Rickenbacker 4003 - An Honest Review

A no holds barred review of the iconic Rickenbacker 4003 in Midnight Blue
For tones skip to 11:45
Specs:
Number of Strings: 4
Body Material: Maple
Finish: Gloss
Neck Material: Maple, Neck-thru
Radius: 10"
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood, bound Fingerboard
Inlay: Triangle inlays
Number of Frets: 20
Scale Length: 33.25"
Nut Width: 1.6875"
Bridge/Tailpiece: RIC bridge and tailpiece
Tuners: Schaller Deluxe
Neck Pickup: Single-coil
Bridge Pickup: Single-coil
Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone (push/pull treble tone control)
3-way toggle pickup switch, 2 x 1/4" outputs (standard, stereo)
Case Included: Hardshell case
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[@montag4516]

As mentioned by another, the Vintage switch only affects the bridge pup. When engaged it cuts out most of the lower frequencies, it's a bass cut effect not a treble boost. There is a Reverse Wind Reverse Polarity mod (RWRP) that can be done to the bridge pup with just a bit of research and skill. This mod will cancel out external noise when both pickups are engaged and fully up. It does not change the tone of the pups whatsoever. This is how Fender Jazz basses are wired. I've done this to two 4003 basses with excellent results. Highly recommended.

[@musikman43204]

😂

[@RezaPratamaR]

what is the difference between 4001 and 4003 rickenbacker bass?

[@jazzman1954]

Reza Pratama 2!

[@RezaPratamaR]

@@jazzman1954 hahahaa you're funny 😂

[@PostalDude667]

@@RezaPratamaR 4001 is basically the old 4003. Main differences are that the "vintage" switch doesn't exist on the 4001. It's basically just always in vintage mode. Older 4003s don't have the vintage switch either, not sure which year it was added. Those are basically always in 'modern' mode. The 4003 also has a double action truss rod which makes adjusting the bow in the neck a lot easier. Oh, really old 4001s have the 'toaster' pickups which are lower output than the pickups that are in the newer 4001s and the 4003s.

[@jaydenwhitlen1489]

He sounds like Scott Pilgrim, which is ironic on multiple levels

[@fruit_mandje2166]

GangstaPotatos That is not irony but coincidence.

[@ricardojmestre]

Just needs the Red one

[@glennholmes724]

Scott pilgrims sound is from a mustang. The red rick is only for the show

[@buzzardsinuses4780]

@@glennholmes724 The books he was using a Rick, and in the movie he was using a rick.

[@glennholmes724]

@@buzzardsinuses4780 sure, but in the recording used in the movie Scott Pilgrims part is played on a mustang and the awesome solo is played on a ric although the character is playing a mustang.

[@joeykelly5642]

Considering the price and the amount of time you waited to get that bass, it should have been flawless. The issues you had with it are unacceptable.

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Nice review

[@leemaddison1286]

Perhaps it's all part of the experience......

[@sjeffy5137]

@@leemaddison1286 Yeah I think this may be kinda like owning an Alfa Romeo, part of ownership is knowing that it’s unreliable as hell and will inevitably break down within a few years

[@supersandwich8967]

I mean just look at Gibson

[@Fireglo]

@@sjeffy5137 Fender literally once sold a "Kurt Cobain signature" with the same damage Kurt had on his already on it XD

[@fendersunburst4832]

For that Classic Ric tone, the sweet spot can be found if you go all knobs maxed then back off the Bass volume until you hear a change in tone which will give you that Classic Ric tone.

[@thebathrobebassist58]

I do the same thing, except I roll the bridge pup down just a smidge

[@olliecohen709]

@@thebathrobebassist58 I do the same thing !

[@blowith]

Yup

[@markdaniels7174]

Full-up on both tone knobs, full-up on bridge pu volume, and about 60% up on neck pu volume.

[@MyCovertNarcissism]

Fantastic review Scott. These videos are often full of people just bragging / showing off that they have one, but it was great to see a person telling it like it is, good and bad.

[@ferox965]

I've gigged my 2007 since I got it. Never had an issue at all, especially given how hard I've gigged it.

[@l04d83]

@@ferox965 same my old 4001 still holds up to this day, after thousands of hours of recording and gigging, not once have i had to repair it.

[@dimps86jl]

Just wanted to mention because of this video I bought one. I love the sound!!! Thanks

[@thrashislife2654]

im working my ass of to get one, the moment ill touch it will be glorious

[@charlesagustsson9437]

This review was super helpful on what to expect for a Ric, I just ordered a 2007 Ric 4003 in Bronzed Fireglo and I’m really excited for it!

