Potential Rickenbacker Purchase

[Batced]

So I hope this isn't a foolish question, I came into a big line of credit recently and it coincides with my longtime 70s Matsumoto Ric copy beginning to cut in and out when I'm in the middle position (alongside a general feeling the electronics are starting to deteriorate, especially with the volume/tone knobs in the neck position giving off an awful static cackle) that I decided I think I wanted to finally get an authentic Ric again.

I say again as I once owned a vintage 70s 4001 but it didn't feel quite right, I think for the price paid and fear of damaging it based on what I knew about their truss rods I never properly gelled with it, but the itch is stronger this time for a Ric I want to own and play and not worry about investment so much as playing and gigging with.

So I was wondering, I do like the thinner necks of a 4001 and I know that the newest models of the 4003 have that thin feel, but should there be other years I need to look at? Also, is the tail lift something I should be concerned about if I don't get one with the modified tail? I think I could live with the dual truss rods of the 4003 as opposed to the 4001, but it is tempting to just go with the single unless anyone recommends just going with the single.

If newer I am thinking 2024 as I hear that's the best year of the new 4003 models but I'm also inclined to look for used between 1995 up to the present, and I'm definitely open to suggestions on the 4003S models (Paul McCartney is my number one bass hero so of course I'm very open to that model). If anyone suggestions an older vintage model, feel free to offer it into consideration!

The music I play is 60s pop, punk rock, some horrorcore and rap, and some metal.

Thanks to all who read an take the time to offer advice!

 

[Rezdog]

Greetings from the North,

If you can take a 4003S for a try there's a good chance you won't wanna give it back. Ahh.... Just go ahead and get one.

Rezdog

 

[Batced]

Greetings from the North,

If you can take a 4003S for a try there's a good chance you won't wanna give it back. Ahh.... Just go ahead and get one.

Rezdog

It's mighty tempting! I'm not bothered by th lack of binding on neck and body, I'm used to it thanks to my copy, and I never use the second output either for that "stereo sound". So I'm already leaning that way!

I'd seen a 4003S from 2016 one in maple (or natural) finish that has been calling me, especially for that McCartney vibe.

 

[MrAB4003]

So I hope this isn't a foolish question, I came into a big line of credit recently and it coincides with my longtime 70s Matsumoto Ric copy beginning to cut in and out when I'm in the middle position (alongside a general feeling the electronics are starting to deteriorate, especially with the volume/tone knobs in the neck position giving off an awful static cackle) that I decided I think I wanted to finally get an authentic Ric again.

I say again as I once owned a vintage 70s 4001 but it didn't feel quite right, I think for the price paid and fear of damaging it based on what I knew about their truss rods I never properly gelled with it, but the itch is stronger this time for a Ric I want to own and play and not worry about investment so much as playing and gigging with.

So I was wondering, I do like the thinner necks of a 4001 and I know that the newest models of the 4003 have that thin feel, but should there be other years I need to look at? Also, is the tail lift something I should be concerned about if I don't get one with the modified tail? I think I could live with the dual truss rods of the 4003 as opposed to the 4001, but it is tempting to just go with the single unless anyone recommends just going with the single.

If newer I am thinking 2024 as I hear that's the best year of the new 4003 models but I'm also inclined to look for used between 1995 up to the present, and I'm definitely open to suggestions on the 4003S models (Paul McCartney is my number one bass hero so of course I'm very open to that model). If anyone suggestions an older vintage model, feel free to offer it into consideration!

The music I play is 60s pop, punk rock, some horrorcore and rap, and some metal.

Thanks to all who read an take the time to offer advice!

The 4003s made since 2022 are some of the best Rickenbacker has ever made! Ben Hall took over the company in 2022 and he's made so many improvements. Those include the single truss rod, V2 bridge, and getting rid of the horseshoe bridge pickup cover. The 4003S is $250 less than the regular 4003, but you won't get the triangle inlays, Rick-O-Sound (stereo outputs), or the stunning white binding.

I would pull the trigger as long as you can pay back the line of credit on time and in full. Don't put yourself into financial danger.

 

[JamesGrant]

I stopped reading at 'big line of credit' - been there, turns out I'm terrible at that thing. Any shaped object can be made into a millstone to hang around one's neck for years.

[after reading further] Electronics on bass guitars are extremely easy to repair, if you personally don't have the desire or the experience, there will be somebody close by who does - and it is a cheap thing to do. Having a bass whose utility and value is compromised through potential simple repair is very frustrating. Buying a new bass leaves you with a new bass and an old bass but something that you can't gig with and whose resale value is well below what it should be if it were put right. Good luck to you!

