Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all,
I just stumbled onto this site, and I've enjoyed reading all the insightful threads. I saw a used Jetglo 4003 in a music store for $800. Looked to be in real clean shape. I'll have to go back and look at the serial number now that I know the formula for determining the year the bass was made. I'm assuming it's a recent bass or it would have been displayed in their "vintage" showroom.

I've lusted after one of these babies for the longest time and this one plays like a dream! Been out of the band scene for a long time, and back then, it was a Fender Precision that ensured me a steady flow of gigs with wedding bands, 50's bands, etc.... But what I always REALLY wanted to
play was "Heart of the Sunrise" and "Bytor and the Snow Dog"!!!!!! Should I grab this puppy for $800??? (Of course, I'll have to get an amp too before I can start slamming out the opening riff to "Cygnus X-1").

Also, I've always wondered about the Rick-o-sound stereo inputs. What exactly does that do to your sound?

Thanks in advance,
Pete M.

Hi,
That'd be a good price if it's really clean. A bit high if it's older and has wear, etc.... How old and used is it? A new one is in the $1000 range, if I recall correctly (I just bought a new 4003 JG for about cost at $900), but I may be wrong...

The rick-o-sound is simply a stereo output, allowing you to route each pickup independently to seperate amps/channels. I used it a couple times back when I played in bands - the neck pickup went to my earthshaking dual 15" cabinet (homemade by moi with JBL drivers) and the bridge pickup went to a borrowed Marshall 100w stack guitar amp. Gave LOTS of bottom end and a good Lemmy sound out of the Marshall when I really let it overload .

If you use two similar amps on each side of the stage, you get very nearly a stereo chorus sound, very similar to the stereo effect you hear on Geddy Lee's bass in "YYZ" off moving pictures (which I think was actually a jazz bass with a stereo chorus).

LS

hello pete, i too have used fender in the past but due to a good change in my economy i just put a deposit on a brand new ric 4003..i have wanted one since i first heard its sound. i am paying $965 with the case and it is being ordered from rickenbacker through a shop in ny. look around and get youself a new one and break it in yourself. it goes for $941 at music123.com with free shipping.

Pete,
In case you are still out there, I have had terrific luck buying Ricks on Ebay. In each case Ive been under $800 for a 4001; the 4003's do seem
to go a bit higher than a 4001. If you are willing
to be a bit patient and really look at what people put on Ebay, you will see some great stock
basses and some others with modifications that may
appeal to you. Its up to you. Hints- always ask about the neck straightness and be sure you see a
picture of the back side. There are a lot of asses
wearing monster belt buckles that gouge our beautiful instruments.