Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Okay... So i know some of the differences. But what about personal prefernce. Iv only played about 3 rics. 2 being new 4003s and one being an older model 4001. I dont remember the year really. And the new ones didnt stand up. However you have that whole set up thing going on. I dont know...

Just my opinion but for pure playability and sound my favorites are early to mid 90's 4003's. The necks are a little wider than 4001's but are thinner from fretboard to back than the newer ones at least that I've played and owned. They will sound good and cut through in any situation, and the truss rods are much simpler than the 4001 TR's. If I only could have one Ric bass it would be a 90's and up.
That said I really like my 4001's too. My opinion is subject to change at a moments notice though.

Thats my problem with the new ones i played. The neck is thick. I rather have a smaller neck. But i dont know to much about the whole truss rod stuff.

I love my 87 4003!

I have a 75 4001 and a 2004 4004. The 4004 neck seems pretty similar to the modern 4003's...

I like them both, but have been getting more used to the bigger necks. But you'll have folks that like either.

Actually the 4004 neck is wider across than the 4003/1, but it seems to be about the same thickness front to back as the 4003's are now.

And of course there are some individual variations, especially with the older 4001's. I've seen several that have had neck profiles more similar to the newer 4003's.

I like the wider neck on the newer ones, the 4001's can be a little cramped sometimes and I don't have big hands.

I had what I think was an '82, just didn't like the thick neck on it.

I just love vintage guitars, so all my Ric basses are early '70s. However, in terms of consistency I have to say newer ones (at least the late '80s-'90s ones I've played) are superior.

There is no correct answer. It really comes down to what sounds and feels right to you the player. We all LOVE to share our thoughts about what we like, but it still comes back to your ears and hands. Take a day, visit the music stores that have Ricks and try 'em all. Whatever you decide you have made a great brand choice.

Theres one store around me that sells ric's. And well... they had like 2. Both new ones. They dont really sell anything used.

I remember when i worked at Veniman music back in the eighty's we had a whole row of Ric's,they never moved or changed places the whole time i was there,people would not really take notice of them.But now we come to appreciate whats always been there,changing very little ,always consistent and never dropping there standard for quality.people back then were buying the new this and the new that,all the new this and the new thats are gone now and what remains as steady as always??/

GC in Sherman Oaks has a used 360JG for 890 or so.

Ken, do you mean Venemans in Rockville, MD?

Well i wasnt alive back then.... haha.

Jake, I'd make some calls to stores within say 100 mile radius of home, find out who has 4001's/4003's, take a Saturday and go try 'em.
Its worth the time and effort. Just keep in mind that if a 4001 is what feels right but doesn't sound right, you get a fuller sound by having the .0047 capacitor removed by someone who knows what he's doing. Its not expensive and the increase in bass tone is amazing. 4003's after 1990 models don't have the cap so they are what they are.