Rickenbacker 4003

[RandallFlagg]

I've had my MB 4003 since 2001 and the finish looks as good today as it was then....

 

[Ferret]

I can say that it does. I have a 1999 4003 that the luthier Geddy used for his Ricks along with Alex into the mid 80's said mine is unplayable now due to warping and twisting. I have a beautiful guitar that is nothing more than something to look at now. Very sad it is and I love Rickys. If I was not on disability and could afford another I would in a minute. I think it was just one of those things that happens sometimes no matter how much care you take. Never avoid a Ricky, that would be your only regret and that is from someone who owes one and all I can do is look at it now.

 

[Btone]

The old 4001 truss rod design, and the lack of knowledge in how to adjust them probably was a major contributor to this poorly-construed image of Ricks

True.

I understand a lot ric owners are afraid of doing a basic truss rod adjustment (on their 4003) because of these stories with the 4001. Too bad, it's really a simple procedure. Urban myth and lack of knowledge?

Nothing like a perfectly flat 4003 neck.

 

[Belar2001]

I owned a 1988 4003S5 Fireglo when I was in college, bought it for $995 in 1991. Dumbest trade in music history, I traded it for a Korean built Spector in 1994 being young and stupid. It is a 5 string bass with a 4 string neck (similar to the Fender 6). String spacing is different, since this was my first "real" bass I had trouble transitioning to normal bass string spacing. When I bought a new Rickenbacker last year I didn't have the same experience as I had with my first love and swapped it out for a Musicman Bongo 4HH.

That bass was how I fell in love with the instrument but I don't think (20 years later) I would have the same response.

 

[audiomitch]

As far as the midnight blue issue, I have one of those and Ric refinished it for me for no charge.

I will get it in the mail tomorrow so I'll let you know how that goes. This was a problem with the blue pigment color that was quickly resolved after a few people came up with "bleeding" finishes.

What year is your 4003? Mine is a 2005 with the blue bleed issue. Did you just write or call Ric and they agreed to refinish?

I'd sure like to learn more about how you got them to refinish yours. Thanks.

 

[THUNDERGODX]

I have a 77 4001 JetGlo.

It has been through my version of Rock an Roll Hell, which may not be as bad as some, but it has seen its times.

I've used it for Country, Southern Rock, Metal and Pop, and it has always been great. It has carrid me through gigs of sick, high, and other distractions and has never failed to fire up on the first note.

It's one of the two things every bassist needs:

A bass that can play itself, and a car that knows the way home.