a teenager and the current 330's are much nicer and better built. Similarly, I find the current 4003's to be equal to or greater in quality to my 2002. They added a push pull knob to the newer models as well, to give an additional treble boost, if that treble tone is your thing.

Paul D. Boyer has written a book on the history of the Rickenbacker Bass which is excellent.

I also happen to be one of those guys that doesn't like the changes that Gibson is making to the Les Paul.

michaelhanson
As far as Chris Squires tone, I believe I read some where that he played through a Marshall and was purposely after that trebly tone,

 
Squire used Sunns quite a bit in the beginning, and a pick. The Marshall was probably for the bridge p/u. 

I've never had intonation issues with my Rick. I don't even tune it.

bitflipper
I've never had intonation issues with my Rick. I don't even tune it.

 Same with my Pear!