Rick 4003 vs. 4003S regrets?

[krfoss]

I'd say buy it. You can play around on it and see if you want to keep it. They hold their resale value pretty well. You can likely sell it for what you paid.

 

[Tom Gallo]

I am in no way biased as a 4003s owner and former 4003 owner. Not at all. lol. The lack of body contouring of the 4003 never worked for me, which is the main reason I bought an S. I also like the more old school stripped down look of the S.

 

[Tom Gallo]

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?

The first one isn't irrelevant as it goes to playing comfort. I only own an S these days because it has rounded edges.

 

[matante]

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?

Cosmetics are relevant to most players.

 

[Charlzm]

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!

I prefer the 4003S as well, although, when I bought my 4003, they were not being manufactured and I didn't see any used ones at a price I was willing to pay.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

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!

Check with GC just got a great deal on a new one! $1275 + tax

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Check with GC just got a great deal on a new one! $1275 + tax

That’s got to be the lowest I’ve seen reported here!

 

[msb]

Longtime 4001 user , have never been bothered by the binding , I just find the bass very comfortable , it feels like home to me when I pick it up after playing other basses . I don't have a 4003s but I did pick up a mid 70's set neck 4000 . Love the feel of it , very similar neck to my 4001 . Great sounding bass and I like the simplicity of just two knobs .

 

[nattiep]

Check with GC just got a great deal on a new one! $1275 + tax

how'd you manage to do that?!

 

[EatS1stBassist]

how'd you manage to do that?!

I called customer service! Very nice!

 

[Bodeanly]

I have only read the first page. What did OP decide? Thanks.

 

[BlueTalon]

I have only read the first page. What did OP decide?

Dude, there's only four pages.

 

[Bodeanly]

Dude, there's only four pages.

I'm so tired though. Maybe after I've had a nappy pooh.

 

[marathoner]

I have only read the first page. What did OP decide? Thanks.

Hey Bodeanly, I am going to swing by the Haight Ashbury music store tomorrow and hopefully play a few others so that I have a comparison point for feel, sound and price. They are having a going-out-of-business sale and boast a large selection of Ricks.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Hey Bodeanly, I am going to swing by the Haight Ashbury music store tomorrow and hopefully play a few others so that I have a comparison point for feel, sound and price. They are having a going-out-of-business sale and boast a large selection of Ricks.

Keep us posted!

 

[Glenn Johnson]

LOVE the 4003S, looks, feel and sound. I DO think you can get one brand new with warranty for close to that price though. You should check it out.

 

[Shlabotnik]

4003S model all day long! And when I bought mine it had nothing to do with price. To me, the S model is WAY more comfortable to play. The only real loss is the Ric-O-Sound which, when it comes down to it is a gimmick that you'll more than likely (note: not saying *never*) not put to use anyway. Enjoy it!!

 

[marathoner]

Keep us posted!

Just to recap, I've been playing the 4003S for a few days and I like it. I went to a couple stores and did not find another new or used Rick to comparison play for feel and tone. I pulled the trigger today and got it for that great price. Thanks to all who shared their perspectives - that put my mind at ease about not getting a 4003.

As many have noted, if it turns out to not be the bass for me, I should be able to get my money back fairly easily. And to those that asked, I have 2 Jazz (1 MIM, 1 Squier), a MIM P, a 5-string Ibanez SR655 that I really like and a Yamaha RBX A2.

 

[godofthunder59]

Does the S have the push pull vintage option?

Sure does!

 

[godofthunder59]

I have had quite a few Rics over the years, 4000, 4001, 4003, 4001s, 4003s, 60's, 70's, 90's, 2000's, including a V63 and C64. The new Rics are fantastic! I chose a new 4003s, I love the elegant simplicity of it. $1200 is a awfully good price for your friends 4003s, I'd jump on it.