Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

John, I own three of each and have owned many others, the new 4003's blow away the 4001's in sound, durabilty, and playability, the 4001's are nice to collect, but if you want to compete with the big boys get a new 4003.

what would you say the playability advantage is?

The necks are rock solid, when you set them they stay put. They handle any kind of string you want to put on them including heavy gauge strings if you're into them. They just feel nice in the hands also. Some people here think they are too thick, I like them, they have a nice solid feel to them, you don't feel like the're going to break off in your hands if you squeeze too hard. I played a 68 P bass with a 66 Jazz
A neck for twenty years, the neck is wider at the nut and narrower at the body, but I got used to them pretty quickly. The new Rics just have a solid feel to them and sound great, the pickups are very powerful and big sounding. Don't get me wrong I love 4001's and early 4003's but for every day playing the new ones win hands down to me.

Bobs definitely right the new 4003 sounds great very full ,they are very solid.you cant go wrong with a 4003 they pop up on ebay very often.

I just wrote a long answer and lost it, grrr!
short version:
necks are much stronger,
pickups much ballsier,
feels like a much more solid bass in your arms.
The sound is killer, blows away the old Rics for modern music or any modern situation no matter what the music is. You can still get the old sound pretty much if you want but they will compete with any new bass IMHO and win in all situations.
They are very versatile sounding, very responsive to your playing style, type of strings and amps that you use.
They took all the good things of the 4001's and left the bad things out, like weak necks, ornery truss rods, weak(er) pickups, lots of reasons to buy new. I also believe the quality control is better nowadays.

Now that first one wasn't there a minute ago.

Well, at least you didn't contradict yourself.

The brand new 4003's are fantastic; I agree with Bob's, Ken's, and everybody's assessments. They are phenomenal instruments that are both beautiful and bulletproof. And, they growl, like Jeff says, if that's your thing.

In addition to the possible drawbacks of 4001's mentioned, be sure to ask about fret wear and any parts that may have been changed out. An instrument that has been around for 25 years or so may have changed hands a couple of times, been altered, etc. May not be any problems, but be sure to ask.

I agree with Bob ... everything that was built before 1986 is for collecting ... If you are going to gig get a 1986 or later Ric bass ... my basses are 1986, 1990, 1993, 1998, and 2001 vintages ...

Just like to thank everyone on the forum for the comments... I didn't expect so many, and they were very helpful.

I am currently looking into newer eara 4003's, though I am meeting a local guy to see and possibly buy his 77 4001.

Not to confuse the issue but I do gig with both my '67 4005WB



and my '73 4001



on a fairly regular basis!

I guess it depends on the kind of gig... but with vintage bases in such nice condition, I might get a little paranoid to say the least.

Jeffrey....those are gorgeous.I think basses are to be played.

I know some tone freaks that feel the toaster/horseshoe combination had the best tone....not to be confused with the most output.

I prefer the 4001's to the 4003's but they are both fine instruments.

Well, I'm now part of the club!!! Picked up a 96' 4003 with flameglo finish... most beautiful bass I have ever seen... and in great condition.

I was worried about the feel of the neck, but it is amazing... as is the action. A fender J-bass guy has just crossed over to the dark side!

John, I know the feeling, I was in your exact shoes, sort of(64 Jazz to 68 4001) three months ago. Pictures?????????