Considering a Rickenbacker 4003

[Deleted member 271037]

I agree with most of what everyone else has said (basically that Ricks are cool but also very poorly designed) but I want to add:

How old is it? Make sure you know if it's old enough to have the old type truss rod before you do any adjustments or you will probably break it!!! I think they changed the truss rod in the mid 80s (can't remember exactly, maybe around 1984-85?).

The strap button screws are machine screws into wood. Not a very good idea. I learned it the hard way and have now glued mine.

Tail lift is definitely not something that only happens to the powder coated bridges. Mine is a regular 4003 (early 2000s) and it has developed quite a bit of tail lift. It still works fine but for how long is anyones guess.

My advice about buying a Rick will always be: Don't do it unless you REALLY want a Rick, know about all the potential issues and have tested it before buying. But if you REALLY want a Rick there's nothing else like it. For better or worse they are truly unique instruments.

 

[Relsom]

I would be looking for a 4003S also. It will be cheaper and more ergonomic. That being said, I currently have 2 standard4003s and a 4003SW. If I don't get a 4004 Cheyenne I'd like to try another 4003S in mapleglo, but so far, the 2 I've had had uncomfortable necks. Before the last bridge update from RIC, the standards were running 1400 and the S models were running 1300 from Wildwood. Not sure about these days.

 

[farace]

I don’t seem to have the ergonomic problems that others experience. The edges of the body haven’t bothered me. The bridge doesn’t bother me—I set it once and, well, bridges don’t go out of adjustment on their own, and I don’t change string gauges much, if ever, so it’s not been an issue at all. I actually find my two Rics far more comfortable, for me, than my Precision is. I’m now talking with someone about hopefully buying his fretless. Even the pickup cover doesn’t bother me; I use it as a hand rest sometimes (it’s especially useful if using a pick), and when I bought my ‘83, replaced the missing cover.

And that’s the thing with Rics. The guys that find them uncomfortable are not wrong. Nor am I wrong in my comfort with them. We’re all put together differently, and from what I’ve read, Rics are probably more divisive than other basses in terms of comfort—they either work for you, or they don’t. I love them, and my Precision never sees action anymore. I take it out once in awhile to make sure it’s still in its case. I don’t even really notice the difference in necks that others do (had a ‘78 4001, and now have ‘83 and ‘15 4003s), which might come down to how we each hold our instruments. (Then again, nothing was as bulky as my old ‘72 Tele Bass that, if I looked carefully, I think I could read “Louisville Slugger” under the finish.) Come to think of it, IIRC the body edge of the Tele bothered me sometimes, but that was a bit thicker than the body of a Ric.

 

[80jazz]

I also do not have a problem with the ergonomics of Rics. I picked up a 4003s last year and the only issue I had was learning to play over the bridge pickup without the cover (which I figured out).

I plan to get a Walnut 4003 sooner rather than later and use the stereo output to get that sound.

 

[halfwound121]

I think he is working on a third prototype, but Jeff Babicz is working on a replacement.

High maintenance?

High maintenance? On my 4002 (yes, "2", not "1" or "3"), which has the old-style truss rods and the older bridge with both sides of the bridge saddle threaded so that you have to set the saddle before tightening down, not use the set screw "Fender style" to adjust the intonation, it took a little bit more time up front to set up everything, then I never had to touch either the bridge or the truss rods for over 20 years, until GHS ceased production of first generation Progressives and I had to get different strings. I am looking forward to Progressives 2.0 so that I can re-set the bass and go another 20+ years without having to touch either the bridge or the truss rods.

If you change brand/model/gauge of strings often, and don't keep it wiped down between practices and gigs, then yes, all basses will require more maintenance.

If your 4002 is in good shape, i bet it’s appreciating 20% per year.....Most of the time you can’t find a single one for sale on the web, and when they do come up they’re often more than 4005’s.

 

[msb]

I spent years looking for a later 4001 , this was before the internet made everything so easy . Finally found one , still have it . Love it . I've only had to adjust it twice , and the last time was simply to slightly raise the action . Sharp edges bother some . Some don't like the lack of taper on the necks , and over the years some have been thick , some thinner . Mine is so comfortable , it's the one that feels like home . The one the rest get compared to . So I'm definitely in the camp that loves a nice Ric . Beautiful sounding things too ...

