Rickenbacker 4003: The Struggle is Real

[JPbass77]

Just recently bought a used 2017 Ric 4003 because I've always loved the classic look and wanted to add a Ric sound to my collection. It's been quite the journey..

It's my first experience with double truss rods and the stock bridge adjustments are extremely limited.. I ended up replacing the bridge with a hipshot and got the neck sorted. Both seem unnecessarily difficult (including the ground wire soldered on the bridge).

Then, when I finally think I'm done, I find out the factory tapped Schaller strap lock buttons into the bass with massive bolt holes. Rather than fill the holes and install the standard strap locks I have on 90% of my other guitars and basses, I discovered the Fender strap locks on my American Ultra Strat fit the Schaller buttons and are half the price.

I currently own Gibson, Fender, PRS, Carvin, Lakland, Aria, Ibanez, ESP, Schecter and Yamaha basses and guitars. It's like Rickenbacker just wants to be difficult for the sake of being difficult.

That being said.. It's still a badass bass. lol

 

[Spidey2112]

It's still a badass bass.

Better believe it.

 

[Mr.Fingers]

I have one, it has the looks, it has the sound… but it’s my most labour-intensive instrument to keep in check and the least ergonomic one (I don’t have a T-bird).

 

[steve_ss]

It's my first experience with double truss rods and the stock bridge adjustments are extremely limited.. I ended up replacing the bridge with a hipshot and got the neck sorted. Both seem unnecessarily difficult (including the ground wire soldered on the bridge).

A few years ago (2020?) they changed the bridge to the "V2". Each string is much more adjustable. In the last year or two they switched from the dual truss to a single truss rod and a thinner neck profile. These changes make adjustments a lot easier. Stop by the https://www.talkbass.com/threads/the-rickenbacker-club-part-twelve.1070836/page-3158 thread for a lot of good information if you have more questions. Enjoy your new bass.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Loved and hated mine. Was the source of my carpal tunnel syndrome.
That being said, the 5 string Rics with triangular pickups look cool, and have a modern bridge.

 

[blr2]

I bought a Ric back in 1988 or 89. This was my first high quality instrument. I paid something like 500 bucks for it used, which was a lot of money back then.
Until 2010, when I finally gave up and traded it, it has given me any trouble a Ric could give to his owner. The neck warped and the FB showed some signs of delamination close to the nut. The bridge lifted and I couldn't intonate it properly. The Ric-O-Sound output was giving me trouble too.
Yes, it was a nice looking bass, and it sounded good, but in retrospection, It wasn't worth the trouble.

 

[Dabndug]

My second decent bass was a Rickenbacker 4000. It's needed a refinish and a new set of truss rods, and now wears a Hipshot bridge. It is still one of the best playing and sounding basses I've had the pleasure to play. I have, however, only had it for 43 years.

 

[trothwell]

Was the source of my carpal tunnel syndrome.

Why?

 

[KenSmithFan]

I’ve had six Rics. Never had any problems with any of them. I just found a tech that knew what he was doing. Never had an issue with neck adjustment, intonation, or setup. I had a 72 Ric that I played for 10 years and never had to adjust the neck.

learn how to work on them or find someone that does know how. I don’t know why this is so difficult for some people.

 

[mikeswals]

Once setup, its seems to just stay that way.

 

[lowendblues]

I've always had a Rick as a main player. Never had any trouble with any I've had.

 

[80jazz]

I went with the first option, but I wouldn't tell you to stop complaining. I have 2 S models and the setup quirks on these basses never scared me.

That said, one of them does have the old bridge and I still like the idea of replacement, but the Babicz bridge looks less difficult.

Rock that bass in good health. Nothing sounds like one and my next bass may be a model with ROS on it.

 

[jeffb28451]

I have a 1999 v63. No bridge lift, dual truss rods are a bit off-putting, but perfectly logical. No neck issues and great sound. The horsehoe is a pain to
play around but for the sound, I'll suffer.

I've had 4 previous Rics, two 4003s and two 4003. I bought them all used, with local shop guarantees and after in person playing them. Based on what I have HEARD, but not experienced, I am skittish of Rics and I would not buy a Ric without playing it first, but mine have been workable, reliable instruments. Not as solid FEELING as a p bass, but not fragile in any way.

 

[JC BASS 91]

I agree that Rics have kind of walked their own path for a long time, but have recently tried to modernize and join the mainstream. They have gone to a normal, single standard style truss rod and updated their bridge design. I think that started in 2022. With the move to a single truss rod, they have also returned to the classic 4001 style neck profile in 2023.

While the older ones are a pain, they definitely are worth it when you finally get it set!

 

[newfuture]

Love that hipshot replacement bridge. Glad to hear you put one on. The OG bridges everyone bags on are really as bad as made out to be.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

They're great basses if you get a good one. And they look cool!

Unfortunately far too many of them are very poor.

I've got an early 2000s model 4003 that has been gradually self-destructing from day1. I'll definitely never buy anything from that company ever again. Poor build quality, poor warranty, shockingly poor customer support. At least they've gotten rid of the moron who used to be in charge, so I guess things might be moving in the right direction... but no thanks! No more Ricks for me.

Some of the problem with my 4003: Tail lift (had to pay for a new bridge myself because RIC denied the existence of this VERY common issue), problems with the binding, the foam mute broke the first time I touched it, and the classic Rick "feature" of your bass hitting the floor at a gig because they used machine screws into wood for the strap buttons. I mean, they've practically designed them to fall apart! The twisted neck was the final straw for me. And this wasn't a 50 year old vintage instrument that had been mistreated. This was a BRAND NEW instrument that was taken good care of, and where all of the above happened in less than 10 years. Most of it within 5 years. It's now gathering dust as it isn't really playable anymore.

Yes, I know they've (FINALLY) re-designed the bridge and the truss rod, but I've heard several reports of problems with the new truss rod as well.

Ricks are very hit-or-miss. If you get a good one and you like the tone/ergonomics, you'll love it! If you get a poor one you'll curse the day you were stupid enough to buy it.

 

[Mark 63]

Option 4. Sold one or more but cannot swear I'll never buy another.

 

[TheReceder]

I have the same bass. (2012) Love that finish, and I couldn't sell it if I wanted to. It's my wifes favorite. I've got a little different setup to replace the pickup cover. My gripe, as many have said, the cheap pot metal bridge. I have a slight gap and suspect I'll go the same route you did with the hipshot. Love mine, it's typically a "special occasion" to bring it out. Happily, mine has been rock solid and hasn't required any adjustments.

For some reason mine always looks smaller than everyone elses..... (Might be time for a diet)

 

[coy garcia]

Double edged sword...everytime Ric wanted to upgrade these things bassist argue they are the same.

 

[PrinceByTor]

I got my 2012 4003 back in ‘13 as a used demonstrator model. I’ve often said before that I must’ve won the Rickenbacker lottery or something, because I have not really had to fix anything other than a buzzy D string on the bridge and the odd paint chips that just happen from use.
Concerning the strap locks, the biggest bugaboo is the fact that the threads are more for metal/machine rather than wood boring, so they have a tendency to back out. I put a drop of superglue in the hole and it has held thus far. As far as the holes being too big for a standard strap pin, I’d recommend taking the screw that came with the pins to your local hardware store and get wood screws that are about and inch or so longer to be safe along with some wood putty to fill out the holes before installing them.

*edit* I feel I need to add that I did remove the bridge pickup cover within the first week of ownership, being that it was in the way of one of my favourite plucking spots. Haven’t looked back on that either and did not see the need for a bezel personally, so it has the open cavity, but it has the look of the ‘70s bass heroes I admire.