Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm thinking about buying a 4001S from a friend of mine. He's letting it go for a really good price and I've always wanted a 4000-something bass so I think I'm gonna do it. But first, I'd like to know how old it is.

Here's what I know - correct me if I'm wrong, but the 4001S was made until 84-85. Well, the serial number on the jack plate gives me a Dec. 93 build date. I'm assuming that this has been replaced at some point, so is there another way to tell what year this bass was made?

It could be a 4003S.

If it really is a '93 serial #, then that's what it is. (Unless it's a 4001V63)

Can you post pics?

If it is neck through and has hi-gain pickups (not Horseshoe/toaster) then it's gotta be a 4003S.

Here are pics of my 1994 4003S:

http://rickresource.com/register/viewit ... ine%3Dtrue

Ohhhhhhhhh...I can post some pics, but it will probably be later today. But you may have answered my question already, it's definitely neck through, hi gains, no binding. Makes sense now. Thanks!

BTW Jeff that's one purty bass. The one I'm probably gonna buy needs a little love...

4003S' are great basses. Hopefully it doesn't need too much TLC.

rickaddict wrote:Here are pics of my 1994 4003S:

http://rickresource.com/register/viewit ... ine%3Dtrue

Holy smokes, that is gorgeous! And just the other day I was thinking I'd never seen a green or turquoise Ric.

Denis wrote: Holy smokes, that is gorgeous! And just the other day I was thinking I'd never seen a green or turquoise Ric.

loopyreed wrote:BTW Jeff that's one purty bass. The one I'm probably gonna buy needs a little love...

Thanks, guys! I got lucky on that one. It was an ebay score, and it's pretty much perfect. Even the case is perfect! In 8 years of keeping my eyes open for Rick basses on the internet, I've only seen one other 4003S in Turquoise...it's in Germany and is owned by a guy that used to (and still might) post here.

I'm a big fan of the 4003S.

And even if your 4003S is a little beat up... I think they look cool a little bit worn!

I've found 4001s like red wines, low lighting, good food, and of course soft caresses.

Oh, wait.... Nevermind.....



Jeff, you have some really great basses.

rickaddict wrote:

Denis wrote: Holy smokes, that is gorgeous! And just the other day I was thinking I'd never seen a green or turquoise Ric.

loopyreed wrote:BTW Jeff that's one purty bass. The one I'm probably gonna buy needs a little love...

Thanks, guys! I got lucky on that one. It was an ebay score, and it's pretty much perfect. Even the case is perfect! In 8 years of keeping my eyes open for Rick basses on the internet, I've only seen one other 4003S in Turquoise...it's in Germany and is owned by a guy that used to (and still might) post here.

I'm a big fan of the 4003S.

And even if your 4003S is a little beat up... I think they look cool a little bit worn!

Personally I like the look of any worn-in/beat-up Rickenbacker. This one has a few dings and scratches in all the right places - only thing wrong with it is a broken tuning key, the knobs and output jack are a bit loose, and the action is a bit high. Nothing I can't fix.

rickaddict wrote:Here are pics of my 1994 4003S:

http://rickresource.com/register/viewit ... ine%3Dtrue

Jeff, don't stop there, you need one of these, too:
http://rickresource.com/register/viewit ... lebrity%3D

johnallg wrote:I've found 4001s like red wines, low lighting, good food, and of course soft caresses.

Oh, wait.... Nevermind.....

I was wondering when someone was going to take that angle! That was my gut reaction to the thread name also...but then I forgot and answered the thread like a good boy. Damn!

johnallg wrote: Jeff, you have some really great basses.

Thanks, John!

loopyreed wrote: Personally I like the look of any worn-in/beat-up Rickenbacker. This one has a few dings and scratches in all the right places - only thing wrong with it is a broken tuning key, the knobs and output jack are a bit loose, and the action is a bit high. Nothing I can't fix.

Sounds like a great bass with just a little TLC. All you need is for the thing to work, right?! Call me biased, but I think the S basses look better worn-in/beat-up than the Deluxe basses. I saw a truly hacked up (may have been professionally "relic'd" for all I know) 4001CS bass once that I kinda wish I would have bought. It had no COA and no signature pickguard, but I don't play those anyway! What a cool bass!

What color is the 4003S you're looking at?

libratune wrote: Jeff, don't stop there, you need one of these, too:

4003S-5 Hdstk 1-fullsize.jpg

http://rickresource.com/register/viewit ... lebrity%3D

That's a flippin' gorgeous S/5 Ron. And you take great photos too!

I really love that Turquoise S/5!!
About 5 years ago, there was one on ebay that I wanted to bid on, but I was at a friends wedding when it ended, oh well!