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First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 5:46 am
by faceman
Morning all,

This is my first post here, so hello everyone. If all goes well, I should be a more regular member of this forum. Basically, I've got the opportunity to make my bass dream come through and get a Rickenbacker. I've got some money that I'll never have again and I want to get the thing I've always wanted through all the trades of basses.

The two I've got to choose from is a Walnut 1978 Rickenbacker 3001 and a 2008 Blueburst 4003 but I was wondering everyone's thoughts on each one? Both of these would have to be bought unseen, as no one has Rics in stock any more and both are coming from distances. I'm liking the 3001 because it's more unique, looks great and I've heard nothing but good things as well as the fact the dudes from Monkeys and Franz play them. However, it's an instrument from 1978 so I'm not sure how well it's going to hold out to the rugged environment of playing, practising and recording this summer.

From what I've seen, it's got some buckle wear but apart from that, not too shabby at all with nothing major on the front of the body. Comes with the original hard case too with new latches. This one is going to be from the old USA to England.

The 4003 is your standard Ric, it's a few years old and it's coming from a dude who is retiring from playing bass. It's in very good condition and obviously has much less wear and tear. Nothing much else to say apart from it looks fantastic! It's also the limited colour of the year blue burst too!

Pricing wise, the 3001 is going be around £950 ($1350 actually) and the 4003 is going to be £1,500 so there is quite a difference between the two. Have any of the Ric plays had experiences with these two and any thoughts on which one to go for? I've heard the 3001 is more P-bassy but retains some of the growl, and maybe more versatile?

I've also attached images of both, thanks in advance!
3001small.jpg
!BPFl1HwCGk~$(KGrHgoOKiIEjlLmVkUiBJ)7LpqK7w~~_12.JPG

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 6:38 am
by ilan
Welcome Sebastian.

That's a no-brainer. Definitely get the 4003.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:32 am
by guitfiddle
ilan wrote:Welcome Sebastian.

That's a no-brainer. Definitely get the 4003.
I couldn't have said it any better myself.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 7:59 am
by paul_yan
Welcome, Sebastian.

Yep, get the 4003 BBR. With individual volume and tone controls for the 2 pickups, and the push-pull .0047 cap switchable treble tone knob, it's got many sounds for you. The finish is way more gorgeous than the Walnut (in my humble opinion of course). The body and headstock shape is way more sexy than the 3001. The post-1984 modern truss rod system is way more advanced and easy to adjust than the 3001's old folded style rods.

Want me to say more? :wink:

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 8:04 am
by ricaddic
If you already had a 4003 and were able to buy 3001, then yes, I would get the 3001for vintage reasons, however, you will get alot more out of the 4003, so like the previous posters said, definitly go for the 4003.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 8:06 am
by dog
Unless you can buy them both....go for the 4003 :wink:

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 8:51 am
by 4003
The 4003 will give you way more versatility. The 3001 may have some great vintage mojo but the 4003 provides The Look, The Feel, and most importantly The Sound that is Rickenbacker Basses. Period.

Welcome to our world.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:09 am
by vito
Welcome to the forum.

Also, keep in mind that the 3001 is heavier than the 4003. I don't know if that's an issue or not , but something to keep in mind. Otherwise, I echo everyone else. The 4003 will provide much more flexibility than the 3001.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:21 am
by cassius987
They are different animals. The 3001 is more limited as far as passive tone options but it's a really good player based on every review. The 4003 from 2008 would be also for most people--thin neck. The main reasons I would say to choose the 4003: it's extremely versatile as far as passive basses go (I count around six distinct sounds from mine, as opposed to the normal 2-3), it's a lot less likely to be damaged and already UK acclimated, you can get replacement parts for it pretty easily, it's customizable within RIC stock (pickups are interchangeable in both positions)... etc. Also, they are RIC's bread and butter as far as basses go now, so RIC has done a lot to improve them lately (2008 is a good vintage btw). But if you come up short I bet that 3001 is no slouch.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 10:01 am
by rickaddict
It's too bad that you can't try them and compare, 'cuz they aren't very similar. The 4003 would be more versatile and have the better truss rods, but you might like the tone and /or neck feel on the 3001 better.

It's hard for us to tell you which one you'd prefer, 'cuz we aren't you!

8)

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:05 am
by s4001
I'd get the 4003. The 3001 is a bit overpriced, as well. Besides, you just cant beat BBR :D

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:07 pm
by gareth
Simple.

Buy both, keep the 4003 and send the 3001 to me.

There you go.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:16 pm
by ram
Sebastian, welcome to the forum! I like the 4003 - but what do I know. I doubt you'd regret either.

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:29 pm
by tallpat1
Welcome to the forum. The 4003 is the choice to make here, first of all BBR is a rare color, second it's the top of the line Ric bass. which means better truss rods, more options with 2 pickups & stereo if you like. i'm sure you will not regret it. and Rics hold there value over the long haul especially 4001 & 4003 models.

Good Luck

:D

Re: First Ric - 1978 3001 vs. 2008 4003

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 3:30 pm
by rickenbrother
Welcome to the forum, Sebastian! My vote is also for the 4003.