[@robotromance5470]

Thank you! Have fun with it! Despite my issues I'll never regret buying mine

[@cwnderz]

I hope you get it soon so you can play to your heart's content!

[@anguitenens]

Used to be, long ago(60's and 70's), Rick basses came from the factory with flatwound strings on them.

[@simonr7097]

And that's how they sound best!

[@jazzman1954]

Simon R Amen!

[@anguitenens]

I prefer roundwounds, but whatever strikes your fancy.

[@jacobpullen6949]

@@simonr7097 Nah. Rotosounds all the way

[@leemaddison1286]

Untill Chris Squire and Geddy came along....

[@greatkingrat]

Good honest review. I really appreciate the cons in this review as it’s a sort after product for me and a lot of money.

[@jenson_burrows7881]

Dunno what the guy is looking at

[@ricardojmestre]

Gunpoint, I tell you

[@elvergalarga4461]

@@ricardojmestre that explains the nervous laughter.

[@edgryff]

I've never heard someone so happy to finish a video

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

BASS player here, thank you for sharing your experience, saw one guy on KZbin setting the tross-rod on a Rick, WHAT A PAIN. I like the sound of those BASSES, iconic.

[@jedw]

I've never heard of anybody having the strings rattle against the top of the pickup cover. You'd have to have either insanely high action, or the pickup screwed down far far too low.

[@marianchez]

Who left the pickup cover in place? I removed it as I got it in mine. Yes the bridge is a pain the nut, but the bass is so solid, so clear, that the effort worth it.

[@matsgoalkeeping2448]

Mariano Sanchez I keep my cover on since I’m a pick player

[@PostalDude667]

@@marianchez I left mine on because it looks cool :D

[@NilezII]

That makes exactly two players I've ever heard of leaving the pickup cover on. I thought EVERYBODY took it off, like the one on the P-bass.

[@profile2047]

Does anyone else think this is a really strange review? So many weird comments and sentence structures.

[@louierubio]

thanks for the vid man. Good info

[@funkyfender1]

I used to have a white 4001 with black binding, scratch plate and headstock name plate and the logo in raised white lettering. I loved it and it was my first dream bass. First thing I did was to remove the bridge pickup cover. It just gets in the way and restricts different plucking positions and styles. This was a beautiful bass and nothing else was going to get me that vintage ‘ricky’ sound. However, in the late eighties I got into fretless bass and the Ricky stayed in the case! I then transitioned and developed into more blues, jazz and funk styles and my bass collection grew with a Schecter fretless 4 string and a Yamaha BB1500 (also in white). Then I came across a beautiful 5 string Fender Jazz Bass Plus. This model has no scratch plate and is a gorgeous tobacco sunburst colour. It is active with a passive option and the control knobs are in a parallel orientation to the strings rather than the traditional slanted configuration. It looks really unique whilst clearly being a quality Fender. This has a classic Jazz Bass Sound with the ability to get excellent tonal variations including a mid-boost setting using the active EQ. The Yamaha was quite good for slap styles but I found it a bit clinical sounding after a while, whereas the Jazz Bass has been far warmer and more usable. So I sold the Rich, Schecter and Yamaha in favour of the Fender. I’ve added an electric upright 4 string by Dean and I recently acquired a 5 string electro-acoustic 5 string which I’m going to convert to fretless! I’m sad I had to sell the Ricky, but I still have the bridge pickup cover as a souvenir! Thanks for making this video...

[@gloriab9361]

I had a metallic blue one. SWR 900 head. It was nice. Just never felt like I was in it when playing it. Felt like I was on top or pushed away from it. I still like them.

[@Hitch1612]

The vintage switch doesn’t affect the neck pickup

[@antares4975]

you can hear the difference, your argument sucks

[@Hitch1612]

@@antares4975 aha. No you can’t. Go look at a wiring diagram…!

[@ravenstrange8466]

I have one, a 4003 Jet Glo. I have all the Original parts, I have not one single complaint about it. It's perfect. You do not need to replace anything on it at all. I use a Zero Mod thumbrest when using fingers, and when I use a pick I play behind the pickup cover and it's amazing. People tend to over think things. Rickenbackers are a completely different animal. Learn to play it, adjust your playing. Nothing wrong with these basses in their current forms.

[@kami_beatz5795]

ive got to know this amazing bass by the 2000 anime Fooly Cooly (FLCL) and when i first saw the guitar when it first appeared i was like " wow thats a dope guitar" and man i still think to this day that his my favorite bass guitar ever

[@lurtz8656]

FLCL is one of the reasons I purchased my Ric. Love these instruments. I'm planning on getting another at some point like the midnight blue FLCL as mine's Fireglo

[@analogaudiorules1724]

Wish i wouldve bought a midnight blue before they discontinued them like dumb asses

[@minidwarf4266]

From McCartney, to Haruko, to Scott Pilgrim

[@MjrMjr-tt3kn]

This was a very fair and respectable review- thanks for sharing your expeerience! I want one of these basses!

