All user reviews for the Rickenbacker 4003

Purchased in 2013.

For the characteristics or the Rickenbacker website ...

UTILIZATION

Goodies:
- Nice and easy to play neck,
- Acute excellent access,
- Unique and brand specific function: a system of palm-muting integrated easel. With the neck pickup, one can easily get the sound of a bass.

Cons:
- The system of palm-muting Rickenbacker described above prevents paradoxically ... the palm-mute with the right hand! A real disadvantage, because for me this technique is necessary to me ...
- Cache pickup requires the strings to stay very close to the microphone. It shows a very aggressive sound without bass, without definition, simply unusable, even for extreme music. It is therefore necessary to remove it, it leaves a hole, it's ugly! And I'm already injured fingers on the remaining metal part after removal of said cover.
- The difference in volume between the two microphones: the set at both ends will not change anything ...
- The difference in sound between the strings: MI does not sound, the note is dead on the rope, which creates a gap between his pretty awful MI ropes and LA ... unbearable.
- The two truss rod require a very special key to be set as Rickenbacker found aa smart to create a particular truss rod system. Result, despite all kinds of tools available to my garage can not find a key to setting these rods.

I'll stop there I think ...

SOUNDS

The sound is very medium. To enter the bacon is perfect but more groove damn it ... I play in a band of Rock / Blues / Boogie and it's not going very well ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year ... Raz-le-bol, I should have done like everyone else, buy a Fender. It's not original but then at least you got a good sound.
Yet it's a shame I've always been attracted by its shape, its look, which is unique. I'm really disappointed I end up with an instrument that has cost me dearly and I do not want. A MUST TEST BEFORE YOU BUY!

USA made, 20 frets, passive pickups powerful neck and bridge
Volume and tone for each pickup selection switch mix microphones, access to sound more vintage tone by lifting the knob pickup

handle fine, varnished rosewood fingerboard, etc ... as other Fireglo my gni fi that!

UTILIZATION

everything is perfect, handle, weight, access to acute, the sound changes depending on how you play, finger or mediator, very gently in the neck, near the bridge ...
Only criticism: fender accustomed to, including, I would have seen the top of the body where there refined my arm passes. But hey, the body is fine!

SOUNDS

I did that for a month, but every time I used it in very different styles with various groups has always been admired for its beauty and sounds.
I play on a markbass with which it sounds good. I have yet to try it on the AER Basic Performer that I use for bass

OVERALL OPINION

Of course, it is a cheap or very expensive, but it is exceptionally difficult to find and it leaves no one indifferent. When I saw that Damico, luthier and extraordinary store Buc (78) I had a fast pace. I did well, 10 'after she would have gone with someone else.
We will continue to meet and prepare all the scenes in May and June where she will complete bass in very different styles.

I realized that I admired this bass for teen!

Made in the USA of the United States!
Easel weird gorges, with a removable foam thing mounted max reduces the strings way bass (friends Brassens, it works!).

Channel crossing, varnished, with rosewood fingerboard (I wonder also why it still is not ebony?). Besides, I take a point to this detail (when I will redo the frets, I shall regulate the details).

The rest of the specs are on the manufacturer's website, I invite you to visit for more details.

UTILIZATION

The handle is nice, more than anything I've tried in stores before buying (ie various jazz bass, various precision, various stingray), after everyone's hands.

Level ergonomics, it's great, it is very thin, it is very fast strings, knobs I do not know, I play with everything thoroughly ...
Just a bit heavy, but it is far from prohibitive.

Access to acute is the hair, do not worry at this level.

For her, it is in any amp (a little bit serious, I've never tried the stuff made in china 3 in), but hybrid medium range up ampegs head series is just fantastic! ...

SOUNDS

I do not have a defined style of music, I play bass when I make replacements in full groups. I've never faulted (neither I nor anyone else) in all of these styles:
- Rockabilly
- Rock ('n' roll, psychedelic, hard)
- Reggae, ska, dub
- Original rhythm 'n blues, funk
- Chanson (France & Portugal) (accompaniment bass genre, or other)

I play on a 300W Ampeg heritage, and marriage is just perfect. Versatility, Big sound at low, medium, high and very high volume.
I put in my plexi for fun, so motorhead, and the result is quite Lemmyesque, it's funny but just for this purpose, otherwise it is rather inexploitatble ...

It is difficult to find a hateful sound with this bass, it is made to shine!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years and it's always a pleasure to put his finger on it ...!

I tried many things before buying in all music stores that have fallen on my way (at least fifteen), result, whenever I had a rick in the fingers, it surpassed everything that I had tried before.

The feature I like most, the typical sound on par with the look.
The one I like the least? I'm still looking ... may be white pickguard, I would have preferred black ... a sudden bomb and there appear more.

When you buy the top, at Rickenbacker was ... the top!

Almost flawless for this bass just magical, with experience, I will buy this bass directly without going through something else, it would have saved me time.

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 ...

S it is one of 4003 rickenbacker 2012, purchased neuve.4 strings / corp maple / maple neck-through / varnished rosewood fingerboard 20 frets / 2 rick simple micro / passive / Chevallet rick/4.1 kg /
Made in USA of course!
Each microphone has a volume and tone control

UTILIZATION

I dreamed of this bass since I was 13, I'm 29 today ... you need to know to be patient sometimes ... but then a real killer! There must be a few minutes to get used to the handle partculier s rick and of its key vernie.une time the beast under control was really the impression that she was waiting for us ... so pleasant touch, unlike a priori that one can make s it is not so heavy and reputation of "trunk" is simply archi-j fausse.Personellement have preferé remove the cover micro (c is plastock!) after some hesitation because I love the vintage touch that he brings to the visual but ffois removed, all styles are affordable for a more sonnoritées the bluesy, vintage, and rock / metal and even when bemol to slap anything much more accessible than I would cru.si if ... can slapper, not as a patient but can not. ..

