82 4003s

[Bishopsfinger]

Hi all! Newbie here
Can anyone tell me about my Mapleglo 4003s? I’ve not seen another like it.It has a plexiglass TRC and a Toaster which I’m sure has always been there
The closest I’ve seen is a 4003sb but mines mono.Someone suggested it may have been a one off or prototype
Thanks in advance

[Bishopsfinger]

Here’s a pic

[rickinroma]

The B series, the predecessor of the V series?

[clasbas]

I have heard - by rumour - that sometimes, the serial number decoder on the RIC site might give extra info about special instruments. If you have not tried it already, it might be worth a visit there to see if they provide something special for your serial number.

[Bishopsfinger]

Thanks folks
The serial number dates to June 83 but the body date is 82 and the pots are 81!

[jps]

Hi all! Newbie here
Can anyone tell me about my Mapleglo 4003s?

Can you tell us more about your fingernail procedure?

[bassduke49]

The "B" series was inconsistent as far as features go. It started out as 4001SB to emulate McCartney's bass. It was basically a stock 4001S which would have had a set neck with a shedua central strip in the neck (only). They installed a Toaster-top pickup in the standard 1" position to make it look "vintage". I wouldn't be surprised that some got the dual outlet "Rick-O-Sound" feature or a leftover plexi truss-rod cover. When 4001S stock had run out, they started making the "B" series out of 4003S which would have had the reverse-loaded truss rods, split pickguard, and neck-through construction. Does yours have a set neck with shedua strip? Then it would be a 4001S or possibly 4001SB. The inconsistencies of the B series led to its cancellation when John Hall took over the company in 1984. He then developed the more period-accurate 4001V63.

[Bishopsfinger]

This is neck through with body end truss rods and a one piece pickguard

[bassduke49]

OK, so it is a 4003S and may have been a 4003SB. The pickguard MAY be a replacement since it isn't a split one, but again, inconsistencies during that time are common. In any case, it is a fine Rickenbacker.

[Bishopsfinger]

It’s never had a split pickguard

[Bishopsfinger]

Thanks Paul …I love the inconsistencies

[cheyenne]

I had one of these back in the Eighties.

http://www.rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/b ... series.htm

[bassduke49]

I have a lot more info on the B series in the book. It seems that it was first advertised in Japan and was labeled 4001SB and the one in the American ad is clearly a set-neck 4001S leftie with a Toaster, making it an SB. By the time the American ad came out, they were calling it the 4003SB.

[Bishopsfinger]

Thanks for the info
Im guessing it’s a 4003s that they slapped a few odds and ends on !

[Bishopsfinger]

Further research reveals it to be a 4003Sb
Many thanks for all your help