Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Which one if price is no consideration? Pros and cons of each?
Speak your minds.

As a player's bass they are IDENTICALLY good. They are actually very similar when you boil them both down. There are no true pros or cons to be outlined.

The differences are not concrete, either. It depends a lot on the vintage. Newer 4003s look similar to the v63s, with walunt headstock wings and a vintage headstock.

The v63 will definitely hold more value in the long run unless it is really trashed.

The v63 has a Toaster and a Horseshoe pickup and the 4003 has two Hi-Gains (with different size magnets, which creates a similar volume and tone disparity between the pickups). These pickups all sound different from one another but none is better than any of the others. My favorite Ric bass configuration is double-Toaster so if it were me I'd just buy a 4003 and slap two Toasters in in place of the Hi-Gains. In fact that's what I've done with my 2009 4003.

Personally I'd say get a newer vintage 4003. Save some money compared to a v63 and get a SERIOUSLY good player with vintage features. v63s are also good players but it may be safer to bet on a recent 4003--the more recent the vintage the less time the bass has had to be abused.

For me, v63. The 4003's are oh-so-close, but I'm just not a fan of the 1" neck pickup spacing.

I love my 4003. It is certainly my go to bass. But if I had a magic wand.......poof! V63

V63 Hands down.

for me,the no binding variants (v63/4003s) . if neck/body binding doesn't bother you, the 4003 is a lot more attainable and basically is going to sound very similar. the pickup differences are not so major anymore,and they are swappable,if u can find them! plus the new 4003's have just been awesome looking ...

Right now you can pick up a used generic 4003 for less than $1500. A v63 will cost nearer $2500. For the extra dough you get the different pickups, as Josh notes (and as the RI Horsies have traded as high as $800, that's a chunk of the premium right there). You also get the whole dot-inlay, no binding "S" model thing, some "vintage" touches (tailpiece, TRC, pickguard and square neck heel) and the vintage neck pickup location, which some folk think is key to the classic Rickenbacker bass sound.

As an entry into the Rickenbacker bass experience, I'd go the 4003. The extra green stuff will come in handy.

They are both excellent choices. The difference is the V63 is becoming quite collectible with prices well over $2000 these days. A standard 4003 is pretty common and a lot less expensive.

I also say that they are both great basses. You can't go wrong with either one. but if you've found a really good deal on a V63 that was kept in nice condition, I think you should lean towards that one. You can always find a nice 4003 some other time. If the the 4003 is easier for you to budget, it won't leave you disappointed, especially a new or newer one.

rickenbrother wrote:If the the 4003 is easier for you to budget, it won't leave you disappointed, especially a new or newer one.

+1, I think 2008 was and 2009 is going to be "Year of the 4003". I have never seen nor played such awesome stuff.

law wrote:Which one if price is no consideration? Pros and cons of each?
Speak your minds.

What do you like, Luke?

If you like vintage looks, you don't like sharp body binding and you like to rest your hand on a bridge pickup cover/toaster, then go with the V63.

If you aren't bothered by body binding, you like to remove pickup covers to have full access to your strings, and/or you like the looks of triangle inlays and other deluxe features, then get a 4003.

Pickups can always be changed down the road.

V any day, all day...Just take off those horseshoes!