6 string 4003 or 4004?

Lucien_S · Post by **Lucien_S** » Tue Jan 23, 2001 1:50 pm

Hi all,
Does anyone think Rickenbacker would ever make a 6-string version of the 4003 or 4004? Just curious if there's a demand for such a bass. 6-strings versions of all kinds of other basses are popping up now...

Landon · Post by **Landon** » Tue Jan 23, 2001 10:24 pm

Lucien,
Here is my 2 cents worth....I think that would be a great idea..Probably best with the 4004 Bass. I have a 4004C1 and think it's a great new style for the 4000 series bass. The new 4004C2's are even better than the first version..I think all they would have to do is design a new wider neck for a 5-string and a 6-string. New pickups, the same but wider, to accommodate the wider neck of a 5 or 6 string. I think it would be a step towards a new modern line of Rickenbacker basses while holding on to the traditional classic style of a Rickenbacker bass..I hope they do something more than just 4-strings and one 5-string model. There are so many 5, 6, even 7 string basses out there now.....

roadblock · Post by **roadblock** » Sun Aug 19, 2001 8:56 pm

Hello, I've noticed recently on rickenbacker.com that the 4003s/5 seems to have a new bridge/tailpiece instead of the old 4 string tailpiece with the extra bridge and the mute left out. It also seems to be made with the 4004 body wing shape. Nothing in the description has been changed to bring any attention to any modifications made. Does anyone know of any other changes such as string spacing and neck width?
Do you think that scale length will ever change for extra string models in the future? I'm not knocking 33.25 mind you, Ricks have an unique sound that doesn't need to be messed with, but with 5 strings I know that there seems to be a trend towards 35 inch scale.

gshadoan · Post by **gshadoan** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 6:25 am

Hi Jack, The 4003S/5 units that I have do have a different tailpiece. The area has been cut away, and there are no "string tunnels". Its standard for the 5 and 8 string I beleive. As to the Neck width, they ARE a little bigger than the 4 string models, but are a bit smaller than most. I have pretty long fingers, and it did take some getting used to. I love the sound, and overcame the string spacing in a relitivly short time. As to the body shaping, wing size, its pretty much standard 4003S. The heads are elongated to acomidate the extra tuning keywinds. Now, to address my "dream bass"(JH I know your listening);-), the LK body, 1 or 2 standard vintage pickups, no carving, 5 string,and 6 string versions, with MUCH wider necks, and block binding. Oh yeah, and under 2K price tag.

Greg

roadblock · Post by **roadblock** » Fri Aug 24, 2001 6:32 pm

Hi Greg, what I am asking about is the 4003s/5 that is on Rickenbackers web site now. They use to have a picture of a white with the cut out tailpiece you are describing. They recently updated the site and now there is a JG 4003s/5 with what appears to be a 4004 style body and a tailpiece with "string tunnels".

gshadoan · Post by **gshadoan** » Sat Aug 25, 2001 6:52 pm

Hey Jack, I see that as well. It appears to have a slotted tailpeice, however all the 5 string basses that I own, and have seen have the cut way type. Also on the RIC website, http://www.rickenbacker.com/pdf/btailpiece.pdf you will see the current replacment peices. I stand corrected on the 8 string. Apparently it also has a slotted tailpeice. Also, you will see some other differences. I do not think these are a 4004 style "bad ***" type though.

Greg

modelcitizen · Post by **modelcitizen** » Mon Aug 27, 2001 2:10 pm

My 4008 has a non-slotted tailpiece...in some ways it looks a lot cleaner. Pity that the mute pad is still virtually useless...

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