SOUNDS

Aaaahhh! Rickenbacker sound ... what to say? parfait.la just yet one has the impression that beautée waited for us as we have just desiré.c sound that must have all lovers of rock, in the broadest sense, which has less respect ... be a slappeur crazy Japanese technique and low without personallité, this low level is perfection ... its appreciable Detail on 4003 there is a push / pull on a knob that allows you to switch between well "low" has a more modern its a vintage mort.En adjustment "while thoroughly" with the vintage sound and microphone selector at the bottom you get a crunchy sound and super warm at the same time, with a mediator and c is a real treat when you play at micro manche.juste ... A huge personallité in the sound as that of one rick and his merit is respected as it should be.

OVERALL OPINION

I play on an old japanese fender jbass 89 and American luxury and rick 4003 was the long missing sister has the usual expected ptite famille.Mon seller 2 rick blackie since 4003 already 2 years and this one (ruby red ) arrived by hasard.Je counted on him that long to put it in one of m the next day or happiness arriverait.Je ca n have never wanted to buy one on the web without having tried considering the price we must take time to test ... I've waited for years and tried dozens of rick is low but above all that I have had in my hands, and then it looks crazy ... every time I see her I want the day to jouer.Avis amateur: if c is your dream, make you not regret but try it before, it does not appeal to everyone, vintage oblige.

A close friend who will remain nameless said, 'Hey man I'm splitting up with my wife and was wondering if I could stash my Rickenbacker at your place for awhile?'

6 months rent free usage of a Rickenbacker 4003 bass? Who would say no! The classic Rick-o-sound, flatwound strings, I instantly has 'The Paul McCartney tone' at my finger tips.

Well I explained most of this information above because it made a better intro! To get a new Rickenbacker 4003 you need to find one first of all. Rickenbacker only makes a limited number of instruments a year, so you are lucky if you can find one let alone a model or finish of your choice. The price is just around $2,000.

This bass really had personality. The maple body and neck really make this thing snap! There is something special about a good Rickenbacker and well any good instrument for that matter. An instrument that you can feel change with your climate. You can really feed off of your emotions and become one with the instrument. Alright, enough Star Wars talk!

It is really hard to find other Rickenbackers and since they are mostly handmade they all sound a little different.

It is worth the quest though if you can find a good one!

Maple body and Maple neck. Rosewood fretboard with the hip triangular pearloid inlays. The Rick O Sound offers you a stereo or mono send. My favorite setup was send one side to a dirty guitar amp and the other to a clean loud bass rig.

Everyone should own a Rick! If we all owned Ricks, world peace would happen! Well OK, maybe not. If you're a bass player you need to experience a 4003.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I am mostly a studio musician who records a lot in his home studio, I occasionally play in bands too, but not very frequently. I own a great number of basses and guitars (I also play the guitar). The styles I play are funk with a jazzy undertone, alternative, pop, and rock. I have played the bass for 11 years now.

I bought the instrument in a guitar shop in Utrecht in the Netherlands, I paid 1500 Euros for it (=$1800). The instrument turns out rare here, so I was quite lucky that I just stumbled on one accidentally, while inquiring about a different bass. I decided to buy it right away, because I didn't think I would get the chance again very quickly. I haven't regretted it.

I like the deep grumbling sound of it. It punches through everything, even if you play it at a very low volume.

I have read many times that it doesn't slap very well, but I have no problem slapping it. I think the problem is just that the attack is not as steep as many other basses, which require you to adapt your technique a little bit - slap it somewhat further on the neck, away from the pick-ups. It gives a wonderful metallic sound when you do this. I absolutely love it.

I think the neck is a little too wide. I very much like the width (and sound) of my Fender Jazz bass, and I always have to acclimatise when I put the one away to play the other.

The seller told me that everybody who buys a Rick bass always screws off the pick-up hood. I did so too, I think it is tremendously in the way. Unfortunately, it leaves an ugly hole when you do this.

I also think the scaling screws are placed in quite an inconvenient position. You have to unscrew the entire bridge to adjust them.

I have never understood how people can think it is a beautiful instrument. I think it is absolutely hideous. It reminds me too much of a cadillac.

It's built like a tank, plays like a tank, and weighs like a tank, but I don't mind so much.

I mostly see this bass as a valuable addition to my other basses, which have a completely different feel and personality to them. So, if you are looking for a powerful, grumbly, dominant sound, and if you don't mind the weight, I think it could be a wonderful instrument.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I've been playing bass guitar for years now, some odd number that I can't exactly remember, although it's somewhere over five. I've played in a couple bands, and still actively perform. My interests range from shoegaze and electro-pop to alt-country and folk, and a lot of places inbetween.

I came upon this guitar from my father, and I've more or less adopted it off of him. I couldn't tell you how much he paid, as I don't know, but I more or less got it as a gift.