[@chrisdelgaudio6980]

I replaced the stock bridge with a brass Hipshot Rickenbacker Replacement bridge. This made a world of difference for tuning, intonation and adjusting the action but didn't change the traditional Ric tone. I don't know anyone that owns a Pic that leaves that pickup guard on.

[@anguitenens]

I still have the pickup guards on both my 4003's. ;)

[@dukealbert7017]

Chris Squire

[@Peepeestorm]

I got my Rickenbacker 4003s and while it took me a lot longer to properly setup than my other basses, it plays wonderfully, sounds great, and I have none of the issues you mentioned here. Guess it all depends on luck? But nah, I absolutely love my Rick.

[@stickplayer2]

Sadly, with Rickenbacker, it depends way too much on luck than it should at this price.

[@fredherfst8148]

I bought one in 2005…never had those buzzing issues. I replaced the bridge. Awesome guitar.

[@WheezilyDistracted]

Thank you so much for this video man! So concise and so informative. Exactly what I needed to know. Thank you

[@RobHalde511]

Holy fuck this is hard to watch, is someone holding you at gun point? Lmao

[@clicheguevara5282]

Blink twice if you need help! Lmao

[@ferox965]

Have a 2007. Never had a problem with mine and I gigged it hard for ten years. Never had a rattle. You can't approach and maintain them like a Fender. Mine has been very good to me considered how much I put it through...all it needed was a quick job once a year. Between it and my 1980 BC Rich Eagle, I have all my bases covered for whatever gig is on deck. Run it through an Orange and it's perfect.

[@dave13dc]

I have one and I love it. Rickenbacker don’t have a Far Eastern budget range so if you want one you’ve got to REALLY want one. I like that aspect myself. Stereo or mono outputs are very old school and although I have the stereo box and lead to use the stereo output I haven’t actually tried it yet. You can run each pickup to an individual amp using the stereo box and I want to use a filthy overdriven bridge pickup into one amp and clean bassy, neck pickup into another. I’m not into active systems and prefer passive pickups and use the amp to tweak the tone. Actives add too much complexity. I play Lemmy style and it’s perfect for Filth. If you’re into Jaco then this bass will annoy the hell out you. It feels more like a guitar than a bass if that makes sense. Live it turns heads and on one occasion a guy showing off his Jaco licks on a fancy bespoke custom 5 string was stopped dead in his tracks simply by me opening the case of my Rickenbacker. Ha!! Try one but you’ll have to work with it and adapt to its needs a lot more than you would with a Precision or Jazz. Overdrive brings it to life. Al Cisneros of Sleep gets an awesome sound from his.

[@anguitenens]

Yeah, Ricks are pretty pricey nowadays. But, I'd definitely pay a couple grand for a new one if I could. I think they're worth every penny. I got lucky on price and waiting time when I got my 2 4003's. Got both of them from a discount house in Greenville, South Carolina. My father was friends with the guy who ran the store, so that helped a little, too. ;) I ordered my custom-made Jetglo around July of 1985 and got it September 17th. My custom-made Mapleglo was ordered July or August of 1989 and I got it October 2nd. Both guitars I got 40% off. Paid about $680 for the Jetglo with case, right about $1,000 for the Mapleglo with case.

[@LT1derland]

So much confusion and uncertainty in this video, very hard to watch.

[@mikeroadblock]

Yeah right?! Clear to me. Thank you.

[@MHChang2014]

What was confusing about it? He told us what he dislikes about the bass and his experiences with that particular example before a playing demo and presenting what he does like

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

Have you tried using the dual truss rods to set slightly more relief on the bass side of the neck than the treble side? You might be able to get a lower action with less rattle that way.

[@Zatoichi444]

I wanted midnight blue also, i got it. But it was $100 cheaper than the other colors. I wasn't sure why, until someone told me that in the 80's everyone and their sister had midnight blue or cobalt blue. Let's stage a comeback!!!

[@thefool2007]

The looks and tone are awesome (despite the pickups being a tad noisy by design). The construction and setup issues have kept me away from a purchase. I borrowed a friends 4003 and played at church (over 20 years ago) and it played and sounded killer. I just couldn’t justify the high spend due to QC issues that have been around since the instrument went into production. This is particularly sad to me as I started playing bass because of Chris Squire who was the best ever.

