Rickenbacker 4003 Jetglo! (2002)

MikeyB · #1 10-17-2009, 08:42 PM

EDIT: This Ric is OFF the market. Might be back in a few months. Thanks all... - Mike

JetGlo 4003 Rickenbacker, made in December 2002, with lots of upgrades!

Price: $1700 Shipped Conus to a confirmed PayPal address.
No trades, please.

This bass is in “Very Good” condition! It has some minor buckle rash (not through the finish though) and one minor ding/chip near the rear strap pin. Overall, it looks great!

The case has a few issues: straps came unglued from under the plush, and no longer hold the case lid open. They can probably be glued back in fairly easily. The case is also missing one metal “foot” and has been slightly cracked in this area.

Now the upgrades!

Custom brass nut. Often, the G string on Rics is located too close to the edge of the fingerboard, and some players roll the G string off the board when bending. This nut places the G string very slightly inward.

Pickups: 2002 Rics did not have adjustable pole pieces, so I purchased an Original Rickenbacker bridge pickup for better string-to-string amplitude balance when they became available in the Ric Boutique. Both the neck and bridge pickups have been unwound from 11k to 8.5k just like original 70s Rics. IMO, Rics became too muddy when they went to the 11k pickups. With the 8.5k pickups the bass has better midrange and articulaion.

Hipshot Bridge: Upgraded bridge with better adjustments for intonation and string spacing.

Pickguardian pickup surround: Dresses up the gaping hole left from removing the pickup cover, and no sharp edges!

“Vintage” circuit: Installed the push/pull volume pot on the bridge volume that switches in/out the .0047 cap.

Strap locks: Schaller chrome strap locks.

Shielding: And lastly, the electronics have been shielded with copper tape which has quieted this bass down considerably!

The original pickup cover and bridge are also included.

That’s about everything… this one is a real player’s Ric!

-Mike

MikeyB · #2 10-17-2009, 08:45 PM

And the case:

You can't see it in the last pic, but the case is cracked where the foot would be. Just wanted to disclose that. Will try to upload a better pic of it later.

-M

MikeyB · #3 10-17-2009, 09:59 PM

Ok - Here's a much better pic of the damage to the foot on the case. Technically, the foot is still there but has been pushed through the case shell as shown.

Just wanted to fully disclose this since you can't see exactly what was going on in the first pic I posted.

-M

rob4001va · #4 10-18-2009, 03:47 PM

Bump for a fellow Rick-er.

Got myself an 06 4003...I agree with the comments about the stock pickups' tone (though my bridge PUP is adjustable). The neck PUP is just too muddy. Unwinding it should work great (it'll sound more like my 76 4001). Or, spend $150 ish and add a toaster PUP and you have a killer tone. I also have the push/pull pot (standard in 06) and it makes the bass very versatile.

When I bought my 06 it came shipped with case damage at one foot very much like yours...all too common it appears. But doesn't diminish the case at all.

Good luck with the sale!

MikeyB · #5 10-19-2009, 05:16 AM

Thanks for the bump and comments on the pickups!

-M

Lalo · #6 10-21-2009, 02:41 PM

any trades??

ustabawannab · #7 10-21-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalo

any trades??

Not to be a smart alec, but did you read his original post?

MikeyB · #8 10-21-2009, 02:59 PM

Thanks, but no trades.

-M

Lalo · #9 10-21-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ustabawannab

Not to be a smart alec, but did you read his original post?

lol tought he might change his mind you never know

ustabawannab · #10 10-23-2009, 02:43 PM

PM to yah

MikeyB · #11 10-23-2009, 07:35 PM

PM replied... pics of the back coming in a day or so....

-M

MikeyB · #12 10-24-2009, 12:47 PM

Ok, here's some more pics of the back and the small wear-through near the strap button.

The buckle rash on the back is difficult to photograph - here's a few pics from different angles/lighting to help show the condition:

1) Basic shot of the back - and that's just a reflection on the neck, not a ding:

2) You can hardly see it with this angle:

3) Shows up a little more in this angle:

4) And, horribly over-exposed in an attempt to show it better. Obviously it's not this noticeable when viewed normally:

5) Lastly, the wear-through near the strap lock. That line to the right is not a scratch... that's a hair from my mutt!

-Mike

Tarrbot · #13 10-25-2009, 08:42 AM

Looks like all of those blemishes can be taken out and made to look mint again.

Good luck on your sale.

I'd love to be able to pick this up from you.

Gibenbackerbass · #14 10-27-2009, 03:19 PM

A Ricken Bump for a terrific Bass!

El Tookay · #15 10-30-2009, 09:28 AM

A bump from an unlikely place....
In the early/ mid '80's, when Ricks were so, so un-cool and could be bought for $400 ( really ), i used to futz around with all of their personality traits/ quirks that Mike has dealt with - remember, Rics have personalities. Every possible situation has been addressed here--

BUY THIS RIC!

Not affiliated. Not shillin'. I just know a good Ric deal when I see one....

animal52 · #16 10-30-2009, 12:33 PM

bump for the bass I wish I could afford

MikeyB · #17 11-03-2009, 07:19 PM

The Ric is OFF the market... at least for a few months.

Thanks all,

-Mike