Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

i have a 1977 4001 and a 1997 4003, and it seems that the newer 4003 neck is noticeably wider than the 1977 4001 neck. does anyone know what year rickenbacker widened the necks? i know that around september, 1984 the truss rod setup was modernized, but i am not sure when they widened the neck. does anyone know when this occurred?

Cant answer your question, BUT, what do you think of the playability? I recently purchased a 1990 4003.. after playing a 75 4001 almost exclusively for 16 years.. I pulled the 4003 out of the shipping box .. and noticed right away that it played much more easily. I adjusted the strings/saddles etc on the 4001 to match the height from the neck on the 4003.. it's good but still not as easy to play.
Another situation is the neck finish.. 4001 - played the JetGlo off the bottom of the neck.... 4003 - nice and slick with clear coat. I'm sure thats part of the equation.
What of yours?

joel, that is so opposite from what i found. you must have a very well-made 4003. my 1977 4001 has the lowest action i have ever seen on a bass, with practically no fret buzzing. but the 4003 has higher action, cause of significant fret buzzing. both basses have had the frets levelled.but i have small hands, and the narrower neck suits me to a tee, whereas the wider-necked 4003,along with the higher action, is more work for me to play.i havent noticed that much difference with the finishes.

I think that it's not a matter of my 4003 being better made than yours.. but maybe my 4003 neck is better-adjusted.. and perhaps your 4001 is better adjusted than mine. I would look into getting it adjusted. That may solve the action/buzz problem.