[@stickplayer2]

I've owned a few and played a number more. I agree completely about their build and quality issues. Their best ones are truly transcendent instruments, but it's a crap shoot as to whether yours will be one of them.

[@punman5392]

Dave’s World of Fun Stuff has a lot to say about these. He played one regularly and hated every moment of it

[@DeadKoby]

I have a Ric 4003 also. When I got it, it looked incredible... but had a few setup issues. Actually 3 of my 4 Rics needed adjustments before I was happy. I always chose mine from shops that had them ready to ship... The instruments are quite unique. You'll either really love it, or you'll want to stay away. When one compares Ric's Pricing to USA Fender and Gibson.... it's competitive.

[@Yourd4d]

Literally the best bass setup I've come across and now use is a cliff burton set up (not the pickup mods lol). Basically use light guage strings and remove the pickup cover. Plus if u want, get a thumb rest for the ric, they're pretty neat.

[@jmasno5]

TWO THINGS - 1. The bridge pickup cover is completely plastic. It offers nothing to the sound but gets in the way. 2. It is advisable to flip the bridge pickup and reverse the wiring on it. This will eliminate the hum. Google "RWRP Bridge Pickup Mod Tutorial." It is easy. No effect to the Ric tone. This is how Jazz basses are wired. When both pots are turned up, they cancel the hum. Yes, I waited several weeks for my 4003 S Mapleglo. Yes, it came stock with a odd gauge of bass strings you will not find anywhere else. Great bass, infectious tone. Not as easy to play as a Jazz or P-bass. Sometimes though, I just like looking at it :)

[@chrislechowicz3747]

My friend bought his in 1993 and the first thing I did was take off that stupid plastic cover over the bridge pickup which does nothing except look good. If you look at most of the premium players of these basses, they do the same thing. That plate is placed literally right where you would be playing. Just take it off and store it.

[@marksherman1887]

The Fender P-Bass is the standard. I have tried so many others and always go back to the Fender.

[@Terrible_Peril]

“A Precision bass may not always be the right choice, but it’s never the wrong choice.”

[@billiamtrillion]

TerriblePeril couldn’t have said it better myself

[@shirtsguitar]

TerriblePeril awesome

[@bobdeluxeandtheideals1356]

love this ✊

[@rodrigocostamagna3896]

Very nice job!!!!

[@briangrovenstein6382]

I took the pick up plate off,and changed my bridge to a hip shot..sounds smooth now .I diig the sound now👍👇

[@Jack-pp2ng]

That tone is just amazing

[@belzebongnight9521]

Napalm deathhhhhhhhh

[@G8GT364CI]

You get a good sound out of that bass, thank you.

[@joshfreedman9695]

I had the same problem when i first changed my strings! The D string didn't fit in the nut!

[@lukedabassman7001]

Josh Freedman sane with mine the nut cane off lol but it’s an easy fix

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@lukedabassman7001 Luke da bassman!!!!

[@salz.7167]

Metal Scott, your video had much truth. I purchased several new, 4001 and 4003's. The common denominators were unstable intonation, thin twang sound, uncomfortable when performing, bowed necks.....truss rod's never set correctly, difficult to set up bridge, nuts incorrectly cut, etc..... Why should I need to reset factory settings on a $2,000. bass ? For my money, I have always been completely satisfied with Fender Precision basses.

[@gutbucket260]

So why did you buy more then one? Did you not know this bass does sound different then most other basses?

[@kevinhughes9200]

I'm going to purchase a Mapleglo 4003s soon. As far as the modern/vintage control, I'd leave it on modern, the vintage just sounds too thin in my opinion. I really enjoyed the video.

[@monkeymindmatters]

I really do like that tone. Powerful. For the price, it should really be flawless though.

[@gurgisjones1120]

Great video. Weird to see people having issue with the plain truth and important points.

[@profile2047]

It’s not weird. It’s how people are.

[@jerendeb]

FYI- in 2014 May it took 10 days to get Midnight Blue from SamAsh. com & 10 days for Walnut in November. In 2018 it took 6 weeks to get #3 of 25 FabGear vintage SnoGlo. I have none of the issues mentioned with all 3.

[@lartensgrill6106]

Great in-depth review. Thank you.

[@Blueguitar007]

My $450 Squier Bass VI has no problems at all. I didn't shim or mod it at all. Bridge intonates perectly, no fret buzz, no truss adjustment needed. But, as usual if you go on the forums everyone immediately takes apart their bass and shims and replaces every part on the thing...I'm not so sure about people frankly. Anyway, thanks for the review, I no longer lust for a Rick...they do look cool AF tho!

