Tell me about my 4003?

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 5:31 am

i have recently got a 4003, it is a fantastic ivory color (although im quessing it was orginally white), with black binding and black plated hardware. It has a serial number prefix of B4, which apparently means 1991, would that be correct?

also can someone give me advice on strings? -i hear 4003's can cope with any strings. it is currently strung with Ernie Ball Stainless steel regular slinky (50 - 105). These are fine, but they expensive and hard to obtain where i am, rotosounds however are cheaper and easy to get hold of. If i am using the rotosound RS66 strings (45 - 105) will they be basically the same as the ernie balls?

tim4003 · Post by **tim4003** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 7:40 am

Right you are, Owen. That's a '91 you got there.
As far as strings go, I use RotoSound RS-66LD strings on my '01 4003. They sound great on a RIC.

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 8:02 am

Owen,
The ivory color is indeed a fantastic color, especially when paired with black binding.

White RIC finish tends to yellow with age, some older ones even have the so-called "creme" and "canarie yellow" color resulting from the process
.
These aged whites are more appealing to the original white, in my humble opinion. This is of course a matter of personal preference only.

Congratulations !!! You got yourself one of the finest basses on earth.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:59 am

on another note, i have a slight problem with string buzz. the bas overall is fine, but the low frets, notably the second fret on the e and a strings buzz if played even slightly hard. could this be due to a neck that is too straight?

mortivan · Post by **mortivan** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 1:26 pm

Hi Owen,

Ask in the Luthier section if any of the experts know of a good person in your area to put the bass through a good setup.

"A good Ric is worth much. A good Ric properly setup is priceless!"

eddier · Post by **eddier** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 9:14 pm

Owen:
I use Rotosound RS66's (105-45) on my 4003. When I first put the set on, there was a slight buzz on the E & A second frets. I raised the action very slightly and that took care of the problem.

The action is still very low practically plays itself. Please take Mortivan's advice, it is worth your time. Good Luck with your new bass & welcome to the "Ric-side"

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Jan 01, 2003 6:34 am

I use nickel round wounds ... they are cheaper ... they have a more vintage sound ... they are easier on the frets ... here's where you can get a set for under $10

http://www.musicyo.com/categoryfilter.asp