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Rick 4003 vs. 4003S regrets?

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?
For some folks, 1) is more than just cosmetics, and can be, quite relevant.
 
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.

Totally THIS! ^^^

I've played Rics since 1975. I've had 4001's, 4003's, and now I have a 4003S. I far prefer the 4003S. More comfy! :thumbsup:
 
it always bothered me that 4004 pickups weren't wide enough to be under the E and G strings.
:confused:

4004L-SPC-4004L-Snowglo-1200_0716.jpg
 
Not a Rick owner so I can't speak to the differences/preferences. I like the looks of the 4003s better, but that's me. If you've got your heart set on a 4003, disregard the following :cool:

From a "Buy it to Try it" standpoint, $1200 local is a decent deal.

A quick search of sold items on the bay, lowest price of a sold 4003s in the last couple months was a like new mapleglow with the cool vintage silver case $1350 + $70 shipping. Plus sales tax in most places anymore. A few more sold for around $1450 shipped. If it's a rare color, more.

So if it feels right, it's not a huge $$$ risk.

My .02
 
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Would something like this suffice? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know this is that hollowbody contraption but it get's the idea across, anyway! :thumbsup:

View attachment 3538081
Oh man, that made me laugh! When I was reading your comment, I couldn't see the pickups until I scrolled down, and then they caught me by surprise.
 
I would get the regular 4003. Ricks have so many quirks that the comfort of no binding vs binding is really just the tip of the iceberg. Ricks+functionality= does not compute. Go for looks!
 
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.

Ric-O-Sound, Is a great sound-if you have two really good amps and have time to dial it in.

Other than that, I found there was limited use for the voice. IMO, Ford$1,200 I ‘d make darn sure that voice is what I want for what projects I’m working on. If this is you first bass, first professional quality bass, or you are planning to flip it for profit, I’d rather spend that much on a more definitive sound that would work in more applications.
 
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I vowed never to play a Ric again after trying to play a 4003. My arm had friction burns on every time I spent on it. The body binding dug into my ribs. Frustrating because it sounded great. But then the 4003s came along and the lack of binding and contours made it a much more ergonomic bass to play. But the sound between one Ric and another can be night and day. I have played 4/5 4003S basses in the last few years and only one was any good. That's the one I own now that I bought from new rather than doing an eBay crap shoot.