Rickenbacker 4003 Electric Bass

product description
In the short lifetime of electric string instruments, very few basses have earned the accolade necessary to genuinely call themselves "classics." Even less can claim the title of industry standard ? but no one can dispute the fact that the Rickenbacker 4000 Series deserves these titles. The piano string-like ring, punch, and sustain brought the bass player out of the shadows and into the spotlight.


Entire new dimensions of bass playing capability are directly attributable to this venerable series. Rickenbacker basses are still handmade in America, using traditional methods refined and honed since Adolph Rickenbacker put his first electric guitar in service at the United States Patent Office almost 70 years ago. Experienced craftsmen lovingly oversee every detail of production. No robots, no computerized machinery ? just human hands and eyes, backed by a determination to make, quite simply, the best products possible.

New for 2006
Rickenbacker introduces the Vintage Tone Selector for 4003 Series basses. This additional control is included standard at no additional cost on all 4003 basses beginning in the 2006 model year.

Prior to 1984, Rickenbacker basses utilized a capacitor in the treble pickup circuit to emphasize treble tones coming from that pickup. However, changes in tone preference and a call for higher output led RIC to discontinue the use of this capacitor in favor of a more balanced sound. Nevertheless many users added this capacitor back into the circuit, experimenting with and sometimes preferring the sound of the older configuration, despite the resulting drop in volume.

Rickenbacker has now decided to give players a choice, allowing the best of both worlds. With a simple pull of the treble tone control, the Vintage Tone Selector will allow a player to move between both sounds at the drop of a hat. Pressed in, you'll hear the familiar balanced tone of the 4003, while pulled out to engage the circuit, you'll appreciate the bite and crispness popularized by such artists as Chris Squire.

Combination Tailpiece and Bridge Assembly
Nestled into a massive metal tailpiece, the height adjustable bridge reflects the maximum string energy back as extra punch. Individually saddled strings have generous intonation adjustment range. A variable mute assembly hides out of the way until called upon; each side adjusts separately. Strings are easily threaded through the end of the tailpiece for rapid changes.

Internationally Acclaimed Pickups
Traceable back to Rickenbacker's original 1928 patent, this bass pickup is renowned for unbelievable clarity and wide range response. Both pickups on the 4003 models are single coil, hum protected designs with high power output. Adjustment screws lower and raise units to player's preference.

Ultimate Control
The toggle pickup selector may be used to switch from one output channel to the other, or both. Each 4003 bass has separate treble and bass tone controls and separate pickup volume controls. The control knobs were selected not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for visibility in typical low light situations.

Dual Rod Neck-Through Body
Always the hallmark of a Rickenbacker, the neck runs the full length of the bass; string tension remains entirely on one laminated wood assembly. The result is a lifetime of accuracy of alignment, plus markedly superior sustain and tone. All bass necks have 2 field replaceable truss rods, allowing for each side to be adjusted separately.

A Balanced Neck and Body System
Instantly recognizable, the fluidly sculptural body and head shape serve primarily to establish proper instrument balance. One of the thinnest and fastest necks around plus an ergonomically accurate body contour mean easy playing without fatigue. Full cutaways permit access to the highest frets without strain and a conventional tail shape permits stable storage in a stand between sets.

Bass Tuning Keys
The keywinds are superbly crafted to microscopically fine tolerances. As a result, gear backlash and slippage are virtually eliminated. All components are completely removable for cleaning or maintenance and finished to a superlative smoothness, fully protected from hard use or abuse.

All Round Protection
A deluxe molded hardshell case is included with each Rickenbacker bass. Plush lined and form fitted, these hard wearing cases feature an accessory pocket, heavy-duty hardware, and extra padding.
Technical Info

Body Type: Solid

No. Frets: 20

Scale Length: 84.5 cm (33-1/4 in.)

Neck Width at Nut: 42.9 mm (1-11/16 in.)

Neck Width at 12th Fret: 54.0 mm (2-1/8 in.)

Crown Radius: 25.4 cm (10 in.)

Body Wood: Maple

Neck Wood: Maple

Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood

Weight: 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs.)

Overall Length: 113.8 cm (44-13/16 in.)

Overall Width: 34.3 cm (13-1/2 in.)

Overall Depth: 31.8 mm (1-1/4 in.)

Fingerboard Binding: Yes

# Sides with Body Binding: 1

Fret Marker Style: Triangle

Tailpiece: RIC

Bridge: RIC

Neck Type: Through body

No. of Pickups: 2

Type of Pickups: Single Coil

Output Type: Mono and Stereo

Machine Heads: Schaller Deluxe