The 4003S is back!!!

[jps]

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.....

[bassduke49]

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.

[squirebass]

This model has not been available since the end of the V63's, since the C series basses had the turned around headstock, which wasn't my cup of tea.
Sure, there are differences, but not enough to dim my enthusiasm...

But I've got another conundrum, which is that my favorite dealer, Mike Parks, is no longer a Rick dealer, if I understand correctly.
I had great satisfaction dealing with Mike, never had the slightest problem, but if I'm going to get my paws on one or more of these basses, I guess I need to go to another dealer.
So, is PickoftheRicks the place if I'm residing in the U.S. of A.? Can I even ask for dealer recommendations on this part of the forum?

Thanks!!!

[bassduke49]

Have you checked with Mike to see if he is still a dealer?

Otherwise, most folks here recommend Pick of the Ricks (NJ), Wildwood (Denver), or North Coast Music (Milwaukee).

[squirebass]

I have but I seem to recall he was dealing with only NOS lately. He hasn't replied to me yet. I've bought from WIldwood before, they are great with the Fender stuff, and it appears POTR has an order already placed....

I wonder if the new basses have the pull-up pot to engage the '70s flux capacitor(for extra clank), and if the pickups have adjustable polepieces like the regular 4003 models do...

[coolingitdown]

Wildwood is great for Ricks too. I bought my 4001C64 there and had a great experience!

[aceonbass]

I would imagine that with the exception of Rick-O-Sound, these basses will be the same electronically as standard 4003's. For anyone still wanting ROS, I build a new harness that changes from mono to stereo with a push-pull pot similar to the vintage tone activation.

[woodyng]

I'd like see a review of the neck. If it's on the slimmer side, at that price I'm in for a jetglo

I imagine the necks will be the same size as the deluxe versions? So they should basically feel like the current 4004 necks. I know it's likely at least partly pyschological ,but a nonbound neck just feels so much better IMO.
And Rick necks especially,as their attention to detail on the fret dressing is the best out there in a high production bass.

[squirebass]

Yeah, I am hoping for one of those slim, wide necks like my 1993 4001v63 had, very easy to get around on. I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on one of these...
I've seen quite a few postings here about PickoftheRicks here, I think they've been around since about 2000, they have a bunch of these pre-ordered, and what appears to be pretty good special on them right now... That's what I want, the Blue Plate Special!!!

[cassius987]

The neck blank for all RIC basses is routed right up to the fretboard because the 4004 has the neck pickup there. RIC should really stop doing that. The body wings for 4003's are routed differently, which is why there's a step.

Are you sure? (I would agree with you looking at my Ric basses, but they are all at least 7 years old.) Look really close at that second Snowglo pic Rob posted.

[squirebass]

Also noticed that the knobs on this bass appear to be the "modern" ones, and according to the specs on the Rick site, there is binding on the neck, but the picture shown doesn't indicate that. I might be interested in putting a horsey/toaster combo in the bass, but not sure I'd move the location of neck pu....
I wonder what the toaster might sound like, placed in the original 1" spacing from neck of neck pu.. Any comments?

Man, it is so interesting being back on this site, I used to live here all the time, but I didn't even OWN a Rick bass until recently, been playing guitar and keyboards lately. Now I'm getting back to the bass more, and loving it.

[jps]

Also noticed that the knobs on this bass appear to be the "modern" ones, and according to the specs on the Rick site, there is binding on the neck, but the picture shown doesn't indicate that. I might be interested in putting a horsey/toaster combo in the bass, but not sure I'd move the location of neck pu....
I wonder what the toaster might sound like, placed in the original 1" spacing from neck of neck pu.. Any comments?

Man, it is so interesting being back on this site, I used to live here all the time, but I didn't even OWN a Rick bass until recently, been playing guitar and keyboards lately. Now I'm getting back to the bass more, and loving it.

I plan on putting vintage style knobs on the bass, they just look more appropriate for an S model.

BTW, it is not a requirement to own a Rick to participate, here!

[squirebass]

Thanks Jeff! I plan on doing the same if I get one of these, they do look right with the vintage knobs...
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!

[woodyng]

Gene,it's good to see you back! I didn't end up keeping your V,but the person that has it now really loves it! From the newer Ricks i've played,i would say the new neck profile is going to be a bit slimmer and maybe a bit more rounded feeling than your V 's neck. It's a nice feeling neck,(especially the oil finished W).

[bassduke49]

I think the description is in error. It makes no sense to put binding on the neck of this model.