 

[Sharko]

Get a Ric if you want a Ric, but please don't let the reason be problems you could fix with a screwdriver and WD-40

 

[el murdoque]

Since Matsumoku Fakenbackers from the 70's command a high price themselves now (when in good order),
you should get yours fixed even if you bought a Ric.

 

[Iristone]

I slightly prefer the regular 4003 for Ric-O-Sound versatility (you could mod it on a 4003S a la Chris Squire), and the newest ones use regular truss rods. I'd recommend against buying ANYTHING on credit, though.

 

[Lo-E]

Get a Ric if you want a Ric, but please don't let the reason be problems you could fix with a screwdriver and WD-40

I completely agree with this sentiment but please don't use WD-40 on electronics

 

[eniac]

So I hope this isn't a foolish question, I came into a big line of credit recently and it coincides with my longtime 70s Matsumoto Ric copy beginning to cut in and out when I'm in the middle position (alongside a general feeling the electronics are starting to deteriorate, especially with the volume/tone knobs in the neck position giving off an awful static cackle) that I decided I think I wanted to finally get an authentic Ric again.

I say again as I once owned a vintage 70s 4001 but it didn't feel quite right, I think for the price paid and fear of damaging it based on what I knew about their truss rods I never properly gelled with it, but the itch is stronger this time for a Ric I want to own and play and not worry about investment so much as playing and gigging with.

So I was wondering, I do like the thinner necks of a 4001 and I know that the newest models of the 4003 have that thin feel, but should there be other years I need to look at? Also, is the tail lift something I should be concerned about if I don't get one with the modified tail? I think I could live with the dual truss rods of the 4003 as opposed to the 4001, but it is tempting to just go with the single unless anyone recommends just going with the single.

If newer I am thinking 2024 as I hear that's the best year of the new 4003 models but I'm also inclined to look for used between 1995 up to the present, and I'm definitely open to suggestions on the 4003S models (Paul McCartney is my number one bass hero so of course I'm very open to that model). If anyone suggestions an older vintage model, feel free to offer it into consideration!

The music I play is 60s pop, punk rock, some horrorcore and rap, and some metal.

Thanks to all who read an take the time to offer advice!

Back when I played Rics the same thing happened to one of mine. I soaked a lint-free cloth in denatured alcohol and dragged it back and forth between the mating contacts a few times while the switch was in the middle position. Problem gone. IMPORTANT: Don't get any alcohol at all on the plastic actuator, otherwise the plastic may soften and deteriorate to the point where the switch feels "sticky" when you use it.

If that doesn't work for you, you can just replace the switch. Very easy job for someone with basic soldering skills. Available at https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/products/rickenbacker-parts-switch-toggle-standard-3-position-16225

 

[smtp4me]

The 4003s made since 2022 are some of the best Rickenbacker has ever made! Ben Hall took over the company in 2022 and he's made so many improvements. Those include the single truss rod, V2 bridge, and getting rid of the horseshoe bridge pickup cover. The 4003S is $250 less than the regular 4003, but you won't get the triangle inlays, Rick-O-Sound (stereo outputs), or the stunning white binding.

I would pull the trigger as long as you can pay back the line of credit on time and in full. Don't put yourself into financial danger.

^^^ This! They have fixed/redesigned most of the things that players complained about over the years.

I've owned two Rics in my time - a 1983 4003 bought new, and a 2017 4003s bought new. The only thing I would add - and this is specific to my experience and what I have read from multiple sources - over the years Rickenbacker gradually changed the design of their pickups. Meaning, the bobbin shape and size changed slightly, they added more wire wraps to the coils etc, and the result is some treble bleed compared to the 4001's and early 4003's. In my case, there was a noticable difference in overall tone between my 1983 and 2017. Just something to be aware of. You may not notice this and/or may not care.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Speaking on behalf of the old-guys: drop some coin on the Matsumoto and get it in tip-top shape on the path to re-discovery...they're pretty durn awesome. Keep your line-of-credit intact & untouched for the **** that will go belly-up between now and spring: appliances, household, automotive, etc.

You'll thank me later and sorry for being a buzz-kill.

Riis

 

[LowActionHero]

The 4003s made since 2022 are some of the best Rickenbacker has ever made! Ben Hall took over the company in 2022 and he's made so many improvements. Those include the single truss rod, V2 bridge, and getting rid of the horseshoe bridge pickup cover. The 4003S is $250 less than the regular 4003, but you won't get the triangle inlays, Rick-O-Sound (stereo outputs), or the stunning white binding.

