Basic differance between 4001 & 4003 ric?

[110s lover]

Says it in the title really, i really aspire too get a rickenbacker sometime next year (prefrably one old oldies made between 72-2000)

I thing is, i dont know the differance between 4001s and 4003s....do they sound or play any different? Which one is more trebley for instance?

 

[iiipopes]

I suggest you peruse the threads on this issue at the enthusiasts' forum, rickresource.com . Many folks who have played both for many years discuss all the fine differences.

The main differences are:
1) truss rods - the older ones need a setup protocol so they are torqued, the newer ones adjust conventionally;
2) the pickups have varied through the years, with the oldest 4001s having toasters and horseshoes, to variations on the high-gain pickups, and the newest 4003's having adjustible pole pieces;
3) some years have a one piece neck; other years have a shedua stripe in the middle of the neck.

The exact contour of the upper horn and body joints have subtle changes; some early '70's models have checkerboard binding; and there are other subtle details over the years. The forum can explain all.

 

[RedLeg]

you want a 4003. it has the push pull pot to get trebley. the modern models are far more reliable and consistent.

 

[Ric5]

The 4001 has truss rods that can pop off the fretboard ... the 4003 doesn't.

The 4003 is louder and fuller sounding.