The Rickenbacker's an absolutely gorgeous guitar, completely unique but not in the hideous manner of a lot of the basses that try to come off as unique. Rather, it is unique in the amount of class it exudes, and it is remarkably comfortable. The action is very nice, as is the neck-length. The tone is to-die-for, rich, deep, and punchy, and that trait of the Rickenbacker has kept me more than happy. It is in fact a crucial element of the band I play in, and switching to my backup bass really doesn't match up.

The only real lack of the Rickenbacker is that it doesn't slap well. Conveniently enough, I rather dislike slapping, and don't use that technique. It can slap, but if you're wanting a bass just for slapping, pick something else, but not many people want a bass just for slapping.

The construction and quality is beyond impeccable. Every detail is perfectly done, and despite its age, the entire thing feels as good as new. My personal favorite trait though is how well it holds tune, in that I can go without tuning for weeks at a time only to check it and see that it is still perfectly in tune.

If you're looking for a classy bass with a deep, rich bass, and a punchy upper-end, here's your best bet on that matter. I've played nice Fender's and nice Ibanez's, and I've yet to find a bass that's impressed me as much as the Rickenbacker that I have.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Purchased from "The Rockinn", Perth, Western Australia. early 2004 for $2200Aud (equiv to $1600 US) included the standard (ABS?) hard case.

Everything... OK seriously - I've wanted one from the age of about 9 - it's the funkiest looking bass in town and does it without looking pretentious like many of the new "retro style" basses do.
great neck - NO - truly great neck- though the action needed tinkering with, and what's with the weight issue everyone goes on about? I certainly found it to be well balanced and a reasonable mass for it's size.

Sound wise it is far more versatile than I expected with great tonality and briliant sustain - my poor Yamaha BB is now gathering dust.
On the bridge pickup it is bright and sharp and on the neck it is thumping without being too dark. Controls are just right for rolling back a bit of treble from the bridge or a bit of volume from the neck pickups to get any tone in between.


it come off a poor second to my Washburn Status bass for pure instant deep punch and for slap/pop playing - which is not surprising given the Washburn's longer scale graphite neck, double ball end strings and active electronics - it's not so much an issue of being in a different league it's that they are playing a different game. This doesn't phase me as it does every thing else brilliantly.

It is quite sensitive to interference due to single coil(non humbucking) pickups. I have to turn off fluro lights and CRT monitors when I DI it in to record - But with jamming and live work it's fine.

A1 - in all seriousness I can not find a single fault in it maybe I could say that I don't like that the bottom strap pin is what it rests on if not on a guitar stand and that the jack plate could be further round to the bottom of the body as it puts stress on the jack when stood up with out a guitar stand but this is clutching at straws and says more about the fact that I need to buy an extra guitar stand

It's not every day that dream and reality actually meet in the same room - but this bass meet then exceeded my expectations. What little it gives up in playing style versatility (re: slap) it gains tree fold in growling attitude stand apart appearence and first class quility of construction.
OK so it's not truly the perfect bass and I'd like to pair it with a music Stingray to have what I would consider to be the best of both worlds... but that's another dream

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this Bass in a music store in France where i live, it was a used guitar 2 years old when i bought it in January 1994. It paid about 11OO dollars (960 euros).

I like everything in this Bass, great sound, great look (very vintage but that's what i like). The neck is specially easy to play very thin! GREAT!!!

I can't tell!!!
Perhaps the weight...?

The quality of this bass is amazing! This is a hand made bass and you touch and feel that when seeing it!
The varnish only begins to tarnish now and this guitar was built in 1992 and i use it every single day and in gigs too!
In 12 years i never had a problem with it.

The Ric' is one of the unit that you can say about it: "It makes me play better"
The sound is strong and typical but you can use it for everykind of music and style!
Moreover this guitar is realy original and rare compare to a P-Bass for instance! (I have one too!)

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Bought at Jacksons, Syndey 2001.
Paid $2,850 (came with hard case - me ?).

It's a Ric !
I always wanted one since I played bass in bands back in the early 70's.

It punishes my mistakes.
For the last 25 years I have only played an accoustic guitar so the electric bass is a little different - and I have to learn all over again.

It's cool.
Looks good, and the quality is great.
It is classic Rickenbacker and I'm really pleased with that.

I played a few other basses and they were good too, but they weren't Rickenbacker - if you want one then that's all that'll do.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

There are bass guitars, and then there is THIS bass guitar. This is an icon in the world of music, for many reason. Firstly, I'll list some of the features of the bass, then I'll give my opinion about it.

The bass is a neck through, with a maple body and neck, 2 truss rods, and a rosewood fretboard. The fretboard has Rickenbacker's signature triangle inlays and 20 frets. The bass has 2 single coil pickups, a 3 way toggle switch, and 2 volume and 2 tone controls. It also features stereo output, for a huge sound!

UTILIZATION

This bass transcends all other 4 string models. It is a masterpiece, it is an island, it is a religion. The 4003 is so darned cool that it will make even the snobbiest bassist smile. The neck has a very positive, solid feel, and it wants to be played with a pick. The playability is out of this world, and very inspiring.

SOUNDS

Cliff Burton! Lemmy Kilmeister! Chris Squire! There are all sorts of bassists in the classic rock realm that play a 4003, but the one think they all have in common is that their tone is enormous! Is this a coincidence? NO - IT'S THIS BASS. The pickups have an incredible growl to them, and the dual outputs aid in obtaining a huge sound. One thing I've experimented with is plugging one side into a clean amp rig and the other side into a fuzz pedal into an amp, and blending them. It sounds positively elephantine!

