Any chance I'll be disappointed with a 4003?

[Metal Jockey]

Hello, new member here. So I'm your typical basement warrior bass player. I've played guitar most of my life but really fell in love with the bass last year and kick myself for not having tried it sooner. Anyway, I've been playing a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass for the last year. I still can't believe how great this bass sounds and plays for under $300. But, as good as it is, I'm GASing for a Ric 4003 for all the reasons that most of you already know. The thing is, I've never even held a Ric before. I called my local Guitar Center this afternoon thinking they might have one in stock that I could play but, to my surprise, the rep I spoke with said that GC is not an authorized Rickenbacker dealer. Hmmm...I suppose I could try the nearest Sam Ash, but they're a bit further away. So I got to thinking - Is there any reason I wouldn't like the 4003? I love the looks and the sound of it, always have. I realize the neck might be a bit thicker than the VM Jazz I've been playing, but that seems like an adjustment I can make. Presumably, a properly set up 4003 should still play and sound much better than the Squier. I'm asking this because I'm debating whether I should just take the chance and order one of the Mapleglos from Wildwood Guitars without actually playing one. Their prices are hard to beat and everything I've read on both this forum and TalkBass suggests that they are a stand up online Ric retailer. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[woodyng]

Hard to say if you're going to like something unless you try it. I love them,and the new basses are VERY nice,but the fact is,Ric basses feel different to a lot of what people get accustomed to,so that uniqueness isn't necessarily for everyone. If you order one and don't like it,you can always return or resell it.
I've been playing them for well over 35 years.....

[Kingbreaker]

It would definitely be a good idea to try one.

I owned a mexi Jazz for something like 20 years. When I tried a Rick (I only own a Rick guitar, btw) the first thing I noticed was that the neck is *very* different. The nut is not nearly as narrow, but there is less width gain near the body. Rick necks also vary a bit between model years.

OTOH, Ricks hold their value very, very well. Perhaps you could order from Musician's Friend and use the thirty day return window if it's not for you?

[johnallg]

Welcome, and did you come to the wrong place to ask a question like that. OF COURSE you won't be disappointed!!!

Seriously, what I suggest is to call your Sam Ash and if they have one (good chance), go and try one out, realizing it will probably need a setup so remember that when forming an opinion. Then, if you want one, see if they will match the Wildwood price. If not, order away.

[Metal Jockey]

Thanks guys for the responses. I'll give Sam Ash a call and see if they have any. Hopefully they won't have any in Jetglo as I don't want to be tempted to buy one right there on the spot.

[Kopfjaeger]

My local Sam Ash has Rickenbacker 4003's in stock. Oddly, I've never seen them hanging in the rack with all the Jacksons and Fenders. They have a Jetglo and it's mounted horizontally and away from the other basses. Maybe so not everyone puts their grimy mits on it??

For the reasons mentioned you should try it before you buy it. They are not for everyone. The two piece necks on the newer 4003's are phenomenal. As previously mentioned, wider at the nut than most Fenders but they remain pretty consistent width wise throughout. They are thinner front to back than a Fender. Rickenbackers tend to maintain a shallow D profile.

Best of luck!!

Sepp

[RickyBubba]

I would go try one, and don't be afraid of buying used. Depending on where you live, they show up on Craigslist quiet often, especially the 4003s. You should be able to find one with a little looking in the $1500 range, or possibly less.

BUT, school yourself as well by visiting Joey's Bassnotes site. There have been LOTS of fakers on the market, and some are harder to spot.

[rickenbottom]

I have to agree with the other suggestions about trying a 4003 first. That being said I have a 62 reissue jazz. Nice bass but I love the feel of the neck much more on my RICS. Again I my be somewhat bias towards RICS, but thats my personal opinion and on that note, can't say enough about the quality of my 4003s. Good luck with your decision.

[s4001]

Obviously try-before-you-buy is always the best advice. If you're already sold on the tone of the Rics, then nothing else will deliver that sound.

[spongebob]

I bought my first 4003 without ever playing one.

No stocks anywhere - and after wanting one for so long, I was prepared to make whatever adjustments to damn well like it!

