Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi, i own a rather nice 4001 in Azureglo, along with a handfull of other basses. I've really bonded with the Ric & have been offered a 4003S. Would this sound or play much diferently to my 4001 or for that matter a 4003?

Also should I be paying extra because it's an 'S' ?

Thank you, Bob

The 'S' basses were originally cheaper because they were just standard basses with no binding or sharktooth inlays. Being the owner/player of a 1968 4000 I have come to prefer the non-bound neck. Any difference in sound is minor. I would love to come across a 4003s, if the the time and money were right.
Anyway the 'S' series basses have become more expensive than the deluxe series for a couple of reasons. One is they are no longer in production, the only basses now being made with standard features are the "C" series. And two there weren't as many made as the others which means they are more scarce, more sought after and therefore more expensive.

As years go by I am really starting to dislike the S models ... a 4001/4003 should have binding and triangle inlays ... if you want sleek then get a 4004 ... I sold 3 of my 4 4003s5 basses and I am thinking of selling the 4th ... to me they are unattractive ... and why in the world do people pay more for them nowdays???

Some "S" models are set neck. I am not sure of the year they changed. Watch what you are getting.

I've always liked the S model better, just looks nicer and I've never liked binding on the neck. 2 of my 3 Ric basses are S models. No real difference in tone.

oh ya ... I love the bound neck on any bass ... taking the binding and inlays off of a 4003 is like taking the chrome off of a '57 Chevy ...

I only like the Deluxe 4001 from '72 or earlier.

I think the newer, (I say newer..), post-72 inlays are horrible, they look dull and dirty. I don't find them attractive.

I can live with binding, but - only checkered binding truly floats my boat.

I never used to like The S Factor either, but sinced I used a 4003S for around 15 shows, and I've become acquainted with 4004s, I really love 'em!

The binding is a real pain the *** sometimes; digging into your lower arm up from your hand.

It starts to hurt after 12-13 songs!

I love the look of the S models as much as the regular models. The neck is extremely fresh and elegant looking with the dots and no binding.
The horns look thinner and more elongated without the binding---again, very sleek and elegant. I also love the deepness of the red along the outer edge of a fireglo S model where the binding would be on a regular 4001/3. Fireglo always appears lighter on a bound bass, due to the white attracting the eye.

Just the same, I love the 4003 with full binding and shark inlays. Both models are beautiful, and couldn't be any so, in my opinion.

I love my 4003S. At first I thought they looked "cheaper" and didn't want one. But after playing a Deluxe 4001 for years, it occurred to me that the sharp edge on the binding cuts into my wrist and the "S" models don't have that binding. Now I like their simple look and the contour on the upper edge. They're more utilitarian. I think that when a deluxe 4001 or 4003 gets played and beat-up it looks like hell because of the binding seperating and falling off. A beat-up S model looks cool! Also, I've never had to have one re-fretted, but I'd think it would be easier to pull off on an S model. I don't notice a big difference in neck feel bound or unbound.

And to Jeff: Supply and Demand is why people pay more. Deluxe models have ample supply whereas S models are few and far between. I like the 4004, but its a different animal. If you want a 4003 but don't like that binding, go for the 4003S. I'll take another!

Yes Bob 4003S's are sought after now, shouldn't sound any different as Randy said, I don't own one at the present time but will buy one in the future. I like all Ric's, they all have their allures. I would expect to pay a little more for one than a standard 4003.

The 'S' Models are like the racing versions.

Simpler construction, cleaner lines, as Bob said they each have their own allure, both are just as nice. Comfort wise my v63 is easier on my wrist then my 4003, I love the binding on my 4003, but it does dig in.

it is the same old story ... a certain item doesn't sell so it gets discontinued ... then since it is no longer made it becomes collectable and desireable ...

Too true Jeff, look at the current madness with v63 horseshoes that are changing hands for $300+ a time on Ebay. Even with the c64 still in production you can't purchase a Horseshoe directly from the Factory.

Ain't it cool?

Oops! That was meant to go after Jeff's comment!