Rickenbacker 4003

The new ones are good ones.

 

pre 1974 are best , but you'll pay for it ......far better basses outthere anyway unless yr hopelessly stuck on the geddy Lee chris Squire thing

 

If you find a pre '74 4003 you can be 100% sure it is a faker, the 4003 was introduced in 1979.

 

I had a 2010 and it was a great bass with no issues.

 

I have a 71 4003 and it's the best!!!

 

It's a great thing to be hopelessly stuck on!!

That being said, Rics are very much a grab bag in terms of quality, you shouldn't think in terms of years but evaluate it instrument by instrument. Just play one or some, used or new, and if sounds good and plays well, get it!!!

 

I,ve got a 99 and it,s incredible.
Maybe the neck isn,t as slim as the newer ones but I don,t notice it.
I,ve also had the pleasure of 14 years playing this one and many more to come.

 

I have owned and worked on Rickenbackers from 1968 to 2013. Models 4001, 4003, 2030, 2020, 4004, and I have played the 4002, and 4005 models. The newer Rickenbacker 4003 models are really nice basses. They get the classic 4001 type tone without some of the old 4001 issues. I also like the 4004 models as well.

 

If you are wanting to get a Rick 4003, my recommendation is buy a brand new 4003 and you will have a warranty to cover it in case of any issues and the KILLER place to buy a new 4003 for a great price is www.wildwoodguitars.com

 

+1

 

2011 4003.........midnight blue

 

I presume you've played one before? They tend to be love / hate magnets. I hated the 3 4001s I've previously owned, but am making another try at them with a 4000

 

The necks vary A LOT on Rics. Try to play the one you're going to buy, or at the very least buy from a place that has a good long return policy.

 

I had spoken with Wildwood about 2 weeks ago and they where expecting some 4003 in soon, honestly I would call them and check how soon when they think they are getting some in and give them a deposit to hold one for you and then as soon as they come in it's yours and honestly at the price they are selling 4003 basses you really can't go wrong and Wildwood Guitars are really a great music store to deal with.

 

Any era is good. Either you love them or you hate them. I love them, and recommend them highly.

 

Take the cover off-simple
They might take some getting used to but I don,t notice it.
Marmite basses but I like marmite.
I think they sound better with lighter strings 40-100,I,ve been down to 30-90 before although they sounded great they felt so thin so back to 40-100.
Balance the pick ups-set neck height to what sounds good then balance the bridge one to the neck,makes a huge difference.
Try joeys bass notes for info.