OVERALL OPINION

This might be the most enthusiastically glowing review I ever write about any instrument, but it is deservedly so. The 4003 has been around a long time, and is an icon in the world of the electric bass. It doesn't do everything, but what it does it does better than anything else out there. This bass absolutely rules.

Everything is said in prior reviews.

However, I made a few mods on mine (see my photos):
Bridge Hipshot brass (700 grams!) Because there is also an aluminum version.
Black plates
DR Strings Black
Removing the cache bridge pickup and neck pickup wrapping

UTILIZATION

The Hipshot bridge allows 3D adjustment of the strings, which can catch the E string a bit feeble. Now it nikel.

Lower super fun to play. At least, I love it. And I had a few before and tried a lot too ...

SOUNDS

Ric is the sound. We like it or not.

A lot of mediums.

OVERALL OPINION

Since 2007

Quite expensive but you get out of the ordinary ...


It is distinguished largely by its sound and its aesthetics.

All Rickenbacker basses are manufactured in the United States. The handle is sturdy, driver, and the key 20 is rosewood boxes. At least that indicated by the manufacturer, but in view and feel was plutt the impression that this is pao ferro.
The 4003 team of two microphones is the same, but DIFFERENT sr situs two places, 1 ct round, 1 ct bridge. The electronic is passive. Each microphone has a volume and a tone. Finally, two separate outputs are Submitted: 1 mono, 1 Stereo (Ric-O-Sound) to send the signal from the neck pickup to an amplifier and the signal from the pickup to another.

UTILIZATION

The handle is a rgal end, fast, trs accessible even in the treble. The bass is not heavy trs, trs and is balance. One small problem: the hood covering the bridge pickup is slightly teachers (many users enlvent).
The sound is typical Rickenbacker, and can not be said enough: there is only one that sounds like a Rickenbacker Rickenbacker. It's quite a load mediums, you can not erase them, except compltement dnaturer sound. So no need to look here sonsn modern hifi and crystalline, it is not the point. The sound is pais, powerful, warm.

SOUNDS

I jou on DIFFERENT amps with this bass (Ampeg, Fender, Sunn, Marshall, etc..), And the sound is Submitted trs. I still think, however, APRS possd have a 4003 and two 4001, it is foremost a bass for the rock. Even if the bass players we saw in use in trs DIFFERENT styles, including funk and jazz, rock, in the broadest sense of the word, remains his field prdilection. For even when we must say: the spacing of the strings is not comfortable for the trs slap, and it makes the low mdiator this gives the best of itself . But there again is a personal exprience, as Geddy Lee (Rush), for example dmontre the contrary, he has long jou on Rickenbacker, and fingers.

OVERALL OPINION

I used this bass for a year before selling. Indeed, the sleeves of some 4003 tend to move, and the key to hlas rglage (which is not a standard cl Allen) is not available. Therefore each time sending his bass in the luthier. I prcise that sounds typical of some 4003, many users I know have had the same problem, that unlike many others have not had these dsagrments and Previous finally on my 4001 I have never seen the sleeves move. I mean NEVER.
I must say that despite all this, the sound and feel Rickenbacker starved me, and I do not exclude, at some future time, to buy one.
On occasion, APRS and have tried a Rickenbacker bass is my opinion an excellent investment. This is not a low buy in order to sell it because they do not love a big score here. It's a long time keep low, if you like it. Because there again, and even especially for Rickenbacker, or you love them or they dtest.

View Previous notice, he said it all!

If just one more thing: this bass, everything exudes quality and craftsmanship, each pice is beautiful, sturdy and robust!

UTILIZATION

The handle is round and trs bit wide, a bit like a telecaster, so it's a handle that bassists are some habits, but I think against a guitarist who put the bass find the most his taste than a jazz bass!
the beginners he made me a little scared but once you got used to the fact!
Access in acute is standard since the body starts or stops the handle ...
ergonomics is really unique particulirement .... the bass is large but not Paisse (something like 3cm, compare with your low-heel and you'll see) the still really funny but at beginners you get used to it quickly and trs trs quickly takes his foot I assure you

SOUNDS

The sound is typical mdium trs, trs frank and right bass to treble
with ampl lamps as bassman or an old ampeg you cry so much joy comes in the ratings ...
truly a unique instrument!
Ricken or the 'pat me is that I took for a pure bass rock'n'roll, playing mdiator, and even if it's true and that his to mdiator is incredibly powerful lens (especially with the micro acute) and tuck it in, and although I only finger it Discoveries rvelle funkeuse be excellent! the sound is groovy death model even replaces my prfre jazz mix in funk, something I never thought possible ....

OVERALL OPINION

I Utis for a short time, but I'm DJ on it remain in my arsenal because it is truly unique ...
I possde Fender Precision bass and jazz, fretless, warwick thumb, etc., and it showed me we could do a terrible low off the beaten track and standards ....

Manufacturing amricaine and be seen, a real work of orfvre, mine is translucent, the key is polished, the neck-through sustain guarantees a rare low. The beautiful book that does not suffer the mdiocrit!

