Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I am puzzling over buying a (2005) 4003 and a (1985) 4001. Can anyone tell what year the more powerful pickups were introduced and is there really that much of a difference?

'05 pickups will be a tiny bit hotter, I suppose, but I think the '85 will be a much better bass. It will have a much slimmer neck, which in my experience is much more comfortable to play.