Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Modding a rick from 4 to 5 strings? I'm going to be ordering one and everything i've read about the 4003 S/5 says the B string sucks and It's not like I can find them anyway. So how hard would it be too add a 5th string aftermarket? Anyone know anyone in Canada who would do it for me?

You've come to the right place. There are a few of us here who modify Rickenbackers from 4 to 5 strings.

http://www.3dentourage.com/425
I can convert a 4003 or 4004 bass if you want.

So stupid question, but after messing with the pickups and everything, I'm still going to have that Rick sound right? If I were to mod to 5 strings is their going to be anything lost?

Bassplaya wrote:So stupid question, but after messing with the pickups and everything, I'm still going to have that Rick sound right? If I were to mod to 5 strings is their going to be anything lost?

Yep . Your going to lose what the 4 string lacked and have a better instrument to play

Bassplaya wrote:If I were to mod to 5 strings is their going to be anything lost?

Resale value.

Contact forum member "cheyenne" Scott Doseck he has a very nice 4003s5 JG for sale.

Leave Rick basses as they were born to be

bottom4 wrote:Contact forum member "cheyenne" Scott Doseck he has a very nice 4003s5 JG for sale.

Leave Rick basses as they were born to be

I agree with you Andy!

Matthew, inquiring about Scott's 4003S/5 would be a very good idea. Take it from a very satisfied 4003S/5 owner...ME! The B string does NOT suck on those basses. Put a .130" B string on it and play it through an amp/speaker cab that is great at delivering low end and you'll have monstrous 5 string bass tone.

I never heard about any issues with the B string lacking on an s5 - isn't that just the 4004/5's?

I thought I had read the 4003/5 had the same issue and that's why their so hard to find. Of course I guess that could just be because it's a rick.

Anyone else with a 4003 5 who can vouch for that b string?

The reason I'm thinking of modding is because that way I can get one new. I have an inherent fear of used instruments I havent seen/played in person. But its looking like thats something I might have to get over for a decent Rick.

Matthew. I realize that you are new here, and want more assuring opinions, but I can tell you that Scott is a well liked, respected and valued forum member for over 7 years. He would be very forth coming if the 4003S/5 for sale had any issues. He takes very good care of his instruments.

For me a 4003 4-2-5 or a 4004 4-2-5 is a better playing and better sounding bass than the 4003s5 or the 4004cii5 neither of which are currently being made by Rickenbacker.

Bassplaya wrote:I thought I had read the 4003/5 had the same issue and that's why their so hard to find. Of course I guess that could just be because it's a rick.

Anyone else with a 4003 5 who can vouch for that b string?

The reason I'm thinking of modding is because that way I can get one new. I have an inherent fear of used instruments I havent seen/played in person. But its looking like thats something I might have to get over for a decent Rick.

This issue has been covered here on the forum in depth. Jeff has modded more 4's to 5's than anyone on the planet, so I guess he would be the expert.
As to the 4003s/5, it was basically a factory 4to5. What most people find is that the string spacing is tight(as did I). There are things you can do to modify that problem, respacing the bridge peices, remaking the nut, and so forth. As to the B (sucking), YMMY, but if you as previously suggested, put a .130 on it, it works great.
The 4004CII/5 addressed the string spacing well, but almost too well. In the process and the factory using there stock pickups, gain on the low B, and G were about 9db difference than the E A D. I had an expert install bart pickups in my CII5 which fixed the problem.
The 4004 has a wider neck that the 4003, so IMO would make a better 4to5 conversion.
What would be ideal IMO, to leave the 4003 at 4 string, and either find a 4003s/5, or a 4004CII5(lol), or modify a 4004/4.
Another idea would be to get a 4 stringer, and string it up BEAD.
Also, welcome to the forum. Lots of good and knowledgable people here.

So whats the differenc in neck size between your standard 4003 4 string and a S/5? Also is the 4003 5 not so tight that you cant just get used to it? It doesnt sound like it makes it unplayable but did you find it slowed your playing down at all?

Bassplaya wrote:So whats the differenc in neck size between your standard 4003 4 string and a S/5?

No difference, I believe. I find the s5 spacing unreasonably tight, though it becomes more manageable when playing with a pick.

So If I modded a standard 4 string, since I wouldnt be changing the neck size I'd be running into the same problem then right?

I've never actually had the privilege of hearing a 4004, does it have that same rick punch as a 4003?