Rick 4003 vs. 4003S regrets?

[Emperor Elite]

If you are sure you want a Rickenbacker, and do not need the Rick-o-Sound optionality, then I wouldn't hesitate to get the 4003S. $1,200 is a good price. The S model is a lot more comfortable: there is no sharp binding edge to press into the soft part of your forearm. It sounds is the same to a 4003 in Mono-mode. Just be sure you like the Rickenbacker sound and ergonomics, and that that sound works well in your band situation.

 

[ctmullins]

it always bothered me that 4004 pickups weren't wide enough to be under the E and G strings.

Incorrect.

You’re probably thinking of the 5-string model.

 

[Siggy]

I have both and the only difference I encountered (besides the minor price difference) is that I had to deal with fret sprout on the 4003s. Check prices at "Wildwood Guitars" (no affiliation), I bought a new 4003SW for <$1400.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Try Musicians Friend to get their best price on a new 4003S. Here are some steps to get that price.
Musicians Friend

Wildwood is also a great place to get good prices.

Then decide if your friend's 4003S is a good deal.

The Walnut 4003S (4003SW) models seem to be quite popular despite fret sprouts from the unfinished maple fret board.


I have a 4003S with flats and a 4003 with rounds. They are equally comfortable to play, and I keep it simple these days, don't use ROS.

 

[scowboy]

$1200 is a good deal almost no matter what. Plus you get the benefit of trying it out. If it speaks to you and it's in great condition, I would get it.

 

[Paul Boyer]

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.

Wait. What? The binding is only on the front of the body of the 4003. The back edges are rounded. How could the binding dig into your ribs? You weren't playing it upside down, were you?

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Yes

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

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Handsome! I love how it matches the drums!

 

[peter nicholas]

Incorrect.

You’re probably thinking of the 5-string model.

nah, i'm thinking of the 4-string model. to me, it looks too narrow to have as much magnet under the outer strings as the middle strings. the vast majority of bass guitar pickups extend well past the edge of the strings. honestly, i never had a chance to play a 4004; i'm only going on what my eyes tell me. but it looks like a design flaw from a mile away.

 

[mapleglo]

There is plenty of "magnet" under the 4004 strings. Even output across all four strings.

 

[peter nicholas]

There is plenty of "magnet" under the 4004 strings. Even output across all four strings.

View attachment 3538285

cool, thanks for the field report.

as i mentioned, i unfortunately never had a chance to try one and see for myself.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I vowed never to play a Ric again after trying to play a 4003. ..... The body binding dug into my ribs.

Wait. What? The binding is only on the front of the body of the 4003. The back edges are rounded. How could the binding dig into your ribs? You weren't playing it upside down, were you?

Apparently, BassVibes has never really ever picked up and/or played a 4003. Smacks of a TROLL.

nah, i'm thinking of the 4-string model. to me, it looks too narrow to have as much magnet under the outer strings as the middle strings.

Never played one, I take it? They have superb string balance across, and up and down, the fingerboard.

 

[peter nicholas]

Never played one, I take it?

i literally said exactly that in the exact post you quoted.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Only read your post so far as to what I quoted. That was all that was relevant regarding the string spacing/pickup "issue".

 

[BassVibes]

Got me there. I'll put it down to false memory syndrome.

 

[mapleglo]

This is how rumors start. Tomorrow I'll be reading on the internet that Rickenbacker binding digs into your ribs, and that the E and G strings have low output because the pickups aren't wide enough.

Wait a minute, I'm reading that today...

 

[James Collins]

I have a 4003s. I wasn't sure of the difference when I got it. Kind of glad it doesn't have the stereo output. I have no need for it.

 

[PianoOfDoom]

I'm a Ric noob, but my 4003S is very comfortable and visually appealing (I'm not into binding and fancy inlays). I've only played the fancy version in stores a few times, and didn't notice any discomfort, but I wasn't yet primed to by collective internet wisdom.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I used to have a 4003 and liked it. I wouldn’t rule out a good deal on a 4003s though.

 

[Phud]

I've played 4001's for a while. Then I did a stint with 5 stings for a while and switched back to 4 strings with a 4003s....didn't care for it at all. bulky neck.. wouldn't stay put on my lap while playing sitting down. The neck was constantly needing adjustment.
The push pull tone thing on the 4003 is kind of a joke to me.


I put a hipshot Ric bridge on it, helped a lot for setting the intonation. But made it heavy (I got the brass one) . I didn't have this much trouble with the 4001's. It's just a matter of preference I guess.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Yes

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

View attachment 3537800

Your bass inspired me to pull the trigger on one just like it. I love the maple neck. Should be here in about four or five days. I’ll keep you posted. I’m super excited! Haven’t had a Rickenbacker since 1973! Anyway, thanks for your post.