[@santiagohauscarriague8002]

i'm still trying to find in which key is he playing

[@rickleblanc8900]

I'm still trying to figure out why he deserves that bass. I have no answer

[@Kraz3e987]

@@rickleblanc8900 he deserves it because he bought it. I'm a sucky bass player and imma buy one cause I want one. If I were to wait till I was an amazing bass player id likely never buy one.

[@allrequiredfields]

Seriously, it sounds like when the bass player goes to the bathroom and the singer fucks around with the bass.

[@carlitoxb110]

@@allrequiredfields when guitarist say a bass player is a guitarist with o talent they are talking about people like the guy on the video

[@Blakenbacker]

@@allrequiredfields 100% 😂😂

[@cleaningmyroom1000]

They can’t make as many but that means it drives up the price and makes them more sought after. Kind of a bonus for them lol.

[@marcs4091]

Paid $1,000 cash for mine in 1995. Love the my Rick but I have to say the Jazz Bass always held up better over time.

[@marcs4091]

Nice! I have one of those too. I think it was 2001 when I got it. Paid just over $600 for it. Now it's over a G ones you get a case for it. Back then I used to play a lot of not so much any more. My sound guy always used to complain about how hard it was to record the Geddy Lee bass because it has so much low-end. If you like Rickenbacker and you like Fennders, you probably like the S1 Jazz bass it's like jazz bass that has Rick O Sound button.

[@axe2grind911a]

Not sure why he's using the push/pull on the neck pup since it only effects the bridge. Also there's no effect from the tone controls on the opposite pickups, though he's changing the settings as though there is!

[@jayedannholmes6367]

Yes you were honest with your review! You just saved me 2000.00 if Rickenbacker can't build a guitar that doesn't buzz than they should not build them at all. My personal opinion you wasted your money, I think I will buy a IBANEZ! Thank you very very very much Bob.

[@jeredblackmoor3295]

Interesting. Never had any intonation issue with my Ric or anything mentioned. I must be fortunate. Love the tone. I like a bit of fret buzz for some applications. So far so good.

[@mickebgeliasson3060]

Hi. where did you get this base from? , I got my stolen in 2018 .. are there any labels under the microphones there ?? if , plice take contact whit me best regard micke ,

[@duffbaker9554]

LOL!!!

[@OmniTron1000]

finally threw down and bought one, after years of wanting one. Got it almost a year ago, and have almost exclusively been playing it since then. I have been loving my time with it, despite one of the adjustment bolts for the dampening bar falling out :\

[@jamesmay3941]

The E string gauge factory supplied is 105. I made the mistake of getting a wrong sized set, but rather than hacking away at the nut on my cherished, beloved and expensive 4003, I looked into it and bought the right gauge of strings! The other set will be fine for my old bass. Ricky set from factory is 45-55-75-105.

[@Riddickisawesome101]

I had a midnight blue one and sold it. I really regret selling it. I was able to remove the bridge pickup cover successfully

[@stickplayer2]

I went through a massive guitar buy/trade/sell phase, and had a couple Rickenbacker basses. I've tried/played many more, and the one constant (in new instruments) from them is that the quality is all over the map. I think about one in 5 that I've played were really great - feel, sound, inspiration. It's really odd how variable they are. I strongly suggest trying a number of them before considering buying.

[@MrDream-zm1pw]

Sounds like my experience with Gibson. Have bought and returned 3 so far in the past 2 years alone.

[@PhullyNo1]

Easier said than done. The only place I’ve had the opportunity to play more than one in a store was down in Austin Texas.

[@markgabriel5797]

I love Rics. I just never bought one due to the constant issues they have.

[@carlitoxb110]

the sound of it worths dealing with those issues

[@MrMItzi-cc3xo]

@@carlitoxb110 not worth dealing with so much technical bullshit it is just not worth it. Are we going to play bass or self-teaching luthier courses. Don't get me wrong it is obligatory that you must know how to maintain the current instrument that you play but I prefer to play the damn thing rather than dealing with its imperfections ...

[@ferox965]

Never had an issue with mine-a 2007 4003. I put mine to work hard for ten straight years. Other than a seasonal tune up, mine was good to go. I used it for everything. I did have a 4004 for a short time but the neck would not settle down unlike my 4003 so I sold it. Picked up a 1980 BC Eagle so between the two, all my needs are covered.

[@punman5392]

@@MrMItzi-cc3xo agreed. Nowadays any bass with two splittable humbuckers will be able to get pretty much every time you’ll ever need from Jazz bass to Ric.

[@T-Hawkeyes]

This is goofballs. My only issue with mine is the cutaway. What an instrument.

