2018 Rickenbacker 4003S - Satin Black Finish - w Original Hard Case - Made in the USA - Pro Set Up!
2018 Rickenbacker 4003
Matte Black Finish
Serial: 18-40770
Nut Width: 1.70"
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: 0.89"
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 0.90"
Weight: 9 Lbs 6 oz's
Made in the USA
Comes w Original Hard Case & Paperwork Pictured
$$ Professionally setup for optimal tone and playability...Truly Stage or Studio Ready! (Including Fret Work, Intonation, Truss Rod and Action)
Chris Squire, Cliff Burton, Lemmy, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Roger Glover...What do they all have in common? They are all bass legends that have used a Rickenbacker to great effect.
Rickenbacker basses need little introduction. This killer 4003S has it all! Dual Rickenbacker pickups provide all the growl and bite you'd expect from a Rick. It features a toaster pickup in the bridge with cover and a single coil in the neck. Individual Volume and Tone controls let you dial in just the right sound, and a three-way switch lets you select either (or both) pickups. The dual "Rick-O-Sound" jacks let you send each pickup to an independent amp for a near-endless tonal palette. This instrument is in very good/excellent condition with minimal playwear in the form of some scratch marks and scuffs to the front and back (please see pictures) . We Don't see any major dings or dents, just micro play-wear marks that come from handling and playing. The almost orange hue of the 20-fret gloss-coated rosewood fingerboard adds a natural element to the visuals, while the dot position inlays add a vintage vibe. The bass’s body dimensions are broad but slim, and it has a substantial feel. Having said that, this is a design that has stood the test of time; despite some of its idiosyncrasies, the 4003S's components and construction should be up to handling some force, from even the most heavy-handed of players. All 20 frets are easily accessible, but the rear pickup cover prevents you from playing over the pickup, forcing you to anchor your picking hand behind the pickup or in front of it, closer to the neck. The control set is simple enough, with a volume and tone control for each pickup, a three-position pickup selector and a treble boost courtesy of a push/pull facility on the treble pickup tone control. The elephant-ear machine heads function smoothly and black dot position markers can easily be seen along the white neck binding.
The neck profile is of a slim C shape, while the fingerboard remains consistently broad across its whole length. The 19mm string spacing suits the bass and makes navigating the frets relatively easy.
Sounds
This bass is particularly resonant - its distinctive clank was present even before we plugged in. Once we were playing through a cab that clank came to the fore. The meaty, powerful Rickenbacker tone was authoritative, and that familiar hollow sound was easily called upon.
Each pickup has its own, markedly different sound. As you would expect, the neck pickup is significantly more rounded than the rear unit, and does its best to offer a full, ballsy tone that can be suitably colored with the tone control. The rear pickup takes up a lot of space but it sits in the sweet spot; playing the strings to either side of it gives you a choice of tones. The tone control is your friend when taming the ever- present metallic grind of the strings on the frets; call upon the treble boost option and a noticeable definition appears, which is particularly useful if you’re playing with a pick. It also adds some presence if you’re a finger-style player.
Some players, particularly tech-heads who like an array of active tone options, will find that the 4003 fails to cater to their preferences. Conversely, the bass’s look, sound and playability will be nirvana for certain other players. The playability is good but not perfect, although this particular example is blessed with a comfortable medium action, a good setup and no sharp frets. There is significant headstock bias; even when placed on a strap, the head wants to venture downwards - but if you keep it in an angled playing position, you should be fine.
This is an understated bass in a cool, classic way, and much of its history and mystique is still in place. The sounds are familiar and although it’s not suited to all musical genres or playing styles, the 4003 remains a classic. The price is hefty, of course, but nothing sounds quite like a Rickenbacker bass.
Cosmetic Condition
This bass is in fine shape and perfect working order. It has been dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has only very minor play wear, including a very fine scratch or two but overall it is extremely clean.
Features:
Finish Details: Original
Body Material: Maple Body
Neck Material: Maple Neck
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Neck Profile: medium "D"
Fingerboard Radius: 9.00"
Nut Width: 1-5/8"
Scale Length: 33 1/4"
Neck Details: One piece maple neck with bound rosewood board.
Electronics: Original stock pickups and wiring with single mono output.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body Type Solid
No. Frets 20
Scale Length 84.5cm (33 1/4″)
Neck Width at Nut 42.9 mm (1 11/16”)
Neck Width at 12th Fret 54.0 mm (2 1/8”)
Crown Radius 25.4 cm (10”)
Body Wood Maple
Neck Wood Maple & Walnut
Fingerboard Wood Rosewood
Weight 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs.)
Overall Length 113.8 cm (44 13/16”)
Overall Width 34.3 cm (13 1/2”)
Overall Depth 31.8 mm (1 1/4”)
Neck Binding Yes
Fret Marker Style Dot
Tailpiece RIC
Bridge V2
Neck Type Thru body
No. of Pickups 2
Type of Pickups Hi-gain
Output Type Mono
Machine Heads Schaller
This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.
**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best.
* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues
* Intonation is spot-on
* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.
* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned
* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!
***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.
About Us
The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. @TheGuitarDude
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Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s
We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping.
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ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.
I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.