• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

WHAT??? Rickenbacker 4003S!?

#183
PaulBoyer said:
No idea. By some accounts, RIC's "B series" was the first attempt by a major(?) manufacturer at replicating older versions of their instruments. Of course, the "vintage features" of the B series were laughable, enough to make John Hall s***can it and develop the more "vintage accurate" V series.

The problem identifying a bona fide "B" bass is that the only difference between it and a plain ol' 4001S or 4003S (because production of the B series spanned the changeover) was the Toaster pickup. And anyone with an extra hun and soldering gun could make that change in half an hour. So you can never tell when you see a B series bass unless you are dealing with the original owner who bought it as such. It took me months to find such a person, and his photos of his 4003SB grace the book. I've not seen another.
Click to expand...

Thanks!
I just remember seeing the ads in CM back when I first started playing, but have never seen nor heard anything about them since.
It seemed more a quick and dirty marketing ploy than a real 'vintage reissue', but the image sticks with me to this day.
I would almost pay money for a good copy of one of those ads. :)
Nostalgia is a funny thing.

That B series ad is the only explainable reason I now desire a MG 4003S, as I'm generally not a fan of plain natural finishes.
 
#186
kcole4001 said:
Thanks!
I just remember seeing the ads in CM back when I first started playing, but have never seen nor heard anything about them since.
It seemed more a quick and dirty marketing ploy than a real 'vintage reissue', but the image sticks with me to this day.
I would almost pay money for a good copy of one of those ads. :)
Nostalgia is a funny thing.

That B series ad is the only explainable reason I now desire a MG 4003S, as I'm generally not a fan of plain natural finishes.
Click to expand...

This is probably the ad you remember: Note that the bass shown is a lefty 4001SB. The skunk stripe in the headstock, but not in the body, indicates the set-neck construction of the late (mid-1972 on) 4001S.

RB4001SB-01-copy_zpsmtz4uhy7.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: kcole4001
#190
#192
stacker said:
Good price, even for over here. One of the slim-necked ones, too, if I am correct. Why the angling of the 'shoes? Doesn't that alter the magnetic field?
Click to expand...
Contact the seller, you may find an even better deal, possibly. :cool:

I was the first to angle up the shoes (that I know of), it was my idea to do so (AFAIK). This allows the HS PU to drop down lower to better balance volume-wise with the toasters it matches the arc of the strings and gives more breathing room between the top of the strings and the bottom of the shoes. Besides, to me it offers a more vintage look as many HS PUs are like that which was my inspiration to do this.
 
Last edited:
#193
I called my favorite local shop today and inquired about a 4003 SW. They were told at NAMM that the lead time would likely be about nine months on one of these which works for me. I'm going to place an order in the next two weeks.

On other personal Rickenbacker news, I was told when I ordered my 4003 W that the lead time would likely be eight months to a year. Today makes eight months.

As I'm typing this I just received a text that a niece is having a financial crisis, there goes my fun money.

I'm still hopeful, I have to see how bad the crisis is and if "Uncle Mike" needs to be the one to fix it this time.
 
#194
Jeff Scott said:
Contact the seller, you may find an even better deal, possibly. :cool:

I was the first to angle up the shoes (that I know of), it was my idea to do so (AFAIK). This allows the HS PU to drop down lower to better balance volume-wise with the toasters it matches the arc of the strings and gives more breathing room between the top of the strings and the bottom of the shoes. Besides, to me it offers a more vintage look as many HS PUs are like that which was my inspiration to do this.
Click to expand...
Whilst I'd like to help I can't as I have a Grecobacker on the way from Japan. Maybe one day I'll relent and buy V63 again.
 
#198
PubliclyViewable said:
I would actually be surprised if it is the same price as a standard (what used to be deluxe ;) ) 4003. No binding to route/glue/tape/sand, a LOT less fingerboard work, no stereo jack and the soldering involved... And without a custom color option (at the moment), I cannot see why we should expect the higher price as this seems to be a production model again; not a limited run.
Click to expand...
If musical instrument manufacturers follow the trend of the automotive industry, the price for the stripped down version will be higher than the deluxe is. Mercedes Benz did that. They took one of their SLS models, stripped it, renamed it the "Black" version and upped the price.
 
#199
Fishheadjoe said:
I like them, I've had three, but currently own none!
First bass I bought was a RIC 4003 in the early 80's. Split pickguard Ruby Red. I put huge hours on that bass. At some point, it developed a rattle in the neck. I took it to many a "luthier" at the time and was told I had a broken truss rod. Now, remember in the 80's there was no internet and there were even fewer RIC knowledgeable people. I thought it best that I get rid of it.
Second RIC 4003 I bought during MF's RIC blow out a few years ago. This one was Fireglow. Right out of the RIC box after letting it sit for a day, I noticed that there were black paint spots near the output jack, that had been covered with clear coat! Also, none of the tone controls worked! At the time, I was told by folks here that I should just take it in and have the circuit looked at and repaired, on my dime! LOL Not happening and back she went.
Third RIC to replace the above would not set up. Numerous attempts by me and professional luthiers all came to the same conclusion, the neck blank was not cut correctly and there was no way to get the bass to setup, without pulling the finger board, re-planning the neck re-installing the finger board. I sold that bass on CL.
SO, would I like to have a RIC, yah, a functional one for sure, but I have spent way too much money with nothing to show for it. I contemplated getting a 4004, but after my experience with the 4003 models, I have decided that they are just not for me. I won't get into my conversation with RIC "customer service".
Fair warning for any who do want a RIC, your experience may vary!
Fishheadjoe
Click to expand...
I hope you told the buyer on CL what the issues were beforehand.
 
#200
I just took the plunge and preordered a Fireglo 4003s from POTR. Trying to give Rickenbacker another shot after a failed experience with a 4003 in 2008 that I just didn't jive with. I caught the Ric bug again recently and hope this time will be a match, especially without that pesky binding digging into the forearm...I am psyched!

already anxious and there is still the (up to)year long wait to receive it...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back