[@stockman1514]

This ith thuch a good review. Thuper job

[@marknaylor8674]

I've been considering getting a Rick my self but the only thing stopping me is that bar across the bridge pickup. It just looks like it's really gonna annoy me in the way I play. Is there a model that comes without it? Or can u just tale it off?

[@robotromance5470]

You can take it off with a bit of effort. It's not as easy as it seems like it would be but you can watch a video on it I'm sure. I decided to keep mine on purely because of the classic look that I grew to love

[@steeltag]

everyone I"ve seen play one, has removed it...including mine back in the mid 80's, never missed it

[@montag4516]

There's actually a video here on YT showing exactly how to do it. "Remove that icky pickup cover" or something like that. Nothing technical about it, just keep the parts in the right order when putting it back together.

[@thtoneguynico]

are you not able to remove the pick up bar to avoid some buzz?

[@vicentediazgreve6738]

You need 2 change the nut and the bridge for a hipshot, remove the metal bar from the pick up and I suggest changing also the pick ups for a seymour duncan pick ups. I have a rickenbacker and change that and now it sounds awesome

[@duffbaker9554]

It's not even a metal cover- it's some kind of plastic made to look like metal. I was surprised when I removed mine.

[@bucknasty69]

A buddy of mine has a 4003 with the Seymour Duncan Lemmy signature pickups and that thing absolutely rips. He runs it through a Matamp GT200 and a 4x12 cab; it’s probably the most righteous bass tone I’ve ever heard.

[@aussiecoastie72]

Thank you for your honest review , enjoyed this video .

[@JamesMoore-un3cu]

I bought a brand new 4003s in 2017 and its been a great instrument. Bought it on eBay from a guitar shop in Memphis somewhere, they had it in stock, unlike the excuses I got from the local shop that would "order one" for me, which "could take a year", I was like, nah. I wanted to buy local, but whatever. I got it in a couple of days, Midnight Blue..... Rics are a "bass player's bass", in my opinion. The neck is super long, so playing notes down on the neck is difficult, especially as I get older. I didn't have any issues with mine. I use D'Addario strings (replaced the strings that Ric sent with it, pretty much immediately). I took all the unnecessary hardware off and powder coated the chrome to black, replaced the white pickguard with black, and changed the strut rod cover from white to black. I know that they can sometimes have issues; luckily I didn't have any trouble with mine, but I did take it to a luthier and he did some adjustments to it. It is an iconic instrument for a reason and I really like the idea that they're still made in the USA, which is rare these days... Although they should not be in CA, especially when there's an (idiotic) restriction on "lacquer" (seriously?). There is truly nothing I've ever played like a Ric, and not just the sound, the construction is very solid. My brother has collected several basses over the years, but when he picks up my Ric, he says "Wow, this is an incredible instrument", and he's exactly right.

[@rrdream2400]

Very distinct tone, lots of character. Works great on certain types of music, if you write your own songs, play progressive rock etc... but I found a P or a J works much better playing in a cover band where you cover different styles and eras. A lot times on the Rick it's like where is the midrange? The tone is very scooped and trebley.

[@kiwibass]

The scooped and trebly tone you're referring to is only noticeable with *both* pickups on... reminiscent of a Fender Jazz. But when you're using the bridge PU only, you're in midrange heaven! Cuts through EVERY mix. Listen to McCartney's "Silly Love Songs" or his "Wings Over America" live album, and you get the idea... ;-) So "lack of midrange" is *not* the reason why a Rick doesn't sit well within your cover band context: It's rather the lack of punch, attack and overall "definition", which again is due to the instrument's construction (neck-through, shorter scale length, questionable hardware etc.). It's a singer, not a dancer. As much as I love my Ricks, a 4001 and a 4003, I can only agree with your statement: When you're playing Top 40, a good J or P is the bass you need.

[@rrdream2400]

@@kiwibass I think we're saying the same thing. Mid range is a very wide spectrum. So when you say "punch, attack and overall definition" to me that describes mid range to a T. Maybe it's upper vs lower or you mean something else. Or I mean something else. Geddy Lee always cuts through, as does McCartney, I much prefer his flat wound tone on a Rick. I just feel liked they are voiced to have low end and razor sharp treble and nothing better when it's working. P bass is low mids and high mids, not boomy and not brittle. Never clashes with the other instruments.

[@kiwibass]

@@rrdream2400 Well, we're *almost* saying the same thing... or at least reach the same conclusion! ;-) What I meant by "punch, attack & defininition" was not so much the frequency range per se, but the dynamics (or "envelope") of the tone - or how "fast" the instruments responds to your fingers. Musically speaking, it's the rhythmic information in the audio signal. As it's hard to put in words, let Geddy Lee be the perfect example: He was switching over to a WAL when Rush decided to take a different rhythmic approach... opening up to "world music" elements and generally being a bit more"funky". Try "Big Money" on a Rick, and you know what I mean... ;-)

[@ignacio-araya]

That's an expensive a fart machine

[@michaelevans6407]

I,m A Gettin' One; Me Third Ric Bro!