 

[garrett77]

The fret work on my 2005 4003 is... interesting. It came from the factory with flat tops that taper to the ends like a ramp, unlike the typical crowned frets with steep ends. What results is the G string can sometimes slip off the fret board. Annoying. Thanks to Covid and a seller backing out in February, I still have the bass after 15 years... it’s love and hate.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I did say no, ultimately, but I am happy to continue the discussion.

If I may ask, why did you decide against it?

 

[RogerTheAlien]

They are terrible 'musical tools' I have one at home and jam with it with friends for ***** and giggles but it's so unusually proportioned, it made me go through absolute hell when the neck twisted and the truss rod refused to respond, it took months for my tech to get it right. it hums and buzzes, clicks and clacks at times when the plastic components decide to loosen up because they were made from chewing gum wrappers.

Here is the thing tho ... it sounds great with flats, it grumbles and roars with Fuzz and I just got it Plek'd so it's in a really sweet spot action wise. Had to replace the bridge that was clearly designed with discarded waffle iron parts that went through the Terminators digestive system.

It's boobies to play, horrible to own ... mine is anyways

Mine

In the mix

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I have an '85 4003 and I haven't had to touch the truss rods ever, it's been rock solid. I've had it for 5-6 years at this point and I haven't had to touch a thing, modern truss rods be it's a fairly thinner neck than modern ones.

 

[Shlabotnik]

Hold out for a 4003s. Much more ergonomically accommodating. Yeah the bridge sucks to adjust but whatever... you'll set it and you won't think about it anymore. Truss rods aren't as big a deal as people make them out to be either. Neither of those things should dissuade you. They sound great and they're fun to play. Though, I don't care for the non-"s" models as I find the bindings uncomfortable. Not everyone does.

 

[selowitch]

If you change brand/model/gauge of strings often, and don't keep it wiped down between practices and gigs, then yes, all basses will require more maintenance.

Wait, you’re supposed to wipe down your bass? I have never done that in 35+ years of playing and never noticed any consequences whatsoever.

Hold out for a 4003s. Much more ergonomically accommodating.

Yeah, but doesn’t it lacking the binding that makes the bass—especially the neck—look so cool?

 

[BassJuju]

Design flaws... all true. Tone... worth it.

 

[GoesThump]

I've had 3 different Rics over the last 35 years. Here's my observations:

- The truss rod complaints are overstated. If you learn how to do it correctly, they're not difficult to adjust. (Provided they haven't been destroyed by improper use previously.) I honestly can't remember the last time I had to tweak the rods on my '79 4001. They're very stable once set.

- The binding doesn't bother me. There's always the 4003s if you don't want binding.

Ergonomics are a personal thing, and it seems the binding issue is something that either drives you nuts, or you don't notice it at all. Also, it seems there's a lot of variation on the 4003 necks - try before you buy.

- I agree that the bridge is wretched. It is a pain to use, and tail lift is an issue. All of my Rics got replacement bridges. My 1st 4001 came second hand with a Badass on it, the others (a 2d 4001 and a 3000) got Hipshots. I understand that new Rics have a different bridge design, but I have not tried them yet myself.

It does suck to shell out substantial money for a new bridge for a bass that is already quite expensive, but to me it was the one flaw I couldn't live with, so I shelled out...

The sound = 100% worth it, IMHO.

GT

 

[RickyRocknRoll]

You should do it. It'll be easy to sell if things don't work out.

 

[rodv66]

Rics,
Pro:
Look cool
Sound cool
Nothing else will have the exact sound

Cons:
Terrible bridge
Dual truss rods
Low output pickups

Nothing is perfect

 

[Indiana Mike]

the complaints didnt take long to start.

which are bull sheet

I've had one for 3 years
never had to make a truss rod adjustment.
stays in tune.
the bridge hasn't self destructed.
it sounds great.

talkbass is where you ask ric questions to get talked out of buying one.

 

[laristotle]

Unconquered body can be bothersome to your forearm

The real problem was the discomfort of the right forearm

I recently acquired this one and I found the same irritation. I lightly sanded the binding edge and now it doesn't cut into my forearm. I do agree that it takes getting used to for right hand fingering.

 

[Treebeard]

Make sure to take off the pickup cover and buy the hipshot bridge

 

[selowitch]

If I may ask, why did you decide against it?

I’m very picky regarding ergonomics and weight. My 2009 Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass is very comfortable and weighs about 8.2lbs. Although I think Ricks look cool and sound good, I would find its other aspects frustrating. $1,350 buys you an awful lot of (other) bass.