Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Can anyone tell me what exactly are the differences between the 4001 and 4003 basses?

I'll try: in two words, truss rods. The old method required a diff. procedure to adjust them, a bit more difficult than todays technology. But imho, i'll take a 4001 gladly, MD Arnquist, your comments ?

I've got a 1976 4001 with a Fireglo finish. Upon asking around at local Rickenbacker dealers, everyone gave me many different answers such as different neck bindings, different colors, etc. But this is the first time someone told me about truss rods. All I want to know is the exact difference. Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

The necks themselves seem to be thicker and more strongly built on the 4003, in addition to the truss rod difference.

Also, the pickups are a little hotter, at least in the newer 4003's. Probably have more windings; they give a less trebly, but more solid sound.

Overall, IMHO, the 4003 is a better built guitar with all the usual Rick high quality of wood, etc...

LS

This might be a stupid question, but I've been noticing some people here are typing the letters IMHO. What does this mean?

Robert-think it means In my honest opinion-IMOP

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION

this is like asking ..."what is the difference between Volkswagon Beetles"

Too many !

I love the sound of the pre 1973 the best ,but the bridge is poorly made .
I love the bridge of the 1970's (for the most part ) but dislike the truss rods on pre 1985 basses.
I love the new basses,but they feel different ,this is the clear coats and the shape of the necks.

All in all ....if I had my way ...I would buy a new vintage 63 reissue and then change the bridge pickup .That is if I had to choose.

I do want to say that I am intrigued by the Cheyenne.I have NEVER played one .Are they sonically the same as the 4003?

Mark,

I have a 2000 4004 Laredo and a 1993 4003. I used to have a 1979 4001 and all I could say is that they're all different! The Laredo has a wider neck, more contoured body shape, humbuckers, and seems to be (dare I say) more Fender-like in tone and playability. I've never played a Cheyenne either, but I suspect that they're just like the Laredo's, with the exception of the quilted finish and gold hardware. My 4003 has hotter pickups than the 4001, seems more solid, and believe me, the truss rods on the 4003 are a breeze to adjust compared to the 4001! Anyway, I love my 4004 as much as my 4003, and as much as my old 4001, but for different reasons. I'd like to hear from other Laredo owners out there to see if they feel the same way as I do.

The difference between the 4001 and the 4003 is the truss rods, the result is that the 4001 was designed for flatwound strings and the 4003 allows all strings, but particularly roundwounds and their possibly high tensions (I believe !)