NBD 1st Rickenbacker

[egroeg]

My new Rickenbacker 4003S has arrived a couple days ago. I was a little anxious as I've wanted one for years but have never actually played one. Only ever held one years ago but it was damaged and stringless at the time.
Well this did not disappoint! The "quirks" I had heard of are of no concern. This one has rounded body edges so no concern there, the neck while unique is completely "normal" feeling to me. I actually like the pickup cover and may now install tge one on my AVii 1966 Jazz.
The sound is what I was expecting and the controls seem very responsive. I seem to like the the tone all the way up and the bridge pickup alone best but do like them all.
This one has the lacquered fretboard which I had heard was not being done on these anymore. I really the look of it on this bass. As for feel, if I ever touch any fretboard playing I'm unaware of it but it looks killer.
It does have one blemish in the clearcoat and it's on the top. It's not showing up in pics but I know it's there. Looks a small drop of lacquer (or whatever they use) but I'm not sending it back for that. Call it character lol and eventually it won't be the only one.
Anyways here it is with my Jazz.

 

[gwangi]

CONGRATS!!!!

 

[msb]

Enjoy! They are different from the others.

Some fault them for that , some celebrate that.

I love a nice Ric.

 

[nixdad]

My new Rickenbacker 4003S has arrived a couple days ago. I was a little anxious as I've wanted one for years but have never actually played one. Only ever held one years ago but it was damaged and stringless at the time.
Well this did not disappoint! The "quirks" I had heard of are of no concern. This one has rounded body edges so no concern there, the neck while unique is completely "normal" feeling to me. I actually like the pickup cover and may now install tge one on my AVii 1966 Jazz.
The sound is what I was expecting and the controls seem very responsive. I seem to like the the tone all the way up and the bridge pickup alone best but do like them all.
This one has the lacquered fretboard which I had heard was not being done on these anymore. I really the look of it on this bass. As for feel, if I ever touch any fretboard playing I'm unaware of it but it looks killer.
It does have one blemish in the clearcoat and it's on the top. It's not showing up in pics but I know it's there. Looks a small drop of lacquer (or whatever they use) but I'm not sending it back for that. Call it character lol and eventually it won't be the only one.
Anyways here it is with my Jazz. View attachment 5118592 View attachment 5118592 View attachment 5118593 View attachment 5118594 View attachment 5118595View attachment 5118592 View attachment 5118593 View attachment 5118594 View attachment 5118595 View attachment 5118596

Nice combo!
What year did Fender offer that Jazz Bass? I've never seen a bound-dot '66 RI in that color.

 

[Killing Floor]

That’s a nice pair!

 

[WillyW]

That’s a fine looking pair, enjoy the newfound ricness…

first time I held a 4003 was when it arrived…

 

[egroeg]

Nice combo!
What year did Fender offer that Jazz Bass? I've never seen a bound-dot '66 RI in that color.

It's a current model. I got it because I was born in '66.

 

[CletusMarley]

Very nice! Congrats!

 

[BassyBill]

That’s a good looking Ric. Mapleglo, I think? I was tempted by a 4003 in that colour a few eeeks ago, but didn’t bite. I wish I had now.

 

[krall]

It looks awesome, congrats!

 

[aero58]

Fantastic!!! (Nice looking jazz as well).

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Nice Ric, but that Jazz..... Bass Lust

 

[Hounddog409]

I love my 4003s. Awesome bass. Got it back in 2016 i think it was. Was under 1400 new.
I still have the PU cover on mine and have yet to touch the truss or bridge.

 

[HardNHeavy]

Both are beauties!!..dont own a Ric, but are the necks 1.5" at the nut?....maybe a thinner profile....I love J's, and a Ric sounds similar in ways.

 

[bmusic]

Really nice get. My favorite Rick bass. I have the Jetglo and I put a toaster in it. Love that bass.

 

[farace]

Congrats! I always recommend that people try out a Ric before buying because the ergonomics just don’t work for some folks. (For me, they’re perfect, more comfy than any Fender I’ve had.) Sounds like you’re getting on well with it, though!

 

[Matt Dean]

Sooo.... what do you think? How does the Ric compare to the Jazz bass?

BTW, I dig the color of your Jazz.

 

[Tommy Sparks]

Got my first Ric about a year and a half ago. It’s the same as yours, but in fireglow.
Still love it, never got out of the honeymoon stage I guess.
The JB is sweet as well.
Congratulations and enjoy!

 

[Rambo]

Nice, I always preferred the feel of the S models over the bound ones. Fretboard looks great on yours.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I love that Maple Glo finish. I tried a 4003s a couple years ago and found it quite comfortable but didn't have enough money at the time to pull the triggger. Congrats, now rock that pupppy!