Rick 4003 vs. 4003S regrets?

[Turlu]

4003S is way more comfortable to play, sounds like a Ric should and is light.
Same also for an early 90's 4001V63, those are great!

 

[Glenn Johnson]

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

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It just needs ONE MORE pickup and it'll be perfect.

 

[Rnr..........4]

Rezzing this thread. I have the 4003 Matte Black and the 4003S Mapleglo. I like them both equally despite the 4003 having a few issues with the E string sounding dull. I don't find the edges annoying at all. The matte black looks way better with the trim too. Fast playing satin/matte black neck which also seems a touch slimmer than the 4003S one.

The Mapleglo looks better to me on the 4003S no trim body. Has a stickier and slight more chunky neck. Did notice some of the lacquer polish coat they use on the body/neck left a few tiny drip marks on the now new oiled fretboard below the G string on the edges but it wasn't a deal breaker for the price.

I don't use the Ric o Sound at all so have considered selling the matte black Rick but honestly they are both great in their own right. Both of these Ricks were made in 2021. My opinion, the real Rickenbacker image is the 4003 model with the trim and shark tooth inlays. Just looks meaner.

 

[GIBrat51]

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!

In the context of one vs. the other? No, I wouldn't regret it at all - providing, of course, that there's nothing wrong with it. And, if I were in your position. Personally, though, I doubt I'd buy either one. Not because of any of the usual "don't buy a Rick" reasons, though. You see, I already have 3 of them - an '87 330 guitar; a '73 4001; and a COY '01 4003. The 4003S might be interesting because it's an S, but... I have all the Ricks I can handle, thank you. Lots of Rick owners like the S models because of the lack of binding - which some people find hard to deal with - and because they're a little more... contoured. But, I have no problem with the binding - or anything else - on the standard models. They fit me like a glove. So, if you like that 4003S; if it's comfortable (and don't just look at it - really play the thing); and it works like it should? Buy it. I guarantee you that the rest of us Rick owners won't think less of you if you do...

 

[BlueTalon]

Lots of Rick owners like the S models because of the lack of binding - which some people find hard to deal with - and because they're a little more... contoured.

There was quite a long period of time when I considered getting a Rickenbacker 4001 and contouring it myself. I was completely unaware of the existence of the 4003, and more importantly, the 4003S. I never had the available cash to do something like that, so I never seriously investigated it. I figure if I had gotten serious enough to try and acquire a 4001, I would have learned of the 4003S in time to change my plans.

As it is, I ended up getting a couple of 4003S Rics. I like the contours, and don't think it does anything negative to the looks, but I was disappointed in how chunky the necks are.

 

[Rnr..........4]

I just compared the 4003 to the 4003S. Maybe it's because the 4003S I have has the oiled fingerboard but the 4003S does not have the complete Rick sound. My 4003 sounds better. Could be just the way it's wired but odd to say the least. I know folks have had cosmetic issues sometimes with different Ricks but wouldn't surprise me if they also have inconsistent wiring set ups. I played the D string fretting 5th and hammering the 7th fret back and forth, comparing both of the Ricks. Definitely a sound difference.

Maybe it's just my 4003S since it did have some drips of poly coat on the fretboard. Will be returning it.

 

[lowendblues]

I prefer the feel of a 4003S. I you find yourself needing the stereo (Ric-o-sound) jack, give drop aceonbass a line. He can hook you up with a harness that will do the job.

 

[WillyW]

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.

it sounds like you got a steal of a deal, most used are priced above new prices.

I much prefer the look and feel of the 4003, but wouldn’t turn my nose up at a S model.

I have a 4004 and it is light and handles well, but I do miss the fancier appointments.

 

[dje31]

Yes

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

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Strong work in coordinating the aesthetics of the bass with the drums!