Rickenbacker 4003s Reissue Review

[aceonbass]

So, Dane, you're saying there's a chance that the neck pickup CAN be successfully located to the old position without undue stress to the neck?

Well, I think this improvement helps, but with the cutaways as deep as they are, I wouldn't do it. If it were a good idea, I think RIC would have done it already on all of them given that some still think it sounds better. The only difference I can hear between the two pickup positions is that ping harmonics don't ring out when the neck pickup is solo'd. I was just informed by JH that this design change was done several years ago, but this is the first I've seen of it. My 2010 4003 didn't have it, so is anyone willing to peek under their guard on newer 4003's and see if they have the current routing? I'd like to know when it was updated.

[geofio]

never had an issue with taking my Rics out from a case after purchase, waiting for the temp to stabilise etc is nonsense, the case is not airtight so makes no difference at all . think about it.

[jps]

The case may not be airtight but it does provide a lot of insulating properties for the instrument. Of course, whether to open the case immediately or not all depends on ambient conditions. YMMV.

[MoseRorris]

Cannot wait to receive mine. It will be a great day indeed. Your 4003s looks lovely

[squirebass]

Cannot wait to receive mine. It will be a great day indeed. Your 4003s looks lovely

+1, gotta admit, I've had to look at those pics several times today....

[Keef]

I was on a list with Apple Music in Portland and they called today with one Fireglo left. I have no business doing so, but I pulled the trigger. It was too tempting.

[bassman4001]

So, Dane, you're saying there's a chance that the neck pickup CAN be successfully located to the old position without undue stress to the neck?

Well, I think this improvement helps, but with the cutaways as deep as they are, I wouldn't do it. If it were a good idea, I think RIC would have done it already on all of them given that some still think it sounds better. The only difference I can hear between the two pickup positions is that ping harmonics don't ring out when the neck pickup is solo'd. I was just informed by JH that this design change was done several years ago, but this is the first I've seen of it. My 2010 4003 didn't have it, so is anyone willing to peek under their guard on newer 4003's and see if they have the current routing? I'd like to know when it was updated.

Maybe if I gets chance, I'll open up my 4003w as well

[aceonbass]

Maybe if I gets chance, I'll open up my 4003w as well

May as well install a new harness while you're in there...

[jps]

And a toaster and a horseshoe............

[Keef]

And a toaster and a horseshoe............

I have a Lollar horseshoe ready for me (which he wound slightly hotter) which I was thinking would go in my SnoGlo, but now I'm tempted to put it in the FireGlo 4003s I have coming.
I was also thinking of having this refinished in Seafoam, or in a CS cream color.

[squirebass]

And a toaster and a horseshoe............

I have a Lollar horseshoe ready for me (which he wound slightly hotter) which I was thinking would go in my SnoGlo, but now I'm tempted to put it in the FireGlo 4003s I have coming.
I was also thinking of having this refinished in Seafoam, or in a CS cream color.

If those pics are any indication of what I have coming, I'm going to leave it in Fireglo, however I might entertain thoughts of giving her a sister, a blonde in Mapleglo....

[bassman4001]

Here's a peek at the routing of my 2014 4003w. This was one of the first batch of 4003w's

[aceonbass]

Interesting....JH just told me the routing was changed several years ago, yet the route in that 4003W is just like the one in my 4003.

[bottom4]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rickenbacker-40 ... 2a4f8b8fea

two on ebay right now from the same seller (dealer)

[Captain Bob]

Dane, this is my July 2013 Snowglo. Note the neck cavity when I was swapping out the pups and harness after I received it. Study around the rags and paper towel and one can see the cut out at the neck and on the left side of the photo for the pup.
Its like the 4003W posted above.
The cut is such that it precludes moving the pup to a 1/2 inch position. I could perhaps get 3/16ths, more movement, but I didn't bother.