Model of the Week Twelve: The 4003S5 "five banger"

[shakey_slim]

Sweet! Here's my 4003s/5. Featured in the 2007 Rickenbacker Forum calendar (Miss January).

[johnallg]

Very nice, Dan! Gotta dig out the 2007 calendar again. Actually, gotta order the 2009....

[shakey_slim]

Ummm...make that the 2008 calendar.

Is it 2009 already???

[johnallg]

Ummm...make that the 2008 calendar.

Is it 2009 already???

Kinda like your own "Summer of Love", huh?!

[weemac]

Err, while we are on the subject of Ric 5 string basses, could anyone tell me the nut width (in millimeters) of the S5 and while we are at it, the width across the bridge from the "G" to the "B" string?
I'm thinking of building a 5 string bass (with a high c) that will incorporate some Rickenbacker traits. eg same scale length and pickup positioning. I like the Rick scale length and the neck pickup positioning is important to me...
The styling, construction and timbers will be totally different....
Eden.

[rickaddict]

Sure thing, infringer-man!



I'll measure when I get home! I'm pretty sure that my '89 is a little smaller on both sides than my 2000, BTW.

[ram]

I have to say on thing here - I may be in the minority but, I find the pitch of the strings to be a very quick play (at least with the left hand). I use a pick and the right hand did take a little training. I have never been a big fan of the thicker profile 4003 neck - but somehow with the pitch of the strings it seems alright.

[jon]

I've been away from here for a bit, so missed this, but here's mine in Jetglo:





The photos are Jason's (Jdog's), but the bass is now mine (thanks Jason). I haven't managed to photograph it here yet, but I have been playing it, which is the main thing. The string spacing looks tight, but I find my playing adjusts to it within seconds.



PS - No comments about neck twist please .

[Tarrbot]

I just picked up a 4003S/5. An '86 JG.

I'm a finger player by habit and have always had a hard time playing with a pick. I've only had this for about a day and so far have a love/hate relationship with it.

Love that I've finally gotten another Ric. Love the sound, the feel, the look. Hate the spacing--if only because I'm a 4 stringer that hasn't jumped into 5 string territory. I just need more practice time with it.

I haven't even touched a Ric in years, but I seem to recall that the pickup cover sat higher above the strings on my 4003 than on this /5. Anyone know if that's true?

On that same note, if the other covers sit higher, would one of those covers fit this /5 or is the pickup a bit wider on this than a 4003?

[rickenbrother]

The width of the S/5 and 4003 pickup covers is the same.

[Tarrbot]

But does the S/5 pickup cover sit lower (shorter in height) than a typical 4003 cover?

I'd like mine to sit a little higher. I have huge thumbs and would like an eagle's perch for my thumbrest.

[rickfan60]

The pickup is a five string version of the standard Hi-gain and all of the parts are the same except for the extra pole piece. If it does not seem the same as others it could be assembled incorrectly.

[Tarrbot]

No, it's likely that my memory has failed. It's been nearly 2 decades since I last played any Ric bass.

I've since played it a bit more and found the spot I probably used to rest my thumb on and all was well.

Anyway, here's my '86 model I just picked up.

I'm very happy to have this as it is now my new "first Ric" and unlike in the past, I won't be parting with this without some major financial crisis hitting me.

[johnallg]

The apparent height of the cover will move with the placement of the pickup from the strings. It just might be the pickup on this 5'er is lower than the one you remember. A screwdriver would remedy that if it is the case.

Beautiful bass, BTW. Welcome aboard the RRF and back to the Rick fold.

[bottom4]

Better late than never