Model of the Week Nine: The 4003S four-string

[rickaddict]

That 81 FG is spectacular.

Agreed. I don't know why early 80's Fireglo was yellow in the center, but it sure did look nice!

[jlessick]

Yes, I love that early Eighties dark Fire-Glo myself and waited until I found an early Eighties Fire-Glo v63. No regrets, I love the v63.

[jaymi]

That 81 FG is spectacular.

Agreed. I don't know why early 80's Fireglo was yellow in the center, but it sure did look nice!

part of it is the removal of the dark wood stripe down the middle. it definitely brings out the lighter color in contrast.

[rickboy88]

This belated addition - like the late 2030 post - is also in the spirit of Christmas - and I have some time on a cold, but sunny afternoon in Colorado.

This 4003S is another ebay buy, but I almost didn't get it. I was bidding back and forth with someone else (what usually happens) and the other person stopped just below my max. bid. I was very lucky to get it. It was a legit bidder from what I was able to tell.

This is the one I'd posted about with the sanded down neck - probably because the guy just didn't like the feel of the conversion varnish. I've yet to get it refinished, but I also don't play it very often. When I do play it, I can pretend that I'm Paul McCartney though. This is one of the 4003S models that also came wired for stereo. I did need to buy a new treble pickup cover online, as the original was long gone. I love the sound of the flats that it came with, but I have no idea who made them. Like it's sister 4001S (jetglo) which I bought new in 1984, it has very good sustain near the infamous "dead spot" locations. I like the way that the tail is screwed in with two additional screws, which probably helps. The 1982 necks seem to be a bit more "chunky" which probably also helps.

Manufacture date was June 1982.

[rickfan63]

Back in the early 90's I was in a music store in Charlotte NC to buy a new bass. There on the wall was a 4003S in Jetglo. I wound up buying a white Fender Jazz Bass Plus instead. I have no idea why now. I suppose it was just a phase I was going through.

[VRICKY63]

Randy. I know how that is. I saw a Chris Squire model on the wall at a local store back then and thought .........who would want such a skinny bass neck. I was in fat P bass mode at the time. I think the CS was $1499 before negotiating for a deal. Did not buy it and that's the way it goes.

[kennyhowes]

Okay then, I'll be first! (I couldn't contain my excitement any longer!)

Here's my favorite S, my July '87 in Ruby:

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

Sorry for the Lazarus thread.

I'm enjoying my 4003S JG today, but somehow jonesing for a different finish. That Ruby one above, for example, is a mind-blower.

The '81 FG is awesome too.

[teeder]

Kenny, send a message to Jeff. He's been in a herd thinning mode.

[kennyhowes]

Kenny, send a message to Jeff. He's been in a herd thinning mode.

...which bass-playing Jeff?

[teeder]

Thomas. That is his Ruby in the links you posted, if he still owns it.

[kennyhowes]

PM sent, but he did say it was his favorite. We'll see.

[teeder]

Can't hurt to try. Good luck!

[Kiddwad57]

Lot's of beautiful basses! Love that Mapleglo fretless.