UTILIZATION

The problem with the instruments indmodables is that we do not know what to say really brings grist to the mill. Submitted to the bass who have ever had in my hands is a heavy instrument, which gives an impression of density with an exceptional feel it confrent an instrument ct luxury. Access in acute could even make believe that it is a low prvue frustrating for players playing beyond the 12th box. Only the cover seems a bit out of time (like the rditions Fender 50's), but when removed found its mark. The bridge will surprise more than one because it does not allow the fat by placing his palm over the strings stifle, this requires addressing the rubber stamps that appear under the base of the strings. I believe that currently the only such Stingray possdent System. For most bass players will have little diffrence, but for those who like to vary the pressure of choking on the bridge will be VCU as a deprivation.

Let's talk about the ric-o-sound. Two outputs, so a low stro, a system that ingnieux that few will care for convenient but that can really be if you INTERESTED possdez a bass amp and a guitar amp, microphone redirected to handle the bass and the bridge to the sound if mdium for acute saturation. The air there is like only Lemmy gets so powerful in its Motorhead. We find this on the low Systm Attitude Billy Sheehan Yamaha like this, Ricken sometimes made with cole options plutt little empty and exotic ...

SOUNDS

It's a real low rocker, let us be clear, it can play any style that adapts to low but we feel comfortable in a log o mdium contrast to the heart : metal (Metallica, Motorhead), English pop (Beatles, Franz Ferdinand), rock-punk (the Jam, Massive Attack, well ...), so if sr progressive rock (Genesis and Yes). Personally the game is incredibly rewarding to mdiator the IMMEDIATE its jurisdiction (this is only the bassist for The Strokes dropped the Ricken for Precision because the sound came out too over guitars).
His look goes along with his musical personality and leaves no indiffrent.

OVERALL OPINION

Frankly it does not come by chance the Ricken, be it guitar or bass, particulirement in France it is under-o REPRESENTATIVES in the PAF. If you read this opinion is that you seek confirmation of its particularity and you have many icons at the top of the rock used (I) ent the 4003 (or 4001 her older sister). I bought mine APRS have an essay in a London store and I must say that I won t IMMEDIATE. Yet I'm a fan of Fender, I jou a Jazz Bass for years and I was looking for a Precision for a more rock. My problem is that the Precision I tried a lot, some I liked very much and others disappoint me back. In comparison the Ricken gives the impression of less vary from one instrument, may be because there is no 36 MODELS manufactured around the world in 36 SPECIFICATIONS Different.
MODEL I bought the Paris silent so the second I tried it and I got the confirmation that c'tait one I was looking for. So far this bass is not given but when you see violin making and attention to dtail we do not ask long time (unlike Fender).

What country does she makes? (United States, Japan, Mexico, France ...)
today all Rickenbacker instruments are manufactured in the UAE, provided that lasted!

How many frets, what kind of micro as well as their configuration?
20 boxes, shame! T would be a more welcome, but as good aa t said and as I will add, since it is the one true rock bass, Rickenbacker had to say that 21 boxes a would be pearls before swine!
the microphones are Rickenbacker, one at the neck, another in the center of the body, closer to the bridge, just short of classic. Obviously we chose one or the other or both but is more famous, the Ric-O-Sound with Stereo or mono configuration, I will not m'tendre is d j trs well Retailer in the correct view APRS.

What type of bridge (Floyd, Wilkinson ...)?
Rickenbacker well sr

What rglages (volume, Tone slecteur micro ...)?
Volume, Tone switch position it is a low eh, not a vintage synth

What type of race?
SPECIFICATIONS Rickenbacker handle, not PB or JB! Finally a bass that does not have that p * tain handle shovel JazzBass! we like it or not, for me it is the Discoveries, finally! a handle end, flexible, well-curved thin trs (without the Ibanez either), a short sleeve try before you buy.

UTILIZATION

The handle is it enjoyable?
simply the best round t given to me to play, a comfort

Access in acute (dernires freight) is it easy?
oh yes, just this race and make it an asset dcoupe formidable. pity that there are only 20 spaces so

Ergonomics is it good (in terms of shape, weight ...)?
I read everywhere that it is heavy. I believed too. but actually no! just play a G & L to realize the happiness of having a low rock just 4.2 pounds!

Do you get a good sound easy? ...
ahhhhh Ric sound! again without s'taler (finally I wonder what it's for my review), the sound is so special Ric that it becomes magical. bass playing fingers mdiator Obviously well as possible the sounds are amazing. rock it again, incisive, trs "English", new fashion, but actually it's 80's 70 trs, mdium, without being mtallique mtal because this low provides deep bass but o all the notes are heard. is rare, it's really good!

SOUNDS

Appropriate are your style of music?
yes and no! Whenever I have the hands off you go for a quarter of an hour of English punk rock 80's required for heating. APRS and then we change mdiator, we change position microphone is corrected on the amp and we try to play pop not always easy, but when it works, mohahahahahaha

With what (s) amplifier (s) or effect (s) do you play?
like any good coffee that respects the 4003 is played without effect, but not! Glue an Eden 4x10 for your exact time is more than satisfactory, the sound is powerful, profound and incisive, a brief rgal. I remain convinced that it needs an amp in the same caliber, of his era, so testing on the Orange, Hiwatt and Ampeg quaint example.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
the MODEL I currently with the more recently finally. but I always had the opportunity to play on, etc. to fantasize over.

What is the particular feature you like best and least?
I love it! shape, mcaniques, sound, grip, his personality etc..

Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
too.

How do you report qualitprix?
is what we look at prices when food in Loiseau?

Exprience with, you will do again this choice? ...
yes yes yes and re-.

