Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have the opportunity to acquire a 4003S/5 at a great price from an acquaintance and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this model.

I understand that they have been discontinued so getting parts will probably be a drama if ever I would need them. Reminiscent of my recent 481 Worldwide Pickup Hunt.


It will be my first bass so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

now!

"... getting parts will probably be a drama if ever I would need them. Reminiscent of my recent 481 Worldwide Pickup Hunt."

Most parts are the same as recent 4003's. Toaster neck pickup, bridge pickup surround and handrest, pickguard etc., are the same. Search eBay until there's an S5 bridge for sale, if it'll make you feel better having a spare one in your parts box. If you ever need a replacement 5-pole bridge pickup, there are forumites here who can help you to either find one, make one or convert a 4-pole pickup to 5-pole. AFAIK the stock S5 tailpiece is a 4-string unit modded to accomodate 5 strings.

I'm sure our resident 5 string expert Jeff Rath will soon chime in. And as Jared has already said... DO IT!

What did you say your friend's name was....and what was his number again? I switch back and forth between a 4004ci and a 4003/5, I love them both! DO IT!

the one flaw of a 4003s5 is the tight spacing of the strings at the bridge 2 1/16" ... I modify my 4003s5 basses to 2 1/4" ... this makes them more finger friendly ... but I really like the slim neck on the 4003s5 ... most 5 string basses have necks that are too fat for my left hand ...

the tuners are schaller m4s, the nut is a custom piece, the neck pickup is a stock toaster, the pickguard is a stock 4003 part, the bridge pickup is a custom overwound 15k ohm 5 pole single coil pickup, the bridge is a custom part but some of us have found that a machinist can replicate this part, the tailpiece is a modified 4 string tailpiece, and the saddles are similar to the 4 string saddled but a little narrower.

parts can be purchased or made ... I have converted several 4003 basses to 5 string basses ...

I currently have 2 of them but have owned 3 in total. One of them had the Rath spacing mod which I found to be very well done. I have had no problem adjusting to the stock spacing. All in all I really like my Rick 5ers. It did take a few weeks to get totally comfortable with the fifth string. Now it is perfectly natural for me.

If you end up not liking the s/5 Brett, then you'll easily be able to trade for something else here!
It's definitely worth getting, since being discontinued, ebay prices on these are only going up. You can't really lose.

Brett, how do I say this? GO FOR IT! Like Jeff said, the pitch on the strings does take a little getting used to (by the right hand mostly). But the neck is great - really fast. Superb tones and volume.... Even if you get it and don't like it - you could sell it to one of you forumite friends! A really no loose situation.

Jeff's mod for the string spacing is excellent. I have it on one of my 5ers and it makes a big difference. Jeff, if you are making any more saddles let me know. Someday I want to mod my other one.

I have to get my machinist to make me some more stuff ... I need more bridges, and more saddles ...

Brett, I was used to over 16 years of 3" spacing on my other 5 string. I bought one of Jeff Rath's creations this winter. In the short time I've had it, it's been very difficult for me to go back to my old bass. I think you'll like it, even stock.

WOW! What a response...

It sounds like I should do the deal then. Thanks everyone for your assistance and advice.

I'll be sure to post some pics when it arrives and I know I will be asking a question or two in the not too distant future.

Definitely do it! I got mine and I love it!! They don't come around that often....do it!! Those pickups are HOT!

Another DO IT!!!

My reasoning?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/shakey_slim/DSCN1780.jpg