Model Year: 2000
Price: $1019.00 (new)
Where Obtained: SA

US made, two single coils, string dampener in bridge, Schaller tuners Vol,Vol,Tone,Tone, set neck, urethane finished fretboard rosewood, Alder or ash body {I can't remember} squareish pickup cover on neck pup. High Quality Bass.

Double trussrods made for more difficult setup. The neck isin't that wide, a single rod plus graphite support rods would have been better. Bass felt uncomfortable to play finger style. With a pick it was a different story.

I love the way a Rick sounds especially with Stainless rounds on it. Full, aggressive, growly, bark. Bottom was thick and rubber like. Mids and highs jumped down your throat.

Don't try to mess with the string mute in the bridge unless you have the instruction book. Other than that it is a very well built bass.

Model Year: 2006
Price: $1200.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Musician's Friend

This bass was made in the US. The body and neck are made of maple, and the fretboard is rosewood. There are 20 frets with triangle markers. The controls include a pickup selector, a volume knob for each pickup, and a tone knob for each pickup. The pickups are single coil and passive. All finishes are glossy (except the mapleglo I think). The Bridge is a standard rickenbacker with an adjustable mute. The tuners are schaller deluxe. The key feature that stands out among all other basses - an optional stereo output.

This is certainly made for pick players. I don't use a pick, and it took a while to get used to it. Now I can pick up any bass and play it with ease after this. It's not difficult, you just have to adjust. I took away the bridge pickup guard, which allows a perfect resting place for your thumb. The neck is interesting. Because it is painted, it isn't as fast as a typical satin finish on wood. Also the fretboard has a thick glossy coat on it. I don't think any tone comes from the neck because of this. However, I feel that the fret size and the accessibility of the upper frets are optimal. If you pick this thing up for the first time and play it, chances are you won't like the feel, especially if you are a finger style player. The balance is also top heavy, but I like that. However, just a few weeks of playing it you will become accustomed to it. Now I like the feel more than most basses. Don't let playability hold you back if you really like this bass. It comes with time.

I use a yorkville 200 watt combo amp equipped with two eminence 10 inch speakers. I play in a worship band, but also enjoy playing classic rock, hard rock, metal, and jazz. Half the people that review this say its a one trick pony, the other half say its very versatile. I say it all depends on how you play it, and how you equip it. If you put rotosound strings on it and play with a pick, you aren't going to get many sounds aside from a bright aggressive tone. If you put pyramid flat wounds on it, you are going to sound like Paul McCartney. It just depends on your eq, effects, strings, playing style, etc. The sound is a little lacking in the low end, has average midrange, and very bright highs. Because of this and the fact that the pickups are single coil, it is extremely noisy. The noisiest I've ever heard actually. You might want to consider a noise reducer. For those who want a ric for the classic ric sound, you can get it, but you have to really work for it. I've had it for half a year, and finally have found it. You will not sound like Chris Squire the moment you plug it in. You just have to experiment with strings, distortion, amps, etc. My suggestion for the sound is as follows: 1) Use the stereo output. I'm confident this is what the pros use. Otherwise the distortion will make you sound wimpy. 2) Use light overdrive or distortion on the neck pickup signal 3) Use rotosounds 4) Use the classic capacitor (pull the treble knob) 5) Mix the signal into one, and equalize it to your liking. Do something along these lines and you'll have the best bass tone out there.

When I first got it I was afraid to touch it. The gloss finish will show any scratches and scuffs. However it is surprisingly durable. Rickenbacker uses high quality parts, and it produces high quality basses. Everything feels solid. I had a problem with the exposed pickups starting to rust, but that was because the strings were to close to the pickups. The protective paint quickly scratched off and the coils rusted. But that was a quick fix and was my fault. You must get strap locks for this thing. The standard pins are very small, and you will undoubtedly drop it. The truss rod is awesome. There are actually two of them. I've changed string brands and gauges, as well as used alternative tunings, and never has the neck needed adjusting.

Model Year: 2003
Price: $0.00 (new)
Where Obtained: uk

It's a beautiful thing

The ricky is action packed, i like the neck though its slightly wider than a jazz bass . its the nads man it has no flaws only claws...

I use trace elliot amp n cab, mainly rock/pop. it has great tone and range. i use a fender for other styles. all the rest n/a

I dont know yet cos i've only had it a while but the hard case is great!!!

Model Year: 2004
Price: $1200.00 (Pounds) (new)
Where Obtained: Rics R Us

Made in America. Maple neck, 20 frets, 4 strings bass and treble controls. 2 pickups, midnight blue and beautiful!

Very easy to set up the action and the neck feels sweet. Not too thin or wide. Just perfect! Cant fault the tried and trusted design of the Ric.

I play it through a Marshall combo amp with an equiliser and overdrive bass pedal (BOSS). Mainbly used for rock and has a driving sound with lots of sustain due to the neck not being bolted to the body. Guitar looks and plays great.

I treat her like a baby but it is a durable product that will withstand a few knocks.

