Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

. . . to fill in details for my very short (2-page) chapter on the mysterious 4003SB "vintage" bass. Anyone have a 1984 price list? All I need to know is if the 4003SB is even listed, and if so, what was the price. I have page 2 of the 10-1-84 list, but no listing of the B models on it. Small details, but I'm trying to be thorough.

TIA

Paul, I have a 9-15-84 price list, both sides, and there is a 4003S but no 4003SB on the list.

I also have a six-page color foldout brochure titled "Rickenbacker Professional Bass Series" with a 1984 copyright date. There is no mention in it of the 4003SB model.

Hmm. The B series must have been REALLY short-lived then. Any early 1984 price lists out there? My next oldest one is 6-1-83 and it ain't in there. Thanks to Ken Earnest, I have enough good shots of the B. His was made in March 1984 (XC). Interesting . . . .

B series is 1982 - 83... All done by 1984. Check the register

The few instruments listed in the Register under B Series do not include any basses.

Paul, as I understand it, the difference between a 4003S and an 4003SB of the "B Series" era was that the B Series had a toaster in the neck position. Judging from the ad, however the 4003SB also was a set-neck "S" model with what appears to be a shedua-strip neck. Is this correct? Or is this one of those mythical instruments that only appear in ads?

Thanks guys. The only missing information is if the 4003SB appeared on a price list and for how much.

It's been a while since I posted a peek at the book, so this is a good opportunity. For those just tuning in, I'm writing a reference book on Rick basses, something that has long been needed. In the caption to the advertisement, I explain that the bass in the picture is a stand-in and not representative of the SB instrument. SBs apparently were very short lived, likely just early 1984. Forumite Ken Earnest was kind enough to shoot photos of his SB and I've used them on the second page. Just two pages for this model as there really isn't much more to say!

The layout looks great Paul. Thanks for sharing that...

I seem to remember that it wasnt long after the appearance of the B series that the V63 came along....

pag wrote:I seem to remember that it wasnt long after the appearance of the B series that the V63 came along....

Right-o. The V63 is listed on the 9-15-84 price list. The MSRP was $1190; the 4003 and 4003S models were listed at $890.

Paul:

I found this thread on the corporate forum tonight.

http://www.rickenbacker.com/forum/viewt ... er#p101145

This person has a real 1982 B series bass..

Might be useful research for your book

Thanks for sharing. Really looking forward to the book?

I'm just curious, are the only differences from a regular 4003S the dual output and the toaster?

libratune wrote:The few instruments listed in the Register under B Series do not include any basses.

Paul, as I understand it, the difference between a 4003S and an 4003SB of the "B Series" era was that the B Series had a toaster in the neck position. Judging from the ad, however the 4003SB also was a set-neck "S" model with what appears to be a shedua-strip neck. Is this correct? Or is this one of those mythical instruments that only appear in ads?

Rick B Series Ad.jpg

Wish I'd never seen that ad. They're rare enough, but that lefty might just be cosmetic? Dangit!
Cool picture. Good luck getting your info!

The one thing the RIC forum thread revealed is that the B series basses have mono jacks - unlike the one pictured in the draft of Paul's book...

Ontario_RIC_fan wrote:The layout looks great Paul. Thanks for sharing that...

Starting to look great, Paul - but rather justify the text - the moving right border of the text looks messy and chaotic right now.

When can we pre-order the book?

I am interested in adding your book to my library. When, where and how can I purchase one? Great job