Worked out okay for me - even if that '1st' one is long gone - but it is no doubt a risk!

[Kiddwad57]

Try One! They're great! There are things you'll have to figure out, which is half the fun. Number one: Remove the pickup cover or not? How to deal with the bridge? At any rate, Rics play like butter and have so many tonal options that they shine in any musical situation. Plus, they look fabulous leaning up in a chair or couch...just nice things to have around. They are like candy; you'll want another Ric (maybe a guitar) before you know it.

[cassius987]

Try It First ... or know you can you Return It No Questions Asked in a certain period of time.

I love the 4003, but here are two good reasons why you might not: 1) might not be your cuppa, 2) there's always the chance of a lemon... lime... whatever.

Someone link this thread if this forum ever gets compared to another "brand forum" like EBMM's. I think people are being a lot more open-minded/honest than what I've seen happen elsewhere.

[Scotty_Guitar]

I've had 5 Rickenbacker basses (and a ton of "Beatle" Ric guitars as well), and really love the looks, and sounds!

My first 4003 FG was what some have called a "Bozo-Glo" color (from mid 80s methinks)... Unfortunately, I needed cash and had to sell it. But that piece of wood was THE most resonant I've ever heard (from any brand)! The sound was therefore also the best evah! Sorry I let it go!!!

The next was a 4001v63 MG reissue... That piece of wood was exactly the opposite! Totally dead! But the buyer LOVED it for his hard rock band!! Go figure...

Next up was a new 2010 4003 JetGlo... Looked and sounded amazing! But I was having hand troubles at that time, and just couldn't get use to the girth of that neck - one of the biggest Ric necks I'd ever played.

My latest 4003 FG is from mid 2011, and is all that Rics should be - relatively thin neck (front to back), light, resonant, great looking burst, and plays fab! And, of course, I need cash again (plug: it is also in the classifieds now)... Fortunately, I also have an older v63 waiting for repair and refinish, so I'm still "in the game," so-to-speak.

If you play your Jazz bass between the 7th and 12th frets only, you'll get an idea of the fingerboard width of the "average" Ric... However, as already pointed out, Ric necks have an almost imperceptible taper, as opposed to the Jazz bass' almost severe taper...

Because they hold their value so well, I'd say if you can't find one to try, buy one online. You'd be fairly sure to get your money back if you don't like it... But I think once you get it, you will make up your mind to like, and keep it! And, also as said, you'll want MORE!

Welcome to the madness!

[Metal Jockey]

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice.

So, I'll be heading down to my local Sam Ash tomorrow to try out a Jetglo they have in stock. They said they would match any other retailer's price so long as that retailer has the same exact model and color in stock. That's great except I think I really want a Jetglo and the only two worthy online retailers I'm aware of with great prices (Wildwood Guitars and Pick of the Ricks) don't have any Jetglos in stock. Bruce at Wildwood said it could be 2-3 months before he sees any. Therefore, the price of a Jetglo at Sam Ash would be full retail ($1,950). Not sure I want one that bad. Speaking of this Ric disease, I think I'm already becoming slightly infected as I found myself rationalizing today that I can just get a Mapleglo from Wildwood Guitars now and then I can add a Jetglo sometime later when one becomes available. As though I would need a second Ric when I don't even have one now, not to mention that I've never even laid my hands on one!

Question regarding necks - are the newer 2012 4003 necks considered to be thin or thick as far as 4003 necks go? I see Scotty above said that his 2010 had a fat neck but his 2011 was on the thin side. Did the necks change in girth from 2011 to 2012? Hot damn, I'm getting excited! I'm sure you guys know what I'm going through. Thanks again.

[Kiddwad57]

Hey Metal Jockey,

To clarify; 4003s are truly fine. Try one out at a store if you can.

Don't let the pickup cover discourage you. The treble pickup bezel sold by tubeampology is really useful.

The stock bridge is unusual but eminently functional, even the mute from time to time. You'll read about tail-lift issues. Both of the Rics I've owned have had a little lift, but it hasn't impaired either 4003's operation. The Hipshot Ric Bridge looks good, but before you buy one take a look at how many are being sold used on the various chat sites. That fact speaks volumes!

Have fun with your adventure!