Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Has anyone else noticed now heavy the recent 4003's are? The return to the large headstock and the fact that the neck is now really thick (at least, my 2002 one has a very thick neck) makes these basses pretty damn heavy and have a slight neck dive. Kinda wearing my shoulder out!

Hi Owen! This is a subject dear to my heart as I have chronic back problems. However, not all of the current 4003s weigh a lot; I think you'd be surprised. I've played maybe half a dozen and they've varied from featherweight to back breaking. I recently talked to a Rick dealer who reckoned they were pretty consistent, but my back tells me different (guess its harder to tell if your back is ok). A friend of mine bought one brand new a few months back (big h/stock, thick neck)and the only Rick I've ever played which is lighter is my 72, which is a real featherweight. The heaviest one I've seen was in the Bass Centre. They were both fireglo. That's one of the reasons I'd prefer to check a 4003 (well, any Rick really) out before I bought it. Also had to do that with my CS; my original one weighed a ton,but the one I've got now isn't very heavy at all. You've just been unlucky I guess (although some people prefer 'em heavy). My motto is always try before you buy (where possible of course).

BTW when I bought my 4003S8 there were various other Ricks in the shop including a 4003 and 3 or 4 x 4001s, and the 8 string was the lightest of them all, which I certainly didn't expect.

BTW, my mate's bass balances perfectly too...

Well i can deal with the heavier weight really, i just dont like having to hold the neck up as i play. MY old 91' 4003, as well as my fenders....well when i let go of their necks, the just stay put. This newer Rick dives down and the strap digs into my shoulder

Ah well, so what if its heavy- burgundyglo is cool!

I've had the same problem with some 4001s; my original 4001 was like that. My '72 balances fine though, as do my 4000, V63 & CS (needless to say the 8 string didn't!). I never understood why some do dive and some don't. Your bass is heavy but still dives, my mate's is light and doesn't; you'd think it would be the opposite way round. That's wood for you I guess. It is a pain though, quite literally!

Owen, to maximize your comfort while playing, use the widest leather strap you can find to disperse the area of contact on your shoulder. My straps are at least 3-3/8" wide. Soft skinny straps do not ad comfort, they dig in more. Wider straps will also help avoid neck dive.
You can also try Slider Straps, they go over both shoulders.
http://www.slider-straps.com/STR/bass.html

most basses are between 7 and 11 pounds ...

come on guys ... you got to be able to have that strapped on to you for a few hours ...

I am Hans and he is Franz ... and we are here to pump you up ... don't be a girly man ... pick up that heavy bass and play it ...

just kidding guys ...

if you want a light bass get a 4004 ... or even lighter ... get a hofner ...

I had an Alembic once, that sucker had to have been 14-15lbs.

4000 series heavy?!
You guys have obviously never played a 3001....

That's for sure. I was 5'9" when I started playing a 3001. I'm 5'7" now and I only had it for a year!

(rim shot!)

play a 2030 for a while ... the 4003 will seem featherweight ...

My 3000's weren't to light either. The two that I've reshaped are now quite comfortable due to the amount of material removed. Since these were origianlly intended as student models, I don't know what they were thinking making these so heavy and plain looking.

So basically Dane, Jeff & myself have the indentations on our left shoulders due to the 3001 & it's later incarnation as the 2030.
When I switch from my 3001 to either my 4001 or 4003 it's like the weight of a Tercel vs. the weight of a tank.

I do agree that the 4003's are heavier than the 4001's, but rest assured - you're still getting off easy!