Model of the Week Nine: The 4003S four-string

[bassduke49]

Next in chronological order is the 4003S. For those who prefer their Rick basses without binding or the deluxe appointments, the S model is very popular. Structurally similar to the standard 4003, early 4003S models would have the split pickguard, body-end truss nuts, and period hardware. About the same time came RIC's first attempt at a "vintage" issue, the "B" model (likely for "Beatle") which was supposed to look like McCartney's stripped 4001S. However, it wasn't an accurate reproduction and was short lived.

For this week, let's post pictures and discuss the 4003S (and B) models. Let's keep it to the four-string instruments for now, as we'll look at the "more string" models coming up.

[rickaddict]

YAY!

[rickaddict]

Okay then, I'll be first! (I couldn't contain my excitement any longer!)

Here's my favorite S, my July '87 in Ruby:

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

[rickaddict]

Here is my (very similar in feel and tone) MG 4003S from Aug of '87:

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

[rickaddict]

Here's my May 1994 4003S in Turquoise:

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

[rickaddict]

And here's one that might show up in a fretless thread also, my 4003SFLMG from July of '92:

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

[sloop_john_b]

Can't you get the pics any bigger, Jeff?

[rickaddict]

Can't you get the pics any bigger, Jeff?

I think Peter is mad at me for hogging all the bandwidth!

[woodyng]

that ruby is so very...lovely,just a wonderful shade of red,there. i prefer the dot-neck variants myself,although i do love the look of the 4001/3 with all the goodies,but find these more comfortable to play.

[dog]

Wow Jeff. Your basses took my breath away. May I be included in your will?

[rickaddict]

I've probably played a thousand basses and none is as comfortable/better balanced to me as the good old, humble but lovable 4003S. It is as close to bass perfection as I've found in 29 years of playing everything I could get my hands on.

I love my C64S...its a great bass, but the 4003S's are a tad more comfortable due to the 1/8 radius edge on the body, a smaller neck, and a less intrusive curve on upper bout.

[rickaddict]

that ruby is so very...lovely,just a wonderful shade of red,there. i prefer the dot-neck variants myself,although i do love the look of the 4001/3 with all the goodies,but find these more comfortable to play.

Wow Jeff. Your basses took my breath away. May I be included in your will?

Thanks, guys!

Funny, Ron! Well...I'd do that, but then I'd be afraid that you might arrange a little "accident" for me!

[thx1955]

I'm new to the 4003-S club, here's mine



Still not used to the non-Fireglo, but she does play wonderfully

[libratune]

Not mine, but relevant nonetheless:

1985 4003S FG

1991 4003S WHT

[ajish4]

And here's one that might show up in a fretless thread also, my 4003SFLMG from July of '92:

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/user_i ... llsize.jpg