Why do you worry so spare asshole?
bah uh, I beg you because I have also ben a G & L Asat, and I love these two basses. but with only 10 fingers and seeing no intrt have two basses, I spare to make it produce a single which will bring together as much as possible the benefits of both! it is not won but hey we'll see the worst I buy a 4003!

Nothing more to say than what has been said before ... made the United States (San Diego, California)
20 boxes, a neck pickup and bridge pickup, both brand Rickenbacker, each with a volume knob and treble, and of course a switch to play on either or both ...
The maple neck is through.
Mine is black, I love!

UTILIZATION

The handle is the best I had, it is not too late to be quick and easy to play ... when you have to try, you find other "big" ... access to acute is great ... even if there are only 20 cases (more than enough for me)
It is easy to wear, and light, despite what some people say ... I had other basses, and it's the lightest ... 4.2 pounds, it really is not heavy compared to a precision, for example ....
For sound, for my part, you branches, you got the sound ...
I'm not a fan of super complicated amps, lots of button, you put three hours to settle ...
Me, I arrive, I put everything in the middle, my knob thoroughly and it's huge!

SOUNDS

For my style of zik is nickel (punk rock)
I plugged into a head with Ashdown ABM300 ABM115 and ABM410, it gives off!
Well rock ...
I love that sound, it lasts well, the bass taking the entire volume, and the attack of the string is very clear ... a treat
No use trying to have a well rounded such accuracy, it does not sound ... Ricken, Ricken is the sound we like it or not, but it's pretty exclusive.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 years ... I wanted one for 10 years, after playing on that of a friend, I flashed!
I love the sound, the mouth, weight, touch, mechanical ... well, just anything!
I had several bass before, Aria Diamond (must be started with something), then a Yamaha and an accuracy of 68 (big sound too, but big weight and big neck) and tried many others, all kind, active or passive.
and finally, I came across it one day I looked for more ... and from every faith that I branch and I slam the first note, I am smiling!
I also had the opportunity to compare it with a 4001 ... (like you're tipped with two local Ricken and you mates from other mouth bass !!!). Ben when I plugged in the 4001 after mine, I had to mount the volumen and not a little.
Big difference, and it's mine that I prefer.
In short, it's a bass with which you have a relationship, it is not an "object". And frankly, even if they say the price is high, when I see the price of some other bass, I really can not it be that expensive

Manufacturing amricaine, almost artisanal ...
The bill is good quality trs say anything ...
Trus Rod Dual Channel, upgrade from version 4001, making it more stable ...
Rickenbacker toaster pickups ...
The magic begins!

UTILIZATION

Before touching the instrument, you look. Opening the flight case is discovering a weird instrument curves and sexy design. By raising the lower one is its lgret tonn.

The sound is clear and empty prcis. Ms. low notes sound and you can start playing without connecting.

Ergonomics is tudie a nearly perfect balance, whether you are sitting or standing. The handle is trs enjoyable, fast (varnish) and Access in acute trs is a great ease (which is the point that there is no more boxes!).

Only BMOL, the "micro cache" on the bridge pickup, which takes some getting used to when playing the finger. I removed my ds had the lowest, but this is an issue got sr.

Then you plug ...

SOUNDS

In gnrale, I play with all the knobs on 10. The sound is standard, clean, flexible and very easy just with the intensity of the game right hand (I'm right handed).
But for those who like to tinker, this bass offers a range of its important, thanks to the precision knobs.

Possde in the 4003 SERIES, an option that Confre "2 DIFFERENT sounds" by lifting the Tone knobs Aigue, you get crystal clear sound in 2 seconds, ideal for bass and chorus mdiator in the game (for example). This option, in another to approach the sound of Chris Squire on his 4001.
Bass, rpute for mdiator game, although the game rpond trs fingers. Sounds obtained are DIFFERENT and we can go from a fun one for a pleasant change.

It is very easy to change just by changing its right hand position. Mics perfectly fulfill their rle and sounds really different.

I do not sound dplus. I play many styles of music (jazz, blues, Hard rock, metal ...) and this bass acts as "all terrain". We must also love the sounds rich medium, clear and prcis.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this bass for 9 months. It's a choice I would do without a doubt (I prvois elsewhere to buy a ds that I have money).
I have not tried many before MODELS, I knew I wanted that sound l. And I is not the t!

With regard to the purchase, I buy in the United States, since the brand is virtually impossible to find in Europe. So I had an unbeatable price (excellent price quality ratio) and a dlais shortest (10 days APRS order).
I put 9 because I really galr to find it.

Manufacturing States, 20 boxes, 2 single coil pickups rick, 3-position selector (neck / mix / bridge) to volume, bedridden for each microphone.
Channel driver, painted on the back (some love it but for my part I plan to do stripping and waxing ...), the key is painted as well, which is surprising.
To note, be aware that when you buy this bass is because we want this bass is exactly.

UTILIZATION

Channel amazingly comfortable and enjoyable. It seems heavy, and when we play it does not want to stop, inspiration comes on its own and we are surprised to find unexpected melodic lines on a bass that has been so utlisée in punk rock to play fundamental.
Access to acute nickel, since there are only 20 cases (and indeed we want to go further ...).
Very well balanced. Design very flat, without artifice (no hollow comfort) but very ergonomic. Of course there are the hood of acute microwave can interfere, but you can remove it or make do.
And then ... SOUND! This sound can only be achieved with this low there. Full of serious, full treble as it is everywhere. The notes never stop (requiring neck-through). Finally a sound whose character depends not only on the amp you put behind your foot, you know.