Model Year: 2005
Price: $1025.00
Where Obtained: Ebay

Ric's are made in the USA, and have one hell of a waiting list. I didn't want to wait so I bought mine on Ebay for $25.00 cheaper then I was quoted for a new one. It was only 5 months old when I got it. Specifications: Body Type Solid No. Frets 20 Scale Length 84.5 cm (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 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 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

The neck is pretty thin, and The deep cut horns make every fret easy to reach. The painted neck can sometimes get a sweaty hand get hung up tough. The treble pickup cover can also get in the way, but you can purchase a removal kit that has a plexi glass which keeps it looking nice if you decide to remove it. They can be found at: http://www.pickguardian.com/pickguardian/RICBridgePUPlate.html

The sound is not for everyone. It has a very mid range to treble sound, that can get quite dirty if you single the treble pickup.

The bass looks tough to me. I've only gigged it once so far, and it's been to practice a few times. The finish work is very nice.

Model Year: 2005
Price: $925.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Nicotera`s music

Made in US ,don`t remember body material off hand,the fretboard is rosewood standard Rickenbacker 4003 bass

Plays real easy,I love this bass

Best sounding bass I`ve owned by far.Other basses I have owned are Guild,Epiphone,Fender,Peavy and Ibanez

It is a very well built bass I have been usining it out almost every weekend since I bought it I play it at home alot too.I haven`t had to have it adjusted yet,everything is still fine all hardware is holding up fine climate changes haven`t seemed to bother it at all I live in NY the winters are real cold,still hasn`t seemed to have any negative effect on it.

Model Year: 2003
Where Obtained: Klangfarbe.at - Vienna

Model Year: 2003
Price: $999.00 UK (new)
Where Obtained: Sound Control, Dundee

Made in America, maple body and neck, 20 frets on a Rosewood fingerboard. 2 pickups each with its own tone and volume controls and a 3 way selector switch. Clear maple finish.

I like the action to be not too low and not too high, so I had a slight adjustment to make to get it just right. The neck is slim and easy to play.

I play 60's influenced music so it works well for me, but I can get a whole range of tones from this instrument.

I have never had to adjust it even when Its been left sitting in the case for a couple of weeks. Can't comment on climate changes as its always miserable here.

Model Year: 2004
Price: $950.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Alto Music Wappingers Falls, NY

US made through body design rosewood 20 fret neck. Twin pickups mono or stereo passive outputs. JetGlo (blk w/wht pick guard. Traditional cresting wave body. By far the hotest looking ax on the market.

The neck hand fit is personnel but the feel to me is unmatched. Cresting wave cutaway gives full access up to fret #20.

System: Hartke HA2000, VX115, 2.5XL I'm not fixed to a type or style of music but enjoy the blues, country, & rock. With the complete system setup (RIC/Hartke) along with finger approach and attack on the string I can go from warm wood tones to wacken growls. Owned may basses: Hofner, P Bass, Ovation, & a Rickenbacker 4001 (1988) and I still am compelled to prefer the RIC. I play it stock with no mods. Read reviews that complain about pickup sensitivity but I have never had any issues with it including my older 4001. In the studio or at the gig it performs with no issues. Like any system setup eliminate the ground loops.

Holds its tune longer than others. New truss design changes in the 4003 take on a new level of robustness. Read reviews that complained about the strap locks - I use a top quality leather straps which come with under sized holes which I then adjust for a snug fit (never lost it on stage yet). Loosen the string before make intonation adjustments. Climate conditions have no effect - I noticed this with the 4001 and the 4003.

Model Year: 2004
Price: $900.00 900 (new)
Where Obtained: Coda Music UK

I think you all know the features present on these beauties. Mine is Montezuma Brown, and its Sweet!

Oh lord!!!!! I never thought I'd Ever find MY bass, until I found this baby. Just fantastic. And another, kinda superficial thing that I found Really great was this. I like to wear my basses kinda low, not excessivley low but low enough for most bass to be pretty uncomfortable with my fretting hand so I end up having to raise them up to a height which I think looks stupid and also makes my strumming hand not comfy. This bass I can wear low and it stays playable, what a great neck!!!! Its not the fastest neck in the world but its Super comfy and Very playable, definatly fast enough for some pretty nifty fills and showy licks.

I play it through a Laney 300watt solid state Combo and a 1x15 extension Cab, the sound is wonderful!! Organic and full of punch, just my thing, I'm a total Ric Convert, gonna play this baby forever!!!! Its also very versatile at different Pup selections and tone settings.

Seems tough, all those people that say they have weak finishes and weak necks are just talking outa there butts!! These things are strong!! Although with my vast experience in the Field of Custom Motorcycles I could say the Chrome could be a smidgen thicker.

Model Year: 1996
Where Obtained: Bassnorthwest

I've owned and played Ricks since 1973. Nothing beats, or comes close to a Rickenbacker. This one was bought to replace my 1973 4001 which was stolen. Outstanding instrument, really well made, and colour (Firegllo) is my all time favourite.

I like my action low, very low, Rickenbacker is renowned for it's superbly long action and lightness. The 4003 neck is comfortable and very easy to play all the way up the neck. There are no flaws on my 4003 anywhere, Rickenbacker QA sees to this or the instrument doesn't leave the factory.

