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NBD: Rickenbacker 4003w

Bouv

Bouv

Apr 6, 2020
12
47
#1
Hi guys I just a new Rick which is also my first U.S made bass and I’m pretty excited about it!! So I figured I’d post it and share my experience. I’m use to playing fenders and I’ve actually only crossed paths with one other 4003 which didn’t impress me much but it was also from a music store which sold a lot of “b-stock” items. So I felt compelled and just bought one online didn’t even test it out haha crazy I know. But I’m thoroughly impressed maybe listening to roundabout made me get the itch! One thing though if anyone can answer, is the pickup selector suppose to be “fast” when switching from the bridge to neck? It almost flys from bridge to neck passing the center.

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#5
There should be a definite detent in the center. It's mushy, but you should have resistance on either side of the switch and each position should definitely stay put.

Even though I've had pickguards off ricks digging inside more times than I can remember, I don't recall if the innards of the switch are exposed. If they are, you might be able to reach the spring and give it a bend for more firmness.

I may be wrong tho, been a while since I've played with one of those switches.

L
 
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#6
luciens said:
There should be a definite detent in the center. It's mushy, but you should have resistance on either side of the switch and each position should definitely stay put.

Even though I've had pickguards off ricks digging inside more times than I can remember, I don't recall if the innards of the switch are exposed. If they are, you might be able to reach the spring and give it a bend for more firmness.

I may be wrong tho, been a while since I've played with one of those switches.

L
Click to expand...

It does go to center and I can feel the detent but it feels softer going to the neck compared to the bridge.
 
#8
Bouv said:
Hi guys I just a new Rick which is also my first U.S made bass and I’m pretty excited about it!! So I figured I’d post it and share my experience. I’m use to playing fenders and I’ve actually only crossed paths with one other 4003 which didn’t impress me much but it was also from a music store which sold a lot of “b-stock” items. So I felt compelled and just bought one online didn’t even test it out haha crazy I know. But I’m thoroughly impressed maybe listening to roundabout made me get the itch! One thing though if anyone can answer, is the pickup selector suppose to be “fast” when switching from the bridge to neck? It almost flys from bridge to neck passing the center.

View attachment 3781783 View attachment 3781785
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Dang sick flame-age on the neck! That's the Ric I would have
 
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#11
83648918-F96A-4591-9115-3252B6E8EC5E.jpeg
The switch has a different design than say, a strat or tele 5 way. So , if you are comparing it to that , then yes, it will feel “faster”.

Now, you’d have to ask yourself the question: would you replace a part that works perfectly , baseD on the way it “feels”? Will it Bother you enough?
 
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#13
elgranluis said:
View attachment 3782858 The switch has a different design than say, a strat or tele 5 way. So , if you are comparing it to that , then yes, it will feel “faster”.

Now, you’d have to ask yourself the question: would you replace a part that works perfectly , baseD on the way it “feels”? Will it Bother you enough?
Click to expand...

Honestly I hope it won’t lol, I think it’s pretty unique for what is it. Like purpose of function playing in stereo it would make sense to make it to engage quickly from treble to bass position. Just coming from a “natural” type of 3 way it just seemed unusual but does make sense as to why it’s that way. Definitely enjoying my Rick, I know there’s some mixed feelings but slapping on this is very inspiring.:bassist:
 
#15
One of the leaf spring contacts for the switch is probably bent, or it may be getting fouled in one of the pup wires. They don't seem to zip tie or otherwise loom the wiring too well on Rics, open up the pickguard and have a look. The switches are replaceable, but it's a pretty simple gadget to repair or adjust yourself.
 
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#16
Gilmourisgod said:
One of the leaf spring contacts for the switch is probably bent, or it may be getting fouled in one of the pup wires. They don't seem to zip tie or otherwise loom the wiring too well on Rics, open up the pickguard and have a look. The switches are replaceable, but it's a pretty simple gadget to repair or adjust yourself.
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Im going to deal for now I wanna get a black guard for it so once I do I’ll make an attempt to correct it. Don’t wanna break this open just yet. Already bought a treble bezel tho cause that pickup cover is getting in the way.
 
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#18
LowEndLobster said:
WOW! Gorgeous Rick! You lucked out with that one in the looks department. Honestly, most of the W's and SW's look a little plain jane, but the ones with the gorgeous figuring in the walnut and/or maple just transform the instrument IMO.

Here's my SW.
View attachment 3782985
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Yeah that’s how I felt too! When I was looking for a new bass cause I wasn’t just set on a rick, most of them like you said are plain in a sense. Until I saw this one and that flame sold me just looks killer. The upper half of the neck loses a little flame but still looks great. Your SW also looks awesome love the flame on those wings.
 
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#20
chanson said:
Do the walnut models have any noticable tonal differences than a regular 4003? Or is it minor?
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They both sound like Rics, though I have an S/5 and an SW, no regular 4003 (used to have one like 15 years ago). That being said, my SW has TI flats and my S/5 has D'addario steels so it's not apples to apples. Can't really comment on the tonal differences in an apples to apples comparison.
 

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