SOUNDS

We must all play on it, but it lends itself to a whole rock, blues, and I find now able to make the folk or country side with this "timber" which, in a "neck" , could think of the bass.
I play on an Ashdown is fairly neutral and slightly British.
I love all of this sounds low, the micro severe lack a little punch to my taste, but if you rule too close it becomes harmful position "toutafon". On the micro acute, it sounds like Chris Squire, what more?
Again, for the Rick, you need a Rick.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been almost 3 years that I use, for periods when it falls from grace I focus on a style to which it is ill-suited (funk, reggae, jazz, what some people say), and then I resume The replays and ... falls in love.
It is therefore a very special low, say singular, which can both distinguish you from other bass players that you shut without a sound very (perhaps too) typical.
Of course, I tried a lot of bass before, and even another rick 12 years ago (it's been fifteen years that I drool over), but the trial had disappointed me (I think the seller was wrong I plug it into a Trace Elliot, I never knew these devices is set). I wanted the sound Rickenbaker, I bought one, I sound, I'm very happy, and if it again, I would do the same.
The only downside regarding the quality / price ratio. It is an instrument very expensive and I expected much higher standards in terms of violin making and finishing. This is a recurring problem with the products that display "made in United States," it seems to be a sufficient guarantee of quality for some manufacturers and buyers. Some varnishes and certain parts (bridge) are botched, we see the collages in spite of the black paint, varnish key overlaps with the frets (already painted a touch ... finally). In short, disappointed with the finish at a time when some Asian manufacturers are very competitive tools to finish irréprochabe. But, hey, I wanted a Rick, with sound, and I!

Obviously this is a low USD.
20 frets, 2 pickups Rickenbacker (a handle, a bridge)
Rickenbacker Bridge
one volume / one tone by micro
a 3-position selector (micro acute / grave / both)
a switch (Ricken called vintage) on the knob of the bridge pickup tone. As I understand, it disables a capacitor and can find the sound typed 4001. Well, then, honestly, we reach the limit of my e-skills.

Do not forget the two outputs:
- A single, classical
- A stereo, "rick'o'sound". I did not previously served

Neck through, maple, rosewood fingerboard. Key and the handle are painted.

All the hardware is in keeping with the overall quality of the instrument: beautiful.

UTILIZATION

The handle, confusing the first 10 seconds is a killer. Fine, pleasant, access to acute poses absolutely no problem. At the same time, I can not say I go very often ...
Ricken The trunk has a reputation: it is false. Compared to a classic PB, there's no photo, it's lighter. on the other hand, of course, we talk about the scrapes maker: it's not the crate either! Ergonomics is the top: the body is sufficiently thin and perfectly balanced.
As for sound, it's really not complicated. In my case, it's bridge pickup, volume and tone to cut back and neck pickup and go. Ok, so I find the neck pickup a bit molasse near each other but I never tried to set it (it seems a little too low, which would explain the slight lack of punch .. . compared to the other microphone, are not mistaken!).

It has a sustain of madness, his violin-through. Sometimes I amuse myself by repeating 'to leave notes and ringing it lasts, it lasts ... it's a real pleasure. The quality of the violin is measured here and the fact that it is the agreement to the hair: I grant once a week, and it's still too many.

SOUNDS

I rock, scabby and fast: it farts. It is on that, spontaneously, the music that I call the PB basic, but I stand not grain Ricken (and the face of this crazy bass) are a great addition.

I tried this bass on Kustom 210 GB on Ampeg B2RE on SVT 3: Given the dynamics and the output level, there really is no lizard! by against, my old amp which made so far, a Fender BXR 300, quickly reached its limits with this bass. He should be sticking an amp that gives it its defined it deserves, even saturate all behind, we agree.

Well, it's clear that if finances follow any full tube it fits like a glove.

OVERALL OPINION

I have over 6 months now and I am in love with this bass to the curves out of the ordinary. Admittedly it does not go unnoticed and do not leave indifferent. And it's not unpleasant to have the age-old Fender PB families.

Well, there is a really blame him: the price. This is a bass luthier, or less, but the difference between the USD and the price at home suggests that some intermediaries are fun in between.
Since buffers Rickenbacker is the European market and since the French importer (La Boite Noire) does not seem to fight to bring (at the same time, it's not a big market for them) you have to fight for a touch, and especially to fuck the price. There's no mystery, it is the law of supply and demand and all the miseries that go with ...

With "experience" relative, I would do the same: as soon as I look, I find canon, as soon as I branch, I remember I had a clear reason.

After 18 years of low ..... I for 1 year .... It's a 4003 .... I will not repeat the features of this bass other one does .... very well elsewhere. Here is a link on the site RIC

http://www.rickenbacker.com/model.asp?model=4003

The only peculiarity comes from the microphones, so it's a 4003 with microphones in 4001 ...
It is "mapleglo" ie bois.C is the only criticism I can make it, she is prettier in jetglo (black) or white ....

UTILIZATION

This bass is amazing.
First of all if you like 70 ', our ears have necessarily heard of ... .. Ricken
Deep Purple, Motorhead, yes, McCartney ,...... wound which is to hear the stamp of low
After you see his face and it stands out (still for the time) she is really sexy! right?
And then the day we play on it, ie much later than the 70 'we say that it's old, the past ... Indeed it is passive, it is not the slightest .. .
And the first time we played with ...... it is surprising not really heavy (for old), the handle is fine, nice, easy to play.

