Rickenbacker 4003 year suggestion

[Gunga Din]

I believe there was a time when they upgraded the old bridge into a more sturdy version. Not the newest roller bridge, but should still be better than the earliest bridge.
In 2006 or so, they introduced the vintage push-pull switch so that it can emulate the 4001 tone. Mine is from 2008, and I almost always use it in the "vintage" position for a Chris Squire tone.
In 2020, they received a complete overhaul after John Hall had quit. New dual-action truss-rod, new ultra-sturdy roller bridge. There was a year or two with an unfinished fretboard, but I think they've gone back to a finished one now. If I were to start again, I'd definitely buy the newest version.

Wee John didn't quit; he's in the baaack!! That said, I don't know where he sits on design and implementation, for the V2 bridge and 4005V would never have happened under Wee John.

4002V next!

 

[Relsom]

I have 4003s from '86 through '24. The '23+ do indeed have skinny necks, but I'm not all that thrilled with the single DA TR or the V2 Bridge. Maybe I'm just use to the older ones, but I actually find the pre-current ones easier to set up with lower action. The new neck profile is its only saving grace as far as I'm concerned. Granted the finish problems and fat necks of the mid 20teens were indeed disappointing. None were reminiscent of my old '76 Burgundyglo that I so foolishly off'ed in the '80s. My favorite out of the current stable happens to be the beater of the bunch actually... an '86 Dlx Jetglo. It has the most comfortable neck being it is narrower at the nut than any of the others and has a small C profile that is not the least bit awkward like some of the new ones with the flat D shape. It's also a good bit under 9lbs, which is nice. The only drawback it could claim is that it is a bit darker sounding than any of the others. 8k pickups front and back are, to me, more tame than modern Hi-gains, and the vol. pots are slightly out of tolerance...to the low side, which is being remedied via a new pair of 250k CTS 7% units from Mojotone, on order. Maybe I should try 330s? I can't wait to get it back together.

 

[Azari]

I'd go with the 2023/24 onward models. The necks are very reminiscent of the older 'shouldered' 4001 necks. Here's mine: a 4003S with a V63 retrofit.
View attachment 7125296

I’d shell out for a Lollar Horseshoe for that bass. Expensive but the most authentic designed yet higher quality than the original R horseshoe.

 

[Gunga Din]

I’d shell out for a Lollar Horseshoe for that bass. Expensive but the most authentic designed yet higher quality than the original R horseshoe.

I already have the Lollar on a Greco Rick. TBH, I don't notice any remarkable difference between that and the other two Ricks that have RIC horseshoes.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

I had a White w/ Black trim 1974, 4001, that i stupidly sold. Its neck was great. Slim, but not too slim. The new model necks are similar apparently. The very skinny upper horn, to me, not cool. Over the years it seems to get skinnier. Even my 2002 4003 has a bigger upper horn. ? Its all subjective.

 

[bassnyc1]

I also wish that my 2021 4003 didn't have a skinnier upper horn. For many, it makes no difference but to me, it's glaringly obvious in a bad way.

 

[Koshchei]

Hi everybody im on a hunt for a Rickenbacker bass in Japan.Which model(4001,4003,4003s) and year would you suggest ? I found 1996,2009,2015 and brand new 2024 models.Is new bridge better than the old one and what should I check while buying a second hand one ?.Waiting for your suggestions .

2020 onwards. Quality went way up around then. The older ones will still have dual truss rods, but there's nothing wrong with them - they're just a little more finicky to adjust.

 

[A-Step-Towards]

I have a 2020 with the newer bridge and it's such a breeze for adjustments. After many years of playing Ricks I have settled on liking the S model more. I do not use the Rick O Sound and the binding digs into my arm sometimes.

 

[BigAb]

I bought a brand new 2024 Rickenbacker 4003 JETGLO couldn't be happier.It took me 30 minutes to decide between forego and jetglo.Thanks to all of you for your valuable advices and inputs now Im part of the club too .