4003 vs. 4003S - Real World Experience?

[Pet Sounds]

I have 4001, 4003 and 4003S basses, and the S models definitely feel better on your forearm. If you're bothered by the hard edge of the 4001/3, the S will clearly be a better option, if you can live without the shark fins, binding and the stereo function.

 

[Chrisk-K]

As for me, the 4003S is aethetically more pleasing than other Ric bass models.

 

[bmusic]

I'm on my third Rickenbacker bass, and very happy. I had a C64 (weird upside-down headstock) and a 4003 (uncomfy binding, fussy aesthetics) and now have a Jetglo 4003S in which I installed a neck toaster. (Also "vintage" knobs.)

As Goldilocks would say, "this one is juuuust right."

 

[stretch80]

I would guess because it didn't sell well. The 4004 was supposed to be a "Modern" Rickenbacker bass. The 4003 is essentially a 4001 with a few updates. The 4004 had a few problems, more 4004 basses had neck problems than 4003 basses for some reason, and the ill-fated 4004cii5 bass was a problem with pickups that did not cover 5 strings. Also the toggle, volume, tone wiring was a poor choice. Many 4004 owners rewired their 4004 to VVT.

I own 2 4004 basses, I put single coil pickups in both, one is wired with a toggle and 2 stacked pots so it functions like a 4003. My other 4004 has a 4 band audere preamp. I converted my 2 4004 basses to 5 string basses. The 4004 neck is actually quite similar to the new 4003s5 basses.

The slab body and rounded edges make the 4004 very comfortable.

It would be cool to see pics of your modded 4004s. They sound very cool.

 

[Koshchei]

What's your favorite architectural style?

Since the Rick 4003 is a very modernist design, I'm guessing that it must also be something modern, but beyond that because he suggests willy-nilly borrowing elements from other things rather than staying true to the original concept. Sort of an "after modern", if you will. If only there was a word to describe that.

 

[larrysb]

I bought a new 4003 last spring, it was fresh from the factory, only a couple of weeks before it shipped to me. I've not had any unusual feel from the binding, which looks properly installed and edges softened a bit at the factory. Set up was very good overall and the new bridge design a major improvement. Quality so far has been great. I did a setup to my tastes and the neck has been very stable.

The only significant difference between the 4003 and 4003S is aesthetics. I think RIC may have solved the binding issue, at least it isn't an issue on my particular bass that's less than a year old.

 

[Jeff Scott]

View attachment 4528016

Sadly, that's how I see much of today's modern architecture looking, already.

 

[FunkHead]

I bet It would take all of about 5 minutes to round off the binding in the forearm area of a 4003. Then you's still have the awesome (for some) look of a 4003 with the comfort of a 4003/S. I personally like the look of both but I do use Ric-O-Sound so I need a 4003.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I bet It would take all of about 5 minutes to round off the binding in the forearm area of a 4003. Then you's still have the awesome (for some) look of a 4003 with the comfort of a 4003/S. I personally like the look of both but I do use Ric-O-Sound so I need a 4003.

Not as simple as it sounds, the binding is .060" thick x .25" high, so you can't just round it off with a file or something, you'd cut right through the binding, leaving a nasty ledge that was cut in to house the binding. You have to fully commit to destroying the binding and do something like a 1/2" or 5/8" diameter round-over with a router bit, which means a full refin at the least. Cheaper and easier to just buy an S model and be done with it. I can't hear much if any difference between the stock 4003 and S models, it's more an aesthetic and ergonomic decision. I'll admit the hard binding edge does bug me a little, but I'm a sucker for the Look, and it's no worse than the average acoustic guitar, Les Paul, or a Tele.

 

[BigJohnAZ]

I only have my 4001, and play mostly with a pick. The fleshy part of my arm below the elbow rests on the lower bout at a shallow angle and I have never felt any discomfort. When I play finger style, my arm rests further up the guitar and at a more acute angle over the strings, but no real issues. Like others, I played acoustic guitar way before I started on bass, so that may something to do with it.

 

[Surely_Bassy]

I have a 4004 and 2 4003’s

I wear my basses up fairly high so slab sided instruments don’t tend to bother me much, but the 4004 body is a bit more ergonomic, and comfy.

could very well be worth a try, but losing the sharkfin inlays would be sad.

View attachment 4527278

Dat pink Rick...!

 

[hieronymous]

I've got one of each, though significantly different: 1993 4003S/8 and 2004 4003. I've also got a 1976 4001. The binding has never bothered me - maybe due to my playing style? Or maybe it's something you just have to persevere and build up some calluses on your arm? Or wear an armband? That's what I started doing the past few years - not to protect my arm, but to protect my basses from my sweat!

I love the elegance of the later version, but I also find the chunkiness of the '90s version appealing.

 

[sleddogn]

Some Ric porn for ya S lovers

 

[mikewalker]

The ESS is the BESS(t)... over the years I have bought and then QUICKLY SOLD at least half a dozen 4001/3 models and EVERY time had to discard it due to the irritation of the hard body edge binding. Somehow I keep forgetting why I sold the previous one, EVERY TIME.
Sad but true, and I really wish they would bring back the 4004 in a 30 inch scale. "Earth To John, do you read me?"

 

[jeffb28451]

I wear my basses rather high, so, no, 4003 binding has never bothered me. I’ve owned 3. That said, my 4003s is still just a bit more comfy.

 

[bassmanhealy]

Just read on facebook and saw a picture of the 2022 model 4003 bringing back the skunk strip! I just got to score one. Anyone know the best and quickest dealer on wait time?

 

[basspraiser]

I have a 4004 and 2 4003’s

I wear my basses up fairly high so slab sided instruments don’t tend to bother me much, but the 4004 body is a bit more ergonomic, and comfy.

could very well be worth a try, but losing the sharkfin inlays would be sad.

View attachment 4527278

Really really nice set of RICS!

 

[Iristone]

Depends on if you use Ric-O-Sound (or stereo output). I always use it, so a 4003s is out of the question, unless I mod it into service.

 

[luciens]

I have a 4003 and love it. However, I admit that I do suffer from that common issue of the binding hurting my arm from time to time. The 4003S has always seemed very tempting to me for this reason. Unfortunately, I’ve never had a chance to play one to compare.

For those of you that have experience with both models: Does the lack of binding really help this issue or is the body’s edge still relatively uncomfortable against the skin?

Yes. I gigged with a 4001 and a 4003s some years ago. the 4003s is distinctly more comfortable for the plucking arm due to the rounded edge....

L

 

[bon viesta]

Just read on facebook and saw a picture of the 2022 model 4003 bringing back the skunk strip! I just got to score one. Anyone know the best and quickest dealer on wait time?

they’re already selling them??? if you order a 4003 online from the likes of musiciansfriend or sweetwater, would they come with the stripe?? i’m asking because i’ll be ordering one soon, and i want the new (single!!) truss rod that comes with these ones.