SOUNDS

And the sound is a powerful passive!
And especially our ears old teenagers found the sound of the ric .... so special and attachant.elle is both swift and sweet, round and metallic, hot and cold ....
This is happiness! *
I play finger .... and it is also and especially a low pick .... We'll have to work!
and I played on a variety of amps, I always got the juice of this bass.
the sound is always clean .... except a good combo of 2.5 watts is less thoroughly.
You have to play with the rock is a rock bass with a pick or finger, but it's not a slap bass to make .....

OVERALL OPINION

So it is ..... my bass bass of my dreams for both the look for her ..
There is surely full of instruments much more efficient than the 4003 ....
But I do not care!
I regret not having bought it earlier .....
If you like the sound and the mouth rob a bank and buy it! (Just kidding)
The only worry is that it is booming, its price .... OCCAZ is prohibitive!
But we must be patient ..... and the OCCAZ comes at a good price

everything is already said much better than I could say so hush hush, I am silent on that.
It should be noted that I put on 10/10 at this part, which means that I find mega deadly.

UTILIZATION

handle: cool cool cool, it changed me handles jazz bass that I played before, but within hours it became natural enough to forget about it.
the scope of the button is painted a few grumpy bitch. I'm typing I think it is nice and comfortable. access to acute: ben in fact, it's rare that a low access to treble is fair game, because otherwise it would not sell. and there is like everywhere, the question does not arise, we'll play all the notes you want without worry. WINS EASILY BE A GOOD SON? yeah, you doing all the knobs at the bottom, the switch in the middle and you take a big fat mediator, obviously that's where it's fun.

SOUNDS

I do stuff like post punk / new wave / / cold wave / / zouk / / rock wanker to franz ferdinand, to caricature a bit, so obviously it works great. I'm ringing it on all tube Bassman 1969. it a little crunch and it's cool, that's all I ask.
On a SVT-CL it works really well too, you know the sound rick, you know its the SVT-CL, so you mix and stir you, it always gives a semi-soft. Like some kind HIWATT heads or marshall 100w tube guitar, it holds the road well. On the transistor, I can not say too much, I tried a Fender combo that sounds like ... Finally, what you see, like a transistor combo fender, it sounds but it can not help to try a pedal.

So all the knobs at the bottom, the switch in the middle of the strings not too flushed, a pick, stiff and it makes the medium thoroughly, it's been crying girls and boys so it's cool.

OVERALL OPINION

I sold a vintage jazz bass american from 62 to buy it. I have not plugged into an amp the day I bought it, I told myself it was not worth it. I was right you tell me, I think I grilled a dozen people who were on the waiting list but the seller has not solved the waiting list, and besides he was in the dough rabe on my jazz bass, which is a party in 2 days.

basically, the 4003 arrived at 9am at the store who was waiting for more than a year and a half, at 10:30 I had purchased. so she remained in store for 1:30, not bad already, there are places where it does not take as long as that.

experience with this choice I would do without hesitation, plus I've chopée black, so it's great.
Value for money: I paid 1600 €. a fender us vintage is more expensive than that in France, and I find downright worse. must know what you want, I wanted a 4003.

I was joking to make a Pearloid pickguard on that make it fun on stage with lights and it makes shit purists. and it works.

What are the odds of finding a used 4003 fro around $200. Well fortunately enough I did. I had a buddy of mine selling it for that price...though it had been pretty beat. Nonetheless the neck was straight and very playable. I believe it was an early 80's model because it had a solid feel to it unlike the newer ones that I have played. The knobs are simple much like any other Ric or Gibson guitar.

The bass had a rock feel similar to a P-Bass from Fender. Not necessarily a a smooth bass but I guess you can be the judge for yourself depending on your playing technique. I found it to be very suitable for rock and pop music. This isn't going to be bass for the progressive jazz fusion bass player by any means. However, if your into straight ahead rock, metal, or pop, then this bass will fit your needs quite well.

UTILIZATION

One problem I had faced was a couple dead frets but taken to the local luthier he fixed it right up. The setup is simple like all Rickenbackers with the volumes and tone knobs. I did have stereo output but I never used it. The neck had such a great feel and comfort to it that really connected to my technique of playing. The design is unique as well. Nothing looks like a Rickenbacker, so it definitely stands out and a great piece.

It didn't take long once I got it back from the guitar doctor to find a nice sweet spot with this guitar. It seems that it is accustomed to making great tones with where ever you set the dials. To me the feel is everything when it comes to guitars and this things felt so fine and playable. I regret selling it to my bass player.

SOUNDS

I was mostly playing rock music with this bass. I had an Ampeg bass amp that used mostly. I also used an Ashdown amp that really shook the foundations. I love the way this guitar sat in the band mix. It filled the room with fine tone and had a good communion with the drummer. It really just screams rock n roll.

Interestingly enough I think this is the only instrument Rickenbacker makes that works with rock metal. Just look at Lemmy from Motorhead. Not sure if he uses a real Ric but it is the same body style.

OVERALL OPINION

When the time comes again to pick up a solid bass this one will be the one I choose. I love the way it feels and sounds. I found the compliment it gave my band was a step in the right direction.

I have played all the Fender basses, Carvins, Wyn, Hanewinckel, and Gibson's and there are good ones there for certain uses. For me I love the old Rickenbacker 4003's. It is a nice solid bass that can be a player's dream. I would recommend this to any bass player.