4003 vs. 4003S - Real World Experience?

[Warpeg]

It took me a few months, but I finally ditched my 4003 for a 4003S. Wow, the difference is remarkable in playability! I don’t think I could ever go back to a non-S model now.

 

[teleharmonium]

I've always considered big inlays and neck binding to be bugs. I live with both on some instruments, but I'd rather have wood than plastic.

 

[sc_precision]

I like the look of the 4003 with shark inlays better and binding.That's the classic Ric look.

My question is related tho to Ric-o-sound. When anyone records bass do you use that output all the time when recording? or would using the standard output be good enough? I'm talking about the new Ric's too with the push/pull pot as with that extra oompf they added, last decade or two, if that is good enough for recording without the need for ric-o-sound?

 

[Jeff Scott]

I like the look of the 4003 with shark inlays better and binding.That's the classic Ric look.

My question is related tho to Ric-o-sound. When anyone records bass do you use that output all the time when recording? or would using the standard output be good enough? I'm talking about the new Ric's too with the push/pull pot as with that extra oompf they added, last decade or two, if that is good enough for recording without the need for ric-o-sound?

Either way works, depending on what one is trying to achieve. I have never use ROS for recoding, myself.

Here is a recording of mine using this bass (stock toaster and rebuilt early '60s (magnetic) horseshoe pickup.

It started out as a stock May '08 4003.

 

[sc_precision]

Forget my previous post.. If you’re getting a Mapleglo Ric then the 4003s is my pick because under certain stage light.. the binding on a mapleglo cannot be seen because it blends in with the mapleglo. The only thing then is the shark inlays which I am neither for or against. I never use ric o sound.

 

[Gunga Din]

I've always considered big inlays and neck binding to be bugs. I live with both on some instruments, but I'd rather have wood than plastic.

I don't mind binding, but I hate inlays, especially unsightly blocks.

 

[Gunga Din]

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.

I would not advocate doing that.

 

[FunkHead]

I would not advocate doing that.

I actually did do it. I took off just the very edge so it was less pointy. It worked just fine But I ultimately replaced the binding with checker board. I would not recommend trying to take off too much.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

I have a 4003sw and 4003s mbl and the rounded edges are noticeable compared to the ones with binding.

I also have both. I never worried, or noticed the binding to be uncomfortable.
When I was younger I did not care about all that stuff, neck size, etc: I just naively played whatever I had. But yeah, the 4003s is more comfortable.