Ricknbacker- 4001s, 4003s, what difference does it make?

[ecadad]

Is there a big difference between the Rickenbacker 4001S and 4003S? I know that the 4003S has a push pull that’s supposed to get a closer tone to the 4001S. I want a Rick but don’t know if it’s better to look for a used 4001S (I believe they’re out of production), or a new 4003S. Is there a huge tone difference?

For reference, I’m searching for that 70s Wings tone that Sir Paul got… I know his was a 4001S but I can’t see much difference between the two models. Thanks!

 

[Paul Boyer]

A lot is explained in the book, but basically, they stopped making the true 4001S in the early '80s. The 4003S was just reintroduced (it was in production from 1982 -96), taking the place of the "vintage" models that RIC sold for several decades. As far as tone goes, you can achieve just about any tone you want with a new or old Rick; it's more in the type of strings, tone controls on the bass, e.q. on your amp, and your finger/pick technique, than it is with the instrument itself.

 

[dlb1001]

Check on the Rickenbacker forum or maybe Joey's Bass Notes.

 

[msb]

Older 4001s basses are much harder to find .

 

[basmansam]

I own a '82 4001S, it has a set neck. My favorite bass
I also have a '15 4003S FG. It's neck through I love it too.
I had to let the 4003S settle in - relaxed the truss rods a few days, file the nut and bridge saddles. It sings now!!
They're great basses, very versatile.