[@carlitoxb110]

it's not your style but it's mine, this bass is perfect for metal and rock

[@michaelevans6407]

@@carlitoxb110 Well Said Sir! I'm Looking Forward To Getting A Ric 4003W Next Week!

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

@@carlitoxb110 As every Bass if you play it right.

[@c.j.bakker5653]

@ 11:13>> another BIG difference between 4003 and 4003S is the lack of the stereo 'rick-o-sound' output jack.

[@GeorgePiazza]

2:45 -4 & 9:15 Does anyone know what type of laquer Rick uses, and if any other bass (or guitar) manufacturer uses it?

[@anguitenens]

To my knowledge, it's polyurethane. Rickenbacker calls it conversion varnish; I don't know if they're one and the same. I'm relatively sure Rickenbacker isn't the only company that uses it. And, unless things have changed, it's not just one, but multiple layers.

[@GuitarBassCigar]

its an odd make called TooFrigginMuch

[@dginta7932]

Love the looks and some of the sounds of the Ric, but I just couldn’t get comfortable on my 4003. Hated the lacquered neck and fret board and the body just didn’t feel comfortable. I really wanted to like it but it didn’t work for me. My bridge p/u also went south.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

My neck pickup went out after only 3 weeks.

[@G5Hohn]

The answer to your question is: yes, Guitar Center is stupid.

[@SimplyReg]

You bored me to tears. Thanks.

[@MrTopographic1]

Yes, I've only watched 2 minutes of this, and I am bored to tears as well.

[@gabriels.5556]

literally crying of boredom. I could watch uranium decay and be less bored

[@gutbucket260]

Sting picked up on this and quickly wrote "Driven To Tears". So, ya, this video was an inspiration.

[@Captain0conrad]

What is the neck profile like on these?

[@davidsmythe2223]

In short custom build is best?

[@b4truthlynn434]

I played a 4003s for many year's, loved it. But I had to learn a different way of my attacks, had to play softly on that, but I never had felt buzz. They are overpriced, but nothing sounds like them. Plus the nut is made for their strings, if you play a different strings the diameter is different.

[@thevictoryoverhimself7298]

90s 4003 owner here: owning one of these is like owning a lambo or ferrari. its awesome, but you know its not as a good as a toyota or honda in some ways and you're going to deal with a lot of hassle. worth it.

[@rickharper3940]

see if you can get a feeler guage under the tailpiece. trouble ahead if so. i thought they were cut out by computer, now. finished by hand. i've seen some new basses with no lacquer on fretboard.

[@anthonylakich1727]

i've been playing Left Handed 4003 and 4003s and 4001 and 4004 Rickenbacker 's scents 1998 so yea there not cheap and i have got them between 8 and 12 months to get it. But They are a Great Bass and worth the Money and Late

[@duffbaker9554]

I've been playing left-handed 4003, 4003s, 4001 and 4001s Rickenbackers since 1998, so yeah-they're not cheap and I had to wait between 8 to 12 months to get them. But they are great basses and worth the money and the wait.

[@mallorga1965]

I'd check neck relief before setting the string action.

[@sunnohh]

It says something when I cant help myself from shopping for one even while you go over qc issues.

[@taker1971]

Own 5 4003 s 1 with Thunderbird pick ups to get the Limmy sound 1 with a Di Marzio Mudbucker a SD stacked jazz with a Strat pu where the sting mute is 1 with Alumbic set up in then two stock but I take the pick up cover off and never had a problem with any of them

[@olivertoeknuckle4664]

I bought a new 4003 in 1982. The action was set up perfectly from the shop, and this bass feels and plays better than anything I've ever played. However, I have to turn my amp up to 11 to get it to bark! It has BY FAR the weakest pups ive ever heard. Is this normal?

[@punman5392]

Older Rics were notorious for having ridiculously low output

[@josephcapalbo6370]

Not Sure if you will see this comment since its been awhile since the post, But I do have a legit question. My bridge pickup just went out also. What was the issue with yours and how did you fix it?

[@robotromance5470]

I still see every comment. I just made a rule about not responding after about 6 months for anything aside from direct legitimate questions. Which is probably good considering the overall negativity in this comment section. The problem with mine ended up being a dead solder joint. They have a different coloration when the connection is dead. So basically just pop off the pickguard and look for the odd solder joint. Mine is actually acting up again so I might do a touch up all around now that I have a nice soldering station and a much better knowledge of wiring. If wiring isn't something you're familiar with you may want to try a local music shop if possible. I hope this helps! And I hope yours gets fixed!

