Anything About a Rickenbacker 4003?

[ecj_bass]

Any bad experiences with this kind of bass? I just ordered one, and I want to be prepared for everything.

 

[baba]

The only thing I would call bad is the ergonomics. Not a comfortable body to me.

 

[mmbongo]

Doh! Did you get one of the $1300 deals from Musicians Friend?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/third-replacement-ended-up-compromising--have-you-done-same-812934/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/rickenbacker-4001-c64-excessive-bridge-lift--normal-808700/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/rickenbacker-4003-bridge-pickup-cutting-out-821877/

 

[JoshuaTSP]

There was a blowout on midnight blue 4003s and some people got some pretty crappy "new" basses.

Seems like most of the issues were cosmetic.......in general, I think the 4003 is pretty solid otherwise.

Mine was perfect, as were many others.

 

[ecj_bass]

My Yamaha RBX's body isn't very ergonomic either, so I guess I'm used to it. And I have seen those threads, anything else?

 

[ecj_bass]

I was going to get the Midnight Blue, but I would have waited for eight months, so I got a Mapleglo, should be here tomorrow!

 

[AdamJames306]

I'm a Ric man myself, but they are heavy as hell. That's the worst thing I can say about them. I don't know about the whole ergonomics thing. I hear that a lot on here, and I don't agree. The necks are a little thicker than the 4001's, which I prefer. And my 4003 doesn't sound nearly as awesome as my 4001, but there's a 25 year difference between the two, and "awesome" is a subjective term. The 4003 has richer harmonics and a fuller tone, but the 4001 will cut your nuts off from 200 yards, and to me, that is awesome.

 

[jbiscuti]

Another typical complaint is that there's nowhere good to put your thump (if you're plucking). I keep my thumb on the pickguard edge by the neck pickup.

Body edge can be a bit sharp if you're picking. Also, you can't really effectively palm-mute due to the mute "slots" on the tailpiece.

Been playing one for a long time; either I have gotten use to these things or they just don't bother me.

 

[AtomicPunk]

The only problem I had with it is the pickup cover, which I removed. And then there is a hole with sharp metal edges that needs to be dealt with. But I love the neck and the sound. When they start making 5 strings again, I'll get another one.

 

[ecj_bass]

I got it from Long & McQuade, brand new for $2000, so no ****** MusiciansFriend deals for me! I plan on removing the pickup cover when I get it as well, from what I hear, they're a bloody hassel.

 

[Ric5]

The only problem I had with it is the pickup cover, which I removed. And then there is a hole with sharp metal edges that needs to be dealt with. But I love the neck and the sound. When they start making 5 strings again, I'll get another one.

+1

I am long time Ric player. I really like the new 4003 basses they have been making the last 15 years. I also like the 4004 basses. I convert mine into 5 string basses.

 

[john_g]

+1

I really like the new 4003 basses they have been making the last 15 years.

Yep. I had an 88 4003 that was really nice. But my 09 4003 KILLS in every way.

 

[andysick]

Johnpim where abouts are you. I'm in the eastern valley. If you take the cover off, you may want to consider one of the bezels.
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From what i hear it's a very cool piece of kit.

I was going to get the Midnight Blue, but I would have waited for eight months, so I got a Mapleglo, should be here tomorrow!

 

[Phalex]

You're either going to love it, or you're going to hate it. There is no middle ground on a Ric for some reason.

If you hate it, sell it to me real cheap wouldya?

 

[Coolhandjjl]

The only problem I had with it is the pickup cover, which I removed. And then there is a hole with sharp metal edges that needs to be dealt with........

You can get a tubeamplogogy bezel to cover the opening.
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He sells them on eBay:
Rickenbacker 4003 Bass aftermarket Treble Bezel Deluxe | eBay

Regarding the original poster, I have two Rics, great basses!

 

[Fishheadjoe]

I would expect that ordering one from L&M would put you in better standing than those of us who bought online, sight un-seen. I would expect that their tech will give it the once over before you get your grubby's on it...
When you get yours, have a look at:
-the frets... ensure that they are all level or be sure that L&M go over them with a fine tooth comb.
-be sure to tell them your preference for action as it may require a nut adjustment
- go over the bass with a fine tooth comb looking for things like finish blemishes, paint smudges...
-make sure that your p/u's are mount correctly.... mine, the treble p/u is crooked
-make sure all the electronics work as advertised... my first one had non functioning tone controls
-check the bridge for buzzing saddles
-make sure L&M ensure that the truss rods work correctly
-buy a set of your favorite strings becasue the factory strings do not do the bass any favours

There, that should keep you busy!
Fishheadjoe

 

[Rob L]

I bought an new one this year (FG) and have really liked playing it. My bass arrived in super condition.

I am mainly a p bass guy so it is a different feel playing the Ric. I do like the neck on mine as it is nice and thick. I left the cover on it and that took a bit getting used to playing with it on. Lots of different tones can be had between the 2 volumes/tone knobs and the vintage tone push/pull. All in all I m very happy with mine.

Enjoy your bass!

 

[audiomitch]

My 2005 4003 is better in almost every way to my old '77 4001. My advice - play it a lot!

 

[ecj_bass]

Johnpim where abouts are you. I'm in the eastern valley. If you take the cover off, you may want to consider one of the bezels.
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From what i hear it's a very cool piece of kit.

I'm based around Lunenburg County. I might look into the bezel, but I prefer the john Myung approach of having the pickup mounted in. If I take off the cover, will the p'up fall out?

 

[ecj_bass]

+1

I am long time Ric player. I really like the new 4003 basses they have been making the last 15 years. I also like the 4004 basses. I convert mine into 5 string basses.

Any websites you can send me to for converting a four-string into a five-string? I would LOVE to own a five-string Midnight Blue Rickenbacker, it would be quite a beast.