I would pull the trigger as long as you can pay back the line of credit on time and in full. Don't put yourself into financial danger.

I'd pay the extra $250 for the binding, the triangle inlays and the Rick o Sound that i'd probably never use!

But I won't pay the base price, so I probably won't have to make that decision any time soon...

 

[Relsom]

Yeah, I'd get the electronics on your existing bass sorted out. It seems like all it may need is a cleaning with the proper materials (not WD-40) No reason to go into debt if you don't need to. That being said, If you want the genuine article, here's my take...
1 - In General - All Rickenbackers should be judged by the individual piece. There are variances in instruments as they come right off the line day to day, week to week, month to month, not only year to year.
2 - Neck Profile - The ones built since 2022 are a real game changer. Very thin, but be prepared to get accustomed to a broad shouldered D shape on some. This is where #1 on my list has a definite impact. Not to say that you can't find earlier generations of 4003 that don't have big chunky necks. My '86 is a dream. Super comfy smallish C shape with even a slightly narrower nut than the listed spec. Don't be mislead about older 4001 necks either. I've run across fat chunky examples of those too.
3 - Truss Rods - Single vs Dual - Personally, I like the dual truss rods on the post 2pc. pickguard modern 4003. Never had an issue with them and if I did, I like the fact that they can be easily replaced. As far as the new single, dual acting rod goes, I'm just not a fan. I have other basses with them and I feel the same way about those. Probably more that I haven't spent a lot of time getting to know the neutral points and feeling just how far I can take them. i do know that if you break it, its game over. The new single rod is what allows for the new thin necks, so there's that.
4 - Bridge/Tailpiece - I've made my peace with the V1 bridge. I'm not a big fan of the V2. Sure it's much easier to set the intonation, I'll give it that. But I don't like to have to twirl the string guides back in place during string changes, nor do I find that the saddles are capable of being set as low as the V1. Functionally, I think the string anchor block gives the string a more solid connection to the body and solves the tail lift problem, but not creating an aesthetically pleasing unit without addressing the mute interference kind of misses the mark for me. The whole 2 piece thing seems a little cheesy, like when Triumph made their fuel injector assembly resemble a carburetor on the retro inspired Bonneville. I don't like the Hipshot replacement....resembles the Fender Claw to me. I would like to see the bridge from the 4004 or 4003s/5, or any Badass inspired bridge put in its place.
5 - Weight - If you're sensitive to heavier instruments, you'll need to carry a set of scales with you when looking at used. Those maple bodies seem to have gotten heavier over the years. Go to Wildwood or Sweetwater websites to see the actual weights on the ones in stock. You'd be hard pressed to find one right at or under 9lbs. unless you go with Walnut, which are great basses. And note that the ones produced since 2015 in the pre-V2 modern era, often had thinner necks than their glossy finished counterparts, even though the neck cores are all maple, so it shouln't matter.
6 - Another note about the Walnut 4003 - I own a 2024 4003S. Bought brand new from Wildwood. The fretwork is perfect. I owned 2 others, a 2017 and a 2018. Both had dangerously sharp fret ends that needed dressing. That's something not found on bound necked W's or the other non maple glossy fingerboards.
Sorry for being long winded ... just my take. YMMV

 

[Kdmoo]

The 4003s made since 2022 are some of the best Rickenbacker has ever made!

What MrAB4003 said. My opinion as well.

Good luck whichever way you go-

 

[MonetBass]

Get a Ric if you want a Ric, but please don't let the reason be problems you could fix with a screwdriver and WD-40 DetoxIT

Fixed.

 

[logdrum]

Although not a reason for a thread to be locked, everyone will nag you if you mention the word credit - because everyone is financially solvent on TB with zero debts

 

[Zooberwerx]

Although not a reason for a thread to be locked, everyone will nag you if you mention the word credit - because everyone is financially solvent on TB with zero debts

My wife nags....I "admonish". Point taken, though.

This is coming from a guy waiting for his 26 y.o. washer, dryer, or fridge to take a dump.

Riis

 

[Sharko]

Fixed.

Thanks!

 

[logdrum]

My wife nags....I "admonish". Point taken, though.

This is coming from a guy waiting for his 26 y.o. washer, dryer, or fridge to take a dump.

Riis

My mother in law nags us about it but I don't think she follows her example. I paid off the house before her and hopefully credit free by Jan -- I am not a boomer just a lowly GenX. Her brother at 83 is not solvent and I wonder who is going to pay off his debt when he croaks