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Rickenbacker 4003
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All user reviews for the Rickenbacker 4003

4-string bass guitar from Rickenbacker belonging to the 4000 series

4.8/5
(26 reviews)
92 %
(24 reviews)
4 %
(1 review)
4 %
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Users reviews
  • Rick'o'SoundRick'o'Sound

    All qualities that defects ...

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 06/01/14 at 08:47
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 musi…
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    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!
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  • gugusfendergugusfender

    A dream teen

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 04/22/14 at 13:52
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 diffe…
    Read more
    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!
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  • XavyXavy

    The Rolls Royce of low

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 08/27/13 at 02:48
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 …
    Read more
    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.
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  • xbassman_Kxbassman_K

    A legend ...

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 04/14/13 at 17:19
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 …
    Read more
    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 ...
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  • fredelektrikfredelektrik

    a dream kid

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 12/16/12 at 09:25
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 "t…
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    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.
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  • MGR/BillyMGR/Billy

    Rickenbacker 4003

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 04/20/11 at 15:00
    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 per…
    Read more
    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
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  • MGR/AnonymousMGR/Anonymous

    Rickenbacker 4003JG

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 10/29/06 at 15:00
    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 de…
    Read more
    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
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  • MGR/St Elmo's FireMGR/St Elmo's Fire

    Rickenbacker 4003

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 11/24/05 at 15:00
    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 remarka…
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    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
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  • MGR/Mark SMGR/Mark S

    Rickenbacker 4003

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 03/10/04 at 15:00
    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 th…
    Read more
    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
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  • Mac kernMac kern

    Rickenbacker 4003 FG

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 02/01/04 at 15:00
    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…
    Read more
    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
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  • MGR/Phil MillerMGR/Phil Miller

    Rickenbacker 4003

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 12/01/01 at 15:00
    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
    Read more
    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
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  • heads on fireheads on fire

    As good as it gets.

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 03/04/12 at 13:55
    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 …
    Read more
    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.
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  • InfrabassmanInfrabassman

    Low magestueuse

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 01/04/12 at 07:51
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 b…
    Read more
    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.
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  • Jaylan B.Jaylan B.

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 06/21/03 at 20:14
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 …
    Read more
    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.
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  • niblanibla

    Rickenbacker 4003Published on 03/28/05 at 01:26
    (This content has been automatically translated from French)
    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 stil…
    Read more
    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 ....
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