All user reviews of 4/5 for the Rickenbacker 4003

Is it necessary to introduce this famous instrument? You have heard and seen in the hands of no less illustrious bass ... Rick James Lemmy through Paul Simonon and of course Paul McCartney.
A small presentation so good because it is special for several reasons.
• First, because it made entirely of maple besides its rosewood fingerboard, which is actually quite rare in low mass production.
• Secondly, because the handle is through and it also seems to me that this is the first electric bass to have used such an architecture (but I could be wrong).
• Because it is equipped with a dual truss-rod.
• Because it has the famous Rick-o-Sound is a stereo output jack in addition to classic mono.
• And finally because it has a single mouth, almost mythical.
The rest is classic but still sailed a good dose of strong personality, starting with its two microphones in his inimitable and bridge-tailpiece massive enough and equipped with a damper, controls volume and tone for each of the microphones , a microphone selector 3 positions, 2 +2 mechanics.
Its origins go back far enough, because it was born in 1961 his sister the 4001, whose design is identical, only a few changes to the electronics but also the appearance of the famous double truss-rod (officially to stiffen the handle while increasingly bassist began to use ropes round threads asking for more power), it will adopt the name of 4003 in the late '70s, stocks sold them until 4001 will 83, but the latter has since then until today, the subject of various editions. Declinations 5 string fretless 8 string or the 4003 have also been produced.

UTILIZATION

At the grip, this low again has a personality of its own, to really appreciate it, take the time to discover, understand, and it is a process that can be more or shorter depending on the bass, so that some will never do it! Almost confusing the first time we try one, especially when one is accustomed to low "Fenderoïdes." The first time you do not feel "at home" at all, but over time it begins to dip here and the thing is that happiness! It no longer plays bass, playing the "Ricken" ... Indeed, nothing is like another bass on 4003: the handle is rather narrow and thick, ergonomically designed for the right hand is the most bizarre because the cap on the bridge pickup (some pull, but I think this ugly and personally I learned to play with). Weight issue, it is in the middle, so not especially light, but well balanced. Finally, I would say that although it can play with fingers and even slap (!), It shows its true face only pick and ropes nets dishes! Despite the fact that what I have written may seem to be a fault, I note this with a 10, because I personally think it is a unique and exclusive low, which gives a lot of pleasure to those who tame it. For the little story, I've owned a long time ago one of the last 4001, I loved his mouth, but at the time I did not managed to make it so that I sold. I missed so I plunged recently, and then I really took the time to discover. This time I know I will not ever sell!

SOUNDS

Again, be careful! This bass has a sound all its own, and she sings like no other! I said "sing" as she sings! As I said earlier, this is flat nets with a pick and you get the typical and so special that he knows, with a midrange harmonics exacerbated very balanced treble, deep bass and especially the amazing sustain and harmonically rich speaking, the famous "ringing sustain" as the English say, a treat. It is also possible to have a surprising range of sounds that will sound McCartney Sgt Pepper period using the damper to an ultra sound nasty and aggressive way Lemmy, and between the two there is a universe of sonic possibilities! Well I put 8/10 because in general, it is not as extreme versatility of a modern bass is a bass cut is rather for the punk (just see how many punk bassists used it in 77), rock and pop-rock with English. But nothing prevents its use for something else entirely ... Funk for example, is not that Rick James?

OVERALL OPINION

I have a collection of bass quite varied, and usually I'm mostly a player Musicman Stingray. But Rickenbacker 4003 has for me a special place because it is unique and has a strong identity. There are pieces where I say "this is something for my Ricken" because it alone is capable of some sounds.
The only fault I could find is that it is difficult and delicate to deal with, and it is imperative that Rickenbacker bass (4001 or 4003) is always set to sound correctly. From experience, this is a problem much less sensitive to a Fender for example, will bear without too many problems rough adjustment, but certainly not 4003! If you intend to acquire, especially if it is used, I recommend you to use a good luthier who knows adjust Rickenbacker and dual truss-rod, because if this is not the case we can find rapido with a twisted handle, and there is no longer the eyes to cry! In this regard, literature (especially English) on why and how the ABC of setting Rickenbacker is quite comprehensive on the net, there Throw away eye, you'll understand what I mean ...
The 4003, saw its high price (even OCCAZ), is one of the instruments of luxury, and can not speak in this case of good quality / price ratio, but all I can say is it deserves a visit. Seeing that I have already 2 times ...