Rick 4003 vs. 4003S regrets?

[marathoner]

I have a chance to buy a 2015 4003S for around $1,200, owned by a keyboard player that bought it new and never got around to learning bass. I'll get to see it and play it for the first time tomorrow. Based on other threads here, I am hoping I could get a new 4003 for around $1,500-1,600 if I am patient and shop around.

I have never played a Rick and at $2,000, have just assumed that they are out of reach. At $1,500-1,600 for a new 4003, I am wondering if I will regret buying the 4003S used.

For those of you that have owned both, would you regret buying a used mint 4003S if you could afford a new 4003?

Thanks!

 

[mikeswals]

I would rather buy the S model. I have both styles, and the no-body binding is way more comfortable.
I also have no use for the stereo out on the 'regular' 4003.

 

[mapleglo]

I prefer the looks of a 4003, with the fretboard inlays, but prefer the feel of a 4003s with its more contoured body. 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

 

[gwangi]

You might want to check with www.wildwoodguitars.com on pricing for a new 4003S that way you have warranty.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Also remember, buying used, the depreciation hit has already happened.

Play the bass and see.

 

[jeff62]

Yeah, play it and see. I’d never buy one new if I could get a nice one used. I personally prefer the look of the 4003, but the 4003S body is a bit more comfortable to play because of the rounded edges. I have one of each and don’t have a problem with either.

 

[Wasnex]

I have a chance to buy a 2015 4003S for around $1,200, owned by a keyboard player that bought it new and never got around to learning bass. I'll get to see it and play it for the first time tomorrow. Based on other threads here, I am hoping I could get a new 4003 for around $1,500-1,600 if I am patient and shop around.

I have never played a Rick and at $2,000, have just assumed that they are out of reach. At $1,500-1,600 for a new 4003, I am wondering if I will regret buying the 4003S used.

For those of you that have owned both, would you regret buying a used mint 4003S if you could afford a new 4003?

Thanks!

IMHO, always best to try before you buy. I have played a bunch of Rics, and many of them were dogs. If the 4003S plays sweet and sounds nice, jump on it.

 

[MattZilla]

Buying for looks, 4003. Buying for a functional bass guitar that you actually have to have strapped to you for more than an hour at a time, P bass.

4003s reminds me of veggie burgers. Get a proper cheeseburger or have a salad.

 

[Indiana Mike]

Play them if you can. They vary. I am on my third . First two were meh. The one I have now is it. I'm talking about neck shape ,not tone.
It could be a placebo effect, but I've read the the necks are cnc and then hand finished (shape).
Not sure how accurate that statement is.

I am a hobbyist (I suck at music , but my kids don't, so I've been an effective influence). I do love the tone I can get out of it ,its not all clank.. I've never used the stereo out.



The 4003 has a hard edge, depends on your style as to whether that's gonna bother you.

If you buy used and get it right you'll easily flip it without a loss. New ,you will take a hit.

 

[Indiana Mike]

Does the S have the push pull vintage option?

 

[Mvilmany]

I have never played a Rick and...

Um... before you consider either of these purchases, GO PLAY A RICK. They are very... different than other basses in almost every way.

 

[ClassicJazz]

Does the S have the push pull vintage option?

Yes

I have a 4003SW and love it. Comfortable to play and prefer the dot inlays.

 

[Rezdog]

Greetings from the North,

I find the 4003S more comfortable to play and loses nothing sonically to the 4003 except for stereo capability. Also people will think that you know what you're doing without those big ole sharks teeth fret markers to guide you when playing ;-)

Rezdog

 

[Anachronism]

Buying for looks, 4003. Buying for a functional bass guitar that you actually have to have strapped to you for more than an hour at a time, P bass.

4003s reminds me of veggie burgers. Get a proper cheeseburger or have a salad.

Sold my P, still have my Ricks.

 

[MattZilla]

Sold my P, still have my Ricks.

plenty of people eat veggie burgers.

 

[catcauphonic]

No sharks teeth inlays = no Ric in my stable... of one - I learned on a Thunderbird style with a near flat fretboard (has NO inlays/dots), so the Rics I've played don't really feel unnatural in my hands.

The one 4003 I played at the last local TB-GTG even cut thru the sounds of at least 20 other bass players boomp boomp thuump'n in the same back warehouse room of a brewpub

 

[DigitalMan]

Buy a 4003 used.

 

[marathoner]

Buying for looks, 4003. Buying for a

Um... before you consider either of these purchases, GO PLAY A RICK. They are very... different than other basses in almost every way.

Yep, I'm playing it tomorrow.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I played a bunch of both honestly the stereo input is something I only use at home, bringing out 2 rigs to places is something I'm not down to do, even though it integrated into a rig unleashes some amazing capabilities running different effects at the same time. The binding really isn't all that cumbersome on a 4003, at least to me. My biggest thing was neck shape when picking my Rick, I almost gave up because the necks on newer Rickenbackers are just downright uncomfortable to me. I was lucky enough to stumble upon an '85 in a rare color, honestly it could have had any color painted on it and I would have still bought it. The neck is much slimmer on the one I bought compared to the chunkier necks on newer Rick's. I've posted mine a million times but here she is again!

 

[peter nicholas]

there are three differences:

1) binding vs. rounded edges
2) sharktooth inlays vs. dot inlays
3) "stereo" "rick-o-sound" output vs. regular mono output

i have several of each. IMO the first two points are cosmetic and irrelevant. that leaves the question: do you need the "stereo" output jack?