I want a 4003 - I bought one new in 1986 then sold it right away and I've regretted it ever since. So I'm going to replace it, finally. My question is, is a brand new 4003 as good as any older Ric? Are vintage Ric basses better, or are today's just as good as ever? Is there a "golden era" for the 4003? I'm a little leery because I usually play Fenders and their quality has been erratic with US basses, Japanese ones, Mexican ones, not to mention the cheaper product lines like Squiers. Any Rickenbacker enthusiasts who can answer this for me? Thanks a lot!
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Question for Ric lovers
- Thread starter simpytime
- Start date
I've owned over a dozen 4001/4003s over the past 25 years, and imho, the current 4003 models are some of the best basses Ric has ever produced.
My '08 4003 JetGlo is fantastic! The real suprise (for me) though, is that even though it has a chunkier neck & humbuckers, my '08 4004Cii MapleGlo is my favorite Ric bass I've ever owned.
My '08 4003 JetGlo is fantastic! The real suprise (for me) though, is that even though it has a chunkier neck & humbuckers, my '08 4004Cii MapleGlo is my favorite Ric bass I've ever owned.
I love all of my four Rics which range from 1976 to the present in terms of vintage. The 2010 is by far the greatest build quality, and I paid less for it than two of the others. ($1400.)
A new bass will have a two-piece neck (more stable, easier to adjust), adjustable pole "high jangle" (IMO) Hi-Gains which are very versatile based on setup, the push-pull vintage circuit, a very durable UV cured finish, and walnut wings on the headstock (aesthetically pleasing on the trans finishes). Anything made before 2005 will probably not have any of these features, and they are all worth having.
Also, try to get one made after July or so of this year as that's when they started using their revamped bridge saddles that fit like a glove. They don't have the problems the old ones sometimes did.
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I have owned Rics from 1968, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, and maybe a few others ... The pre 1974 ones can be special but I prefer 1997 and later. The Rics that came out in the last few years seem to be the best.
simpytime said:
The new Rics have a switch to change it to a more vintage sound, so, you're still buying a Ric no matter what
Big +1
I'm on my third Ric (a 2010 Mapleglo 4003), and it is the best Ric I have ever owned. The other two were a 1973 4001 and a 2000 4003CS (Chris Squire signature model).
I am a fan of Hipshot bridges, so I swapped out the stock bridge on my new Ric with the chrome plated solid brass Hipshot. Intonation is now a total breeze. I am also a fan of toaster top pickups, so I swapped out the neck pickup with a new toaster that I bought on RIC's website. The tone is saWEET!
Yes, the newer ones are great. I had an 88 4003 that was really nice, but i sold it. Now I have a 2009 4003 and its awesome. The neck is perfect, the build quality is fantastic. Great bass.
Thanks, everyone. My preference was to buy a new one, so the news that they're not only as good as ever but possibly even better is fantastic. And kudos to Rickenbacker for not outsourcing, corner-cutting, or doing the many other things so many companies do to make a short-term buck. Thanks again for all your help.
John
John
Another +1
I finally got my first new Rick, and couldn't be happier with it.
They all have their own character, but the new bass is my new main bass.
Almost exactly the same feel as an old one, more features, and no fret wear or finish damage/wear.
Aggressive tone for days, or you can dial it back to a mellow thump.
It just needs one more string...
Rics are totally overpriced and sound and feel awful... just kidding. I just thought I'd recite the usual line from the Ric haters out there.
The new ones totally beat the older ones. They've made incremental improvements over the millenia that the 4003 has been in production. I'm CRAZY about my 2010. Just seriously consider doing the RWRP bridge pickup mod and you're all set.
The new ones totally beat the older ones. They've made incremental improvements over the millenia that the 4003 has been in production. I'm CRAZY about my 2010. Just seriously consider doing the RWRP bridge pickup mod and you're all set.
Pretty much. The new ones have the walnut wings and a 2 pc neck now. Slight differences in the horns and full width inlays. All excellent features to me. While I haven't put the pups on the bench, it seems that the modern pups are more low end heavy than previous years.
I use to have two Rics; a '74 4001 and a '76 4000. They're both long gone. (Really miss the 4000 model). Haven't touched a Ric bass in years.
Not that I'm a Ric expert but I played a new 4003 Fireglo model on Saturday just for kicks. Didn't plug it in, just played it. In my VERY humble opinion the body balance and the neck were about as comfortable as you can get. The neck was not thin but it wasn't clubby either. Felt just right. (Of what I recall the new neck felt bigger than that on my old Ric's, but very comfortable). Again, I didn't plug it in so I can't comment on how it sounded. Besides, of what I gather the pickups have somewhat changed thru the years, so you tell me.
How do the newer Rics sound, these days?
I LOVE the walnut wings on the headstock. Ric should have never done away with that because I always thought that cosmetic feature gave those basses such a unique look and such class, such as on McCartney's Ric. (Are you listening, Ric?)
The one thing I STILL don't like is that cover for the bridge pickup. Got in my way every time...covered up the "sweet spot."
So in terms of sheer feel I thought the 4003 model I tried yesterday was a great player.
Just my two cents.
Not that I'm a Ric expert but I played a new 4003 Fireglo model on Saturday just for kicks. Didn't plug it in, just played it. In my VERY humble opinion the body balance and the neck were about as comfortable as you can get. The neck was not thin but it wasn't clubby either. Felt just right. (Of what I recall the new neck felt bigger than that on my old Ric's, but very comfortable). Again, I didn't plug it in so I can't comment on how it sounded. Besides, of what I gather the pickups have somewhat changed thru the years, so you tell me.
How do the newer Rics sound, these days?
I LOVE the walnut wings on the headstock. Ric should have never done away with that because I always thought that cosmetic feature gave those basses such a unique look and such class, such as on McCartney's Ric. (Are you listening, Ric?)
The one thing I STILL don't like is that cover for the bridge pickup. Got in my way every time...covered up the "sweet spot."
So in terms of sheer feel I thought the 4003 model I tried yesterday was a great player.
Just my two cents.
I've been playing my Ricks for more than 25 years, and everyone who has heard them before and recently heard my new (Jan.2010) 4003 has the same comment: very throaty sounding.
My amp is EQ'd roughly the same, though I change the EQ almost every time I turn it on.
More low mids, more authoritative growl.
Mainly due to the pickups and pots, I think, but probably also a little to do with the newer construction.
The neck is slightly wider than a 1970s 4001, about the same thickness, not much more.
Good body/neck balance.