I've used my Ricks through Marshall - Orange - Sound City, and now Ampeg. Tube amps really make the 4003 sing wonderfully, and the Ric-O-Sound output used with the Ampeg's twin channels is fantastic. The 4003 dellivers the classic Rickenbacker growl, with a tremdous low end and punch to it.

My 4001 which this replaced stood up to over 25 years of assorted playing on the road, in differnt countries, and in and out of the studio, and it always delivered. My 4003 is just as good, and has performed consistently sincec i bought her. Oncec setup, action, intonation and tuning remein constant. The 4003 comes fitted from the factory with a Schaller style Straplocks, which I use, they are really secure and I've never had an issue with them. So far my 4003 has faired fine going from the dry heat of the California desert, to wet and muggy Texas, and then back. I've had no issues witht either the body, neck or action as a result of climate change.

Model Year: 2003
Price: $1200.00 (new)
Where Obtained: The Music Connection

2003 Rickenbacker 4003...you know all the specs, if not just browse this site a little more. Here's the rather poetic description off the RIC website: "The Classic Rickenbacker bass - famous for its ringing sustain, treble punch and solid underlying bass. A subtle strip of binding graces the elegantly curved body and the Rosewood fingerboard. Deluxe triangular inlays and stereo capability are standard features." 2 passive p/u's, 2 tone & 2 volume controls, pickup selector switch. Classic design. Mine is the BEAUTIFUL limited edition color for 2003 - Montezuma Brown. A tobacco sunburst type finish...very similar to their Autumnglo finish from the '70s. Best looking bass I have ever owned. I also upgraded to the vintage silver tolex case. Well worth it. Very unique silver exterior & a blue crushed velvet interior. Almost as cool looking as the bass. ....and of course it's American made.

I bought mine from Mike Parks @ The Music Connection/Rickenbacker Page. He's a legendary Rick dealer & it was ready to go out of the box as soon as it arrived. Even UPS couldn't screw it up! Plays beautifully. Gorgeous, perfect, flawless. You know, everybody bitches about (then removes) the chrome pick up cover, but I gotta tell you - as a pick player I have NO problem whatsoever with it. It gives me a perfect place to rest my picking hand.

I am a Rick man through & through (this is my 3rd), but don't believe the lies that "Ricks have no low end". You can go from the classic Geddy Lee/Chris Squire/Roger Glover/Glenn Hughes tones to enough bottom to rattle windows from their frames. I use it with a late '80s Fender BXR 400 through an Eminence 15" as well as a Peavey TNT 115 combo with the 15" Blue Marvel speaker. They both sound great. Great 'Rick Clank' especially when played with a pick. Nice full finger tone too. Sounds flat out evil when I run it distorted and/or through a wah.

I've only had it for a month, but it's solid as a rock. One of the tone control knob silver tops fell off, but that's a typical Rick issue. One drop of glue, problem solved. Rick finishes are legendary. Great gloss that will last forever. New Rick strap buttons are a huge improvement over the old style ones. They are strap lock ready.

Price: $600.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Music store in Kensington,Maryland

Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo (sunburst) Neck thru construction, 20 fret,pao farro fretboard, awsome humbucking pickups (neck and bridge positions) Vol and Tone for each pickup. Input jacks: Mono, and stereo. Dual truss rods for better prevention of warp or twist !

Wonderful playing instrument, light weight, slim neck easy for playing ! great for playing with your fingers or pick ! I have preferred to remove the bridge pickup cover to accomodate my style of playing

Playing Rock and Pop, I find that the tone of this bass is well suited. The Rick gives such a unique original vintage styled sound that most basses cannot achieve. Very quiet bass, no excessive noise whatsoever. I use Nickel plated Round wound strings for a nice crisp sound. Since there are so many amps on the market these days, I am not sure which amp would do the Rick the most justice, I run it through my Peavey Kilobass amp, and it sounds great to me ! I've used the 4003 Rick on Stage and in the studio and have been satisfied with its overall sound and performance ! I think the Rickenbacker Bass legend speaks for itself !

I do try to keep the bass from drastic climate changes as much as possible, but with reasonable gigging (2-3 per week) Its good to perform a setup and check your intonation and truss rod adjustments about every 4 to 6 months. I've had no problems with my Rick, I own 8 different basses so I have learned how to care for them with attention to detail especially when performing a setup. Because Action, Feel, playability is EVERYTHING ! And I find that the Rick is a low maintenance Bass !

Model Year: 2003
Price: $0.00
Where Obtained: Samash

Curved body shape, stereo output, neck-thru-body construction, double truss rods, high output single-coil pickups, triangular fret inlays, Schaller Deluxe machine heads.

Feels great. The only flaw i would say is the metal piece over the pickups, I'm used to playing with my thumb on a pickup on on a string.

I enjoyed playing this bass, i loved it's ringing sustain, treble punch, and solid underlying bottom end.

Held up pretty well in the hour or two i played on it, hope thats a good sign because i plan on buying one.

Model Year: 2002
Price: $980.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Music123.com

US made in California with maple neck and body, rosewood fingerboard. There are 20 frets, and two passive single coil pickups. There are two