[@josephcapalbo6370]

@@robotromance5470 Thank you very much for the response. I will take a look at my wiring a bit closer. I already looked and and it seemed fine but i did not look for a odd color in the wiring. That is a great tip. Thank you.

[@fendersunburst4832]

You can adjust intonation without removing the strings with an offset screwdriver......Problem solved!

[@kiwibass]

The main difference between the 4001 and 4003 is the truss rod(s). When the 4003 was introduced, they abandoned the old "hairpin" rods in favour of a more conventinal design used by Fender and countless others. They both have their pros and cons, but the old hairpin rods were often used the wrong way, by people who didn't know what they were doing. Almost every 4001 has suffered fretboard separation near the nut... just as almost every Les Paul has suffered a headstock break! ;-)

[@artimusbill]

Make a list of points you want to cover. This video is difficult to watch. Your points seem valid but you meander around seemingly randomly.

[@travisfrance5511]

4003V63S differences, Contoured body, single jack. Mine is from the 80's. No fret buzz if you set it up properly.

[@craigdamage]

If you want a solid body bass with two single coil pickups that is famous for a bright rockin' twang get a Fender Jazz bass. Way less troubles and issues.

[@jl1848]

When you're talking, I hear lots of hum in the room...but when you play, I hear no hum at all. I have a Rick, and it hums like crazy. How did you get it humless in the recording? Thanks.

[@jmhatutube]

Back in the early 80's I had a Rickenbacker 4001 that came to me in perfect shape, including the setup. Back then I was a teenager and didn't know much about setup. The first thing I did on my Rickenbacker was take off that stupid bar over the bridge pickup. I like playing in that area and that thing just gets in the way. Why anyone would keep that on is beyond me. Older Fender bases had some of those two. My friend has a P-Bass with one on and it drives me nuts to play it because so many sounds can be made by playing by playing at different places over the pickups and near the bridge. I think the only thing I don't like about the Rickenbacker is the lacquered fingerboard and neck. I'd rather have have them oil rubbed rather than a finish. I currently only two bases and with the cost of everything gong up (I bough my 80's Rickenbacker 4001 for $650 but could sell it now for $7,500 because it had Grover tuners and a checkerboard binding that is very rare) so my current basses are two $500 Squires where i upgrade like I would a computer. The first thing I replace is the original bridge with a Badass II or a Kickass bridge. Basically a high-mass bridge for better sustain and clarity. I also put Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder pickups in my Jazz Basses and they sound awesome. My most recent purchase is a 40th Anniversary Squire that has pretty hot pickups to begin with so I'm not sure I will change these ones out. Regardless my two Squire bases are upgrades to the point of at least a mid-level bass and they sound and play awesome. My next bass purchase will likely be the Geddy Lee Signature Fender Jazz Bass. It's still less expensive than the Rickenbacker; although at some point I very much want a Rickenbacker again. I loved my old one and certainly wished I never sold it.

[@dimps86jl]

I don't care what anyone says, this is a great video. Thanks

[@luisgramirez94]

"I'd expect that from a squier" Nahh never had those problems with any of my squiers, and even then getting a good setup on them takes no time. Also focus on a groove man! Cant really appreciate the tone if you're travelling the neck like you have to show off every note or something.

[@raymartin1234]

The reason you wait is a marketing strategy. They maker fewer so everyone wants one it has little to do with lacquer. They are not well made, they are pretty bad, but.....they have a very distinctive sound, like no other bass.

[@Yourd4d]

There are some rickenbackers that are made pretty well. But most years do have the most faults. 2012 was rated the best year for rickenbackers and the new 4003S/5 is their best design. It's a shame how they are very inconsistent.

[@caseyking8394]

I dig that shovel knight t shirt

[@robotromance5470]

Thanks! It's one of my favorite games

[@mrtaylorhelm]

Rick did you dirty.

[@bobrogers6078]

Not a Rick owner but looking to be one. Correct me if I've wrong but removing the pickup cover isn't as easy as removing a Fender's. Don't the strings need to be removed and the pickup assembly must to be removed from the cavity first?

[@trevorg4405]

rick owner here 4003, you have to just unscrew it but there is a small metal ring that goes over the pickup cover, take it off and put the pickup springs back on and your done in 3-5mins, I take it off some times but i prefer it on 90% of the time

[@bobrogers6078]

@@trevorg4405 Thank you Trevor.