Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

quick background... i bought a new 4001 in 1979 or 1980 and it was stolen in 1989. i replaced it with a different bass at the time, and gradually stopped playing bass altogether a few years later. needless to say, i have never quite gotten over my lost baby and recently have been entertaining the idea of getting another Ric. so... i've just started causally watching for a nice vintage 4001 in my price range and have come across the occasional used 4003. i am aware of the tone differences between a vintage 4001 and a newer 4003 (from reading this forum), but what i am more curious about is, how does the neck width differ between 4001s and 4003s and if this is the case only with a few 4003 production years, which years? i want the feel (and neck width) of my old 79/80. is there a difference? are there any other critical differences to note?

thanks for your input.

Hi Dean and WELCOME!

You might find this thread of interest!

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=280979&hilit=measure+your+girth

LOTS of great information posted in there.

Best of luck on your search!

that's what i was looking for! thanks!

guess i need an old 4001...

Late '80's - early '90's necks are pretty sweet, plus they may be able to take round wounds better, too.

Welcome to the forum, Dean!

Welcome, Dean!

I just sold a '08 4003 whose neck was quite similar to that of my '73 4001 except the width is about 1/16" wider at the nut and 1/8" wider at the end of the neck, not enough to be noticeable. I have not played the newest Ricks so I have no data on those.