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Rickenbacker 4003

#4
Real hard to say. I've owned a 4001 and would not pay the current new price for it (or a 4003), but there are literally dozens/hundreds of people on this board who would. It is a very solid professional bass. There are no quality issues that I'm aware of. It's just not my taste for the $. In my opinion, there are other basses that offer more for the money. But if you don't want those options or really NEED the Ric sound, it might be just what you want.

Mike
 
#7
Agreed........"worth it" is, as always, in the eye of the beholder.

I began playing Rics (around) 1970 and have had one ever since. I love them. However, even I find it hard to justify the dramatic price increase that John Hall thrust upon the market recently.

On the other hand, the old addage "No payee - No Playee" applies. it's a Ric. Some will agree that it's worth the price - some won't.

The fact the many of the Ric players have been solid supporters of Ric for 25+ years speaks for itself. If I were in the market for one today - I would "most likely" play the price and get one...although I would definitely check the used market FIRST!

Good luck to you!!
 
#13
Yes I think they're worth it, and I wouldn't buy a used one unless you go back to the early- mid 90's as the necks got thicker during the late 90's, the new ones are supposed to have the thinner necks again. Also the 4001 and 4003's are completely different basses even though they look alike to most people and can't really be compared.
 
#14
EagleMoon said:
IMO, I'd say no. In comparison to other basses out there, I would put them in the $1000-$1200 range. I figure the prices will come down as more and more people buy used Rics rather than new ones.
Click to expand...


Prices aren't going down -- they're going up. Supply can't keep up with demand.

Here's an article talking about it:

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I own two Rics -- a '72 4001 and a new '08 4003 which has become my main bass. Great growl and playability. If that's your thing, get one.
 
#15
bobyoung53 said:
Yes I think they're worth it, and I wouldn't buy a used one unless you go back to the early- mid 90's as the necks got thicker during the late 90's, the new ones are supposed to have the thinner necks again. Also the 4001 and 4003's are completely different basses even though they look alike to most people and can't really be compared.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if this was directed at me, but since I'm the only one that mentioned the 4001 and had an opinion different than yours, I'll assume it is. I owned a 1978 azureglo 4001 for 10 years. During that time, I both played on and borrowed other Rickenbackers, including 4003s (as in plural, not the model) from the early 80's (split guard), early 90's, mid 90's, a 2003 model and one of the thinner necked 4003s about 6 months ago. They are completely comparable, aesthetics aside. I stand by my original post. Sorry if this upsets anyone, but the guy asked for opinions and I gave him an honest one. If anyone wants brutally honest, it can be conjured.

Mike
 
#16
mike_v_s said:
I'm not sure if this was directed at me, but since I'm the only one that mentioned the 4001 and had an opinion different than yours, I'll assume it is. I owned a 1978 azureglo 4001 for 10 years. During that time, I both played on and borrowed other Rickenbackers, including 4003s (as in plural, not the model) from the early 80's (split guard), early 90's, mid 90's, a 2003 model and one of the thinner necked 4003s about 6 months ago. They are completely comparable, aesthetics aside. I stand by my original post. Sorry if this upsets anyone, but the guy asked for opinions and I gave him an honest one. If anyone wants brutally honest, it can be conjured.

Mike
Click to expand...

Well, there are differences in pickups and neck thickness, and the 4003 headstock is a little bigger. But you're right the basic sound is virtually the same, at least that's been my experience with my '72 4001 and '08 4003.

There was a recent thread about the differences posted at the Rickenbacker forum not too long ago.
 
#17
Mastermold said:
Well, there are differences in pickups and neck thickness, and the 4003 headstock is a little bigger. But you're right the basic sound is virtually the same, at least that's been my experience with my '72 4001 and '08 4003.

There was a recent thread about the differences posted at the Rickenbacker forum not too long ago.
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I'm aware of most of the differences, if not the finer points, but I appreciate that you see my point about the models. If we were talking 4004s and 4003s, it's a different matter.

Mike
 

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