4001 or 4003

[partime]

Hello, I am still researching Rickenbackers after being a Gibson guy for quite some time and I have a basic question. I went to the Rick site and did the compare thing but I think you all can answer this better. Question is, 4001 vs 4003 or why players pick one or the other? What are the differences, nice to know before spending the big bucks. I see the pickups are different, so sound is a consideration, some of the neck mesurements are different. I am leaning toward a vintage instrument. I went to the local Rickenbacker dealer and there was zero inventory. No test drive there. Will have to wait till one comes in. Thanks again.

[wim]

There are other differences too.
Mainly the truss rod system (the 4003 has an easier to adjust system), but the shape of the horns varies over time, the headstocks and necks too.
One piece neck or laminate skunk stripe? Pickup placement 1" vs 1 1/2"? 0.0047µF cap or not?
My '74 4001 has been with me for almost 20 years now, in that time I've played 4003's too but none came even close to the 4001.
But that's all personal preference off course. Still I consider the 4001 more versatile in the sonic department.

[NFB-418]

I hope Joey V. doesn't mind me copying and posting from his website (http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/), but this should answer many of your questions:

"Until a few years ago the 4001 was a great bass to invest in. No one loves the 4001 more than me, they are great basses, but suddenly within the past few years, the resale value of a 4001 bass has reached "collectible vintage" status. I suggest that it would be much better for the bassist who wants a workhorse gigging Rickenbacker, to buy a new 4003 or 4004 bass. Now, the new 4003 and 4004 basses are great to invest in. The latest models are built much tougher and have much more output from the pickups. You may pay the same price or less for a new 4003 than would for an old 4001 and get a top quality, new instrument that no one has modified, worn out or abused, with a warranty. If you gig regularly or are a fairly new bassist that wants a Rickenbacker, it might be wiser to leave the 4001 basses to the collectors and the seasoned Rickenbacker bassists. No other brand of instruments hold their value as well as those manufactured by Rickenbacker."

This is obviously one person's opinion, but I think what Joey has written above makes a lot of sense.

[johnnysain]

No one loves the 4001 more than me, they are great basses, but suddenly within the past few years, the resale value of a 4001 bass has reached "collectible vintage" status............it might be wiser to leave the 4001 basses to the collectors.....

This is how I was thinking in the mid-70's when I bought my new Fender Telecaster. At a time when I could've gotten an early 60's Tele for not much more.

[songdog]

Question is, 4001 vs 4003 or why players pick one or the other? What are the differences, nice to know before spending the big bucks. I see the pickups are different, so sound is a consideration, some of the neck mesurements are different. I am leaning toward a vintage instrument..

First thing to ask yourself: do you want a Rickenbacker bass to play or collect? Since you're asking about pickup sounds and neck measurements, I'd guess you want it to play first (but perhaps also have the collector value in mind). So the sound and feel of the instrument is probably more important to you than how much it costs now and how much it's likely to sell for someday hence.

I've tried several 4001 basses. To me, it seems like there's a lot of variation in some details of the instruments. In the older ones, I think it's because they were literally hand-crafted, and the individual craftsmen each had their own unique way of building them. I happen to have a 4001 with a wonderfully thin neck, I've played some of about the same vintage that felt much thicker.

My impression from what I've read on this forum is that the newer 4003s tend to be more consistent within a model year, but there are still changes from year to year.

And of course, there have been a lot of changes in pickups! You'll need to know what sound you want, and which variation of the pickups will give it. You'll need to hear them yourself to be sure.

So the ideal is to try playing a bunch of them before you decide. Watch ads for private sales and go try them out... you may need to travel to some music stores to try new or used instruments they have in stock... pop into live music venues and if you see someone playing a Rick bass, chat them up (I got to try a really nice one this way recently).

And, of course, browse and search this forum! There is a wealth of information here.

[winston]

My solution to this dilemma was to buy one of each..............and I love them both.

[partime]

Hey thanks alot for the info, I almost didn't ask, which would have taken me alot longer to take it all in. Joeys notes were excellent, learned some things about my 3000's. And I like the buy them both answer, that will take some time.

[rickenbrother]

I hope Joey V. doesn't mind me copying and posting from his website.

This is obviously one person's opinion, but I think what Joey has written above makes a lot of sense.

I don't mind since you've stated the source.
Keep in mind that I published that several years ago, when the prices of any 4001in decent condition skyrocketed and were going for more money than a new 4003. It's also mainly directed at beginner bassists or bassists new to Ricks who plan on gigging with one. Collectors and knowledgeable Rick enthusiasts usually know what they want.

[8mileshigher]

My solution to this dilemma was to buy one of each..............and I love them both.

Another successful graduate from the RRF 12-Step recovery program
Partime is going to have to check a few recent threads here in the Bass section to get the drift

[henry5]

I've always favoured the older 4001 basses over the 4003s, but a while back I played a new Jetglo 4003 with the cap bypass pot, full width inlays etc, and I have to say it was one of the nicest Rics I've ever played. It was extremely light, the neck was very slim, and it sounded fabulous. Now if only it had had a plexi trc, checkered binding, a toaster and crushed pearl I"d have nabbed it. Seriously, if I'd had the cash to hand I'd have bought it on the spot.

[kiramdear]

I've owned both ('81 4001 and '04 4003). The 4001 was sweet and pretty for a collector's bass but I have more confidence in my 4003. It has no issues and I wouldn't hesitate to drag it around and beat it up every night if I had the chance. It is very solid and stable. It is a workhorse, in short. I'm not sure I would have wanted to punish the older girl - it seemed more fragile and "high strung" (pun intended).

[Orangeman]

"No one loves the 4001 more than me, they are great basses, but suddenly within the past few years, the resale value of a 4001 bass has reached "collectible vintage" status. "


Joey,
When you say 4001 has reached "collectable status," are you including the 4001V63 in that group? I have both a 4003 and 4001V63 that I gig with, and you got me wondering whether I should just leave the 4001V63 at home because it would be hard to replace if, God forbid, something happened to it.

Thanx
Dan

[jps]

By all means, gig it!

[bassduke49]

If I may step in: The 4001V63 and 4001C64 models are not really "4001" model in terms of actual "vintage collectable" terms. Structurally, they are built to modern standards with the modern-style truss rods and electrical components. They use modern Toaster and Horseshoe pickups, and a lot of the geometry is more like 4003S models than true old 4001S models.

True 4001 (deluxe) and 4001S models were discontinued in the early 1980s, being superseded by the 4003 and 4003S. Collector values increase with the age, those from the '60s having the most value, the ones from the early '70s next, then mid to late '70s the least. Generally, any true vintage 4001 in good shape would be worth more to collectors than a comparable 4003, unless we talk about special colors or trim packages (Shadow, SPC's, rare COYs, etc.).

[rickenbrother]

Joey, when you say 4001 has reached "collectable status," are you including the 4001V63 in that group? I have both a 4003 and 4001V63 that I gig with, and you got me wondering whether I should just leave the 4001V63 at home because it would be hard to replace if, God forbid, something happened to it.

Thanx
Dan

Dan, I meant the standard production 4001 model.
Enjoy your 4001V63 to it's fullest potential, use it at gigs!