4003s/5

casinoman · Post by **casinoman** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:43 pm

I recently saw a red/BT 5-string in good shape for sale, but I am wondering what this instrument is actually worth? There is not too many around on Ebay, so it's tough to get a reference.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 1:50 am

$1500.00 to $2000. A mint one would go higher. I think they fall into the V63 price group. Black trim to me is worth more. But that seems to be a double edge sword on the market. Some people like it, some people hate it.

The thing is, Rickebacker isnt producing a 5 string right now. This will make them even more desirable.

ram · Post by **ram** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 4:50 am

I don't know if this helps or not but... I paid about $1775 a year ago for mine on the Bay. It was in very good condition. So that falls in line with what Scott said. It was mono - I added ROS capability. Plays and sounds sweet - the pitch of the strings took a little getting used to - they are closer together. But it is a very fast neck because of it.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:17 am

4003s5 ... don't buy it ... have the seller sell it to me ...

seriously ... there are really nice basses ... with a flaw ... some people can't get used to the tight string spacing and some people can't get used to a low B ... but it has that distinctive 4003 single coil sound and a low B ... I love the 4003s5 ... and Ric is not producing a 5 string bass right now and may not for years ... so the 4003s5 will only go up in value ... and when Rickenbacker does start producing a 5 string bass it will be a 4004 with humbuckers ...

I think I want to get another 4003s5 with black trim ...

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:26 am

The 4003s5 is a great bass. I have two and find them to be quite playable. The string spacing is narrow but I adjusted to it in about 2 weeks. Switching to a 5 strings is an adjustment. Pricing is all over the board. Several have sold for 2K+ while others went in the 1300 to 1500 range.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:33 am

now a S/5 w/shoes?

whoops wrong thread...

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:34 am

oh yeah, photo not edited because those shoes were from Kendall's old V63

atomic_punk · Post by **atomic_punk** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:46 am

I think it helps to play these with a pick, some fingerstyle players have a harder time adjusting. I pretty much thump down on the string instead of plucking it like a normal finger player does, so it isn't an issue for me either.
I'm in love with mine, and it has a great sound.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:02 pm

Here's a nice green one on ebay ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-4003S-5-Bass-Guitar-4003-USA-5-String-WOW_W0QQitemZ190073564821QQihZ009QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:58 pm

I don't think I could be without Da Blue Beast.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:45 pm

I have been 2 weeks without playing one of my basses through an amp ... so tonight I set up my amp and plugged in my oil finish 4003s5 ... the best 4003s5 that I have ever owned ... it sounded great ...

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 8:25 pm

red/white/blue beast

cool

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:39 am

My S/5 looks just like Jared's (above) only without the black rectangle. Sweet bass. She is the Goddess of Thunder!

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 4:57 am

We must really love our S/5 basses! We give them interesting names like Da Blue Bleast, The Goddess Of Thunder.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 6:42 am

Unplayed Thunder?