Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I love the new 5 string basses.

Great to see Ben making these updates; looking forward to seeing one at my local dealer soon (I hope).

https://www.facebook.com/ricguitars/pho ... 46/?type=3

Easy to lose in the look at the new 5er: Matte black finish to be available on 4003 and 330 models.

I'm cheering that they have made a five-string!

I'm cheering that they have finally decided on a different tailpiece/bridge (looks like an ABM to me).

I'm cheering that they have finally gone away from the overly large "pit" to house the treble/bridge pickup (and the over-string cover).

But the ultra-modern, asymmetrical, slanty new pickup just looks goofy to me. Yeah, I'm old fashioned. Sue me. I wonder if these new pickups and tailpiece will eventually migrate to the four stringers (?).

Does anyone know what they are using for the model designation on this? It's not really a reintroduction of the 4003S/5, but will they call it that? Hmm. Avid journalist needs to know. Damn. Looks like I'll have to start on the third edition.

Yeah, those were the instruments on the other side of that wall of 5 string basses.

The 5 string pickups are pretty radical looking, but every time I look at those photos I just says YES! Overall, I think the basses would look better with no pickguard on them at all as I really like the shape of the bridge pickup a bit better without having the PG cover over the flange at the base of it. A 4005/teardrop pickguard would work really well on these basses so that both pickups have the same shape and look.

I have been using Schaller roller bridges since the late '70s and really like them very much, and am glad they are on my two 4004 Laredos.

I think the pickup bring a way cool retro thing to these basses, and they should placate those who complain about a place for their thumbs to land on, too. It only took me until the second time looking at the new pickups to find they real fit in quite well, overall. A teardrop/4005 pickguard would be perfect and work aesthetically with the new pickup shapes.

How about some pics:

bassduke49 wrote: Does anyone know what they are using for the model designation on this? It's not really a reintroduction of the 4003S/5, but will they call it that?

According to the FB post, yes,: 4003S/5

bassduke49 wrote: I'm cheering that they have finally decided on a different tailpiece/bridge (looks like an ABM to me).

Schaller 3D-5 bridge, they say in post...

5 string version of the ones currently on the 4004 basses.

What's the story on these pups?
Is it a special kind of coil shape our setup?

I like it to see RIC is innovating again.

I really want to be on board with these, but I just cant do it.

I'm sure they're fine basses, but just not for me.

I’ll miss the sparkle and flash of chrome pup surrounds, would have looked better with them. The “double hump” pickguard is an odd choice too, thought they put that little deviation to bed. Maybe it will grow on me, kind of “meh” aesthetically at first glance. I’m all for innovation, but I’m betting a lot of people will mod these with other 5 String pups.

just awful.

I'm on the fence... I do kinda wish they'd put some lighter y-tuners on it, pull the guard, and call it a 4004. I don't want the classic 4001/4003 to 'go away' or be 'improved'. I like the carried forward idiosyncrasies and think they contribute to the sound and overall brand image of rickenbacker. I'm glad the company is stretching...but also scared for the future of the 4003.

So... any 4004's at Namm?