What Rickenbacker would you do?

[Ander87]

Ah guys, I'm proper torn. I play punk rock and neosoul (and motown and some in between) and currently own a Stingray Special 4HH and a Fender AO 60s Precision.

Now for my main punk rock/picking squeeze, I'm after a Rickenbacker, 4003/4003S - my first. I've tried to read plenty on them, learnt about the bridges, inconsistencies in neck widths etc etc - I can try them before parting with money, but they're a long drive (3hrs each way) meaning it'd be an almost done deal - what options would you suggest?

1) 2018, mint 4003S, Jetglo - as new, bought by a guitarist and not used, pristine - £1650.

2) 2011, used 4003 - somewhat deceiving at times, in some pics it looks perfect, in others more tired. Chip in neck visually noticeable but not to the touch. £1600
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3) 2007 blueberry burst 4003 - minor chip on the headstock and rear/side of body, not concerned about, but 2 small chips on the face - GORGEOUS finish, seller mentions it's the fatter' profile neck - not too worried as I'm okay with P basses but hoping it's not crazy? £1850
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What would you guys do? I know it's a bit of a lottery with neck profiles etc, and the newer the better, however I want to lose the least money possible in case it's not for me?

Anything to consider? As I mentioned I can barely try them in person, it'd be a drive for a done deal pretty much...!

Ander.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

2018 S is more comfortable.

Also, if the 2018 has the newer bridge that would be good too.

 

[LetItGrowTone]

No, new bridge started in 2019.

 

[EdO.]

Of those three IMO Option #1 is the best cash-to-quality ratio hands down. Assuming the neck feels good to you of course. Lightly used, like new is generally a positive. Others will pipe in on Ric ergonomics in more detail I'm sure but play one a bit before you pull the trigger to see if you're comfortable with it or not. Not everyone is.

 

[9c1ny]

That blueburst is a rare color, in excellent shape they're worth what both of those other basses are combined

 

[Ander87]

Ah thanks everyone!

For the record I always play with a wristband so the chamfer/no chamfer is not a problem...!

Also this player got in the ring, mint 4003 Ruby Red, will dig up more on the year

The blue burst is just so lovely, but not 100% sure with those two chips on the face...

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

That’s the first blueberry I’ve ever seen. It is BLUETIFUL !! Reminds me of Leon .

After the blue , the red would get my vote .

But if you happen to come across one like this

grab it!!

 

[Ander87]

Haha! @LadyLoveStingRay5 i mistakenly called it blueberry but it is blue burst indeed!

más it’s my first Ric i unavoidably have to consider resale value in case they’re not for me… the dings in the front likely would make me take a hit and the seller is not eager to reduce price- same price as the mint Ruby Red 4003 aye…

… so, on one corner the Ruby Red 4003 with hipshot bridge and bezel, on the other the 2018 mint 4003S stock!

Something tells me a Ric should be Jetglo but I’m tempted on that great looking red…!

(surprised the ‘regular’ 4003 Jetglo 2011 got no votes!)

 

[Ander87]

That blueburst is a rare color, in excellent shape they're worth what both of those other basses are combined

Hmmm! It’s in good shape but those two chips on the front really are putting me off at times - gorgeous nonetheless eh?

there’s a small chip on the side/rear of the body and a tiny one on the headstock I’m not worried about.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

It’s early in the vote. I’m sure you’ll get more Jetglo votes.

 

[gidbass]

Ah thanks everyone!

For the record I always play with a wristband so the chamfer/no chamfer is not a problem...!

Also this player got in the ring, mint 4003 Ruby Red, will dig up more on the year

The blue burst is just so lovely, but not 100% sure with those two chips on the face...

Of the ones you mentioned, I'd pick this one. That color and fretboard look awesome.

Good Luck!

 

[BigJohnAZ]

I've said before, if I was grabbing another Ric, Ruby Red is the one. That is a freaking killer color.

 

[KreepyTeach]

Hmmm! It’s in good shape but those two chips on the front really are putting me off at times - gorgeous nonetheless eh?

there’s a small chip on the side/rear of the body and a tiny one on the headstock I’m not worried about.

I low-key love the chips, well used? Or you won't have to feel bad about scratching it! I've never seen a blue Ric.
I'd say get the blue since it's so uncommon, and it's not like a bad "relic job"

I also don't like blue, but it's 40% of the worlds favorite color! It's someone's grail ,I'm sure

 

[OkayistBassist]

The blueburst is sweet! That would be my pick.

Ruby red is very nice as well!

I have a 4003 JetGlo. That will always hold a special place for me.

I’m sure you know that the S model only has one input in case you want to use Ric-O-Sound (stereo), if that is important to you.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I voted for the 4001S, but then I saw the Ruby. If the price isn't prohibitive, I'd probably go with the Ruby. I do like the ergonomics of the 4003S, though.

 

[blacktocomm]

The blue burst would be my pick.

 

[Relsom]

As long as is is actually "mint", since you're concerned about the 2 nick's in the blue one, and the neck profile is acceptable, I'd go with the Ruby. It's got enough upgrades to make the price attractive, not to mention I love that color. It's rare enough to gain in value a bit more than standard colors.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

2018 4003s for sure

 

[newwavefrank]

for that price I would be all over the Ruby Red.

 

[Ander87]

I’m sure you know that the S model only has one input in case you want to use Ric-O-Sound (stereo), if that is important to you.

Thank you! More than the 4003S being 'short', I feel like I'm having an extra feature on the regular 4003 - my recording studio has a good old Ampeg that could work nicely to bi-amp with my Ashdown ABM 600 IV... Not something I'd use home or live, but maybe for studio...!

I voted for the 4001S, but then I saw the Ruby. If the price isn't prohibitive, I'd probably go with the Ruby. I do like the ergonomics of the 4003S, though.

Actually it's on £1895 so yeah, a bit more than I've found so far, but not crazy - reckon I could recover this money easily if I need to sell it? I do intend to buy to keep, but you just never now - I've seen it in video and it does look super super mint! I'm trying to get more details from the shop, it'd come setup perfectly etc, I do trust this shop a lot if there's anything I can't do myself!