Hello Madfiddler!
Are you sure you don't want to buy a violin, instead? Only joking. I think the old saying, "The sound is in the hands is very much true".
I have a 2006 Rickenbacker 4003 and the p-ups are quite a bit louder than the bass it replaces. Volume output is no problem whatsoever! Opinions are so subjective. I don't mean that in a bad way. It's just that many people are loyal to a bass that they really like.
I went to Guitar Center yesterday just to see what models they had. I was lucky in that they had a 4 string fretted Warwick Corvette for $1,299 and played it for a good 20 minutes. Obviously, that is a very good bass. What surprised me was that its p-ups weren't louder than my Ricky nor were they 'quieter' in terms of hum. Both basses were very quiet in a testament to both having superior build quality. After paying $1,079 for the 4003, that was a relief.
Another thing is that I had heard that Rickys were very trebly, from a Warwick Corvette owner in fact, and frankly, I couldn't get as deep a bass sound on the Corvette, yesterday. I really do think the Rickenbacker has a better overall deep bass sound and a more pronounced and clearer treble.
I also played a Musicman Stingray yesterday. Again, it's another great bass for about $1,300. I personally didn't like the bottom end. To me, that particular Stingray was a trebly bass! I think the 4003 is better overall, but I'll tell you, if you are a slapper, the Stingray is probably the bass for you. It sounds very nice when slapped!
The sound really is in the hands. I think a great bass player will sound superior on any of these basses, plus a higher-end Fender, too.
Hey, two more things. I left this out initially because the sound is more important, but as far as looks go, if you like the "Cresting Wave" body style of the Rick, it is much prettier that the Warwick or the Stingray, especially the Warwicke model, which was the stained dark wood color.
Lastly, if you like fretless, I was so impressed with the Warwick fretless model they also had at Guitar Center. That was so cool!!
Now, I've heard the fretless Rick 4003 is very good, too, but I haven't played one.
Happy Playing! I love the Rickenbacker, but you probably can't go wrong with any of the ones mentioned above.
If you like the Ricky, I don't think you will regret the decision. Get a new 4003, it is re-wired on the pull treble tone pot to give more deep end!!! Rickenbacker started this modification on 2006 models in response to feedback from 4003 owners who, by modifying their basses themselves, were able to bring out more tonal qualities.
