The 4003S is back!!!

[jps]

I'm kinda torn about whether to put a horsey/toaster on this bass. When I started playing Rick basses back in the '70s, it was accepted practice to take the bridge pu cover off, so you had better access to the strings. When I first got my v63s in the '90s, the horsey got in my way, but I adjusted to it, and I actually liked it as a hand rest after awhile, and I was able to play with either a pick or fingers without any issues. The tone is much different between the 4003 I've got and a horseshoe and toaster combo, but there is some common ground, I'd have to A/B a lot of things, and think on it for awhile, but that's part of the fun!

The easy solution is to buy two of them. Keep one stock and the other, well, you know what to do!

[aceonbass]

Joshua......Yes I'm sure about the routing in the neck pickup area. It's the same way on my 2010 4003, and the fact that RIC lengthened the neck blank 1/4" and moved the body wings back 1/4" for greater fret access makes this area even weaker.
I agree with you Paul in that I don't think this model has a bound fretboard either.

[jps]

+2 on the lack of neck binding.

[Wally]

I don't get it. Why is everyone so excited about these? They are just a cheaper version of the regular 4003 and 4003W with no binding, triangular inlays and MONO only output.What am I missing?

The point.....

C'mon, Dane. Ease up.

Wally, some folks prefer the simplified trim and rounded edges of this model, and "S" or "vintage" models have been unavailable for the last four years or so. And not many need the advantages of the Rick-O-Sound system. And that SW model is gorgeous. Many will be happy with the "almost vintage" look of the S models and the $260 lower list price.

Don't mind me. I'm just sulking because I wanted the vintage toaster and horseshoe pickups which would be the 4001S. I bought one of those last year from Guitar Center (the Mapleglo matte finish "Special") and I wanted to get a Fireglo to keep it company. A reissue of the 4001S/RM1999 is what I'm really after - the instrument that started it all.

[aceonbass]

John.....The model you desire is merely a pile of strategically ordered parts away!

[godber]

Nice.

[squirebass]

Thanks Woody, but please tell me which of my Vs did you buy? Its funny, but I think I've blocked out who purchased my V63s, especially the Mapleglo, which was my main bass for so long. I remember Teeder bought my 21 fretter, but the V63s are a blank. I remember the Fireglo V had a chunkier neck, it was a 1997, and the Mapleglo, which was a 1993, had the thinner neck I preferred, although it wasn't as thin as the '73 4001 Burgundyglo I once had. If these 4003S models are like my 93 4001v63 MG, I'd be a pretty happy camper. Might have to get more than one!

[teeder]

Did I hear 1993 V63?







There, does that get you back to MG, Gene?

[squirebass]

Nice.

image.jpg

Now where did you get that pic, Mark, is that from NAMM?
I'd just about convinced myself to get one of these in Mapleglo, and you go and post that!!

[squirebass]

Did I hear 1993 V63?

That is beautiful, Teeder!!! Do you want to sell it?
Seriously though, what's this I hear about you playing mostly Fenders lately?

[squirebass]

Did I hear 1993 V63?







There, does that get you back to MG, Gene?

Yes, yes it does....
The headstocks on those early '90s V63s, muy cool....

[teeder]

Gene,
The V63 is the bass that got me back into Ricks in 2004. I sold it and got it back and have been close to selling it since, luckily, it is still here. It's beautiful and built like a rock.It doesn't sound as nice and vintagey as my '67, but it's better than most I've had through the years.

This is what it competes with for my "Rick" moods.



1967 RM1999/4001S

I did pick up a '58 reissue P-bass, that I absolutely love. Tonewise, it through my Ampeg reissue B-15 is pure perfection.

[teeder]

BTW, welcome back, Gene!

[henry5]

Gene,
The V63 is the bass that got me back into Ricks in 2004. I sold it and got it back and have been close to selling it since, luckily, it is still here. It's beautiful and built like a rock.It doesn't sound as nice and vintagey as my '67, but it's better than most I've had through the years.

This is what it competes with for my "Rick" moods.



1967 RM1999/4001S

I did pick up a '58 reissue P-bass, that I absolutely love. Tonewise, it through my Ampeg reissue B-15 is pure perfection.

I've just remembered I asked you about that P Bass Kevin, but I've forgotten what thread it was in. Thanks for clearing that up! I must admit I've come round to the sound of a P in the last couple of years; I just wish the forearm contour didn't cause me the pain that it does, hence why I'm retiring my Korean Squier (which is actually a pretty cool bass).

[squirebass]

Gene,
The V63 is the bass that got me back into Ricks in 2004. I sold it and got it back and have been close to selling it since, luckily, it is still here. It's beautiful and built like a rock.It doesn't sound as nice and vintagey as my '67, but it's better than most I've had through the years.

This is what it competes with for my "Rick" moods.



1967 RM1999/4001S

I did pick up a '58 reissue P-bass, that I absolutely love. Tonewise, it through my Ampeg reissue B-15 is pure perfection.

Thanks Kevin, I got my V63 back in about 1997, and it was the bass I went to for all my inspiration, I had a '73 that had a nicer neck, and another bass had more of the Squire "clank", but all things considered that 1993 V63 was "da bomb" for me. BTW, that is a nice touch on yours, the plexiglass thumbrest, always loved those on the early models!
I recently acquired a Mexican P Bass off craigslist for a ridiculously low price, sweet tigerstripey neck, and the guy had put in a replacement bridge and pickup, plays REALLY nice, mint condition, with a gigbag for $250. Feels and plays about like a P Bass I had back in the early '80s. Its been since then that I even owned a P Bass, but I've had several Jazz basses, which I've always thought well of. I've been playing thru an Ampeg V-4B with an Ampeg 4-10" cabinet, and it is sweet. I imagine it will get even sweeter if I get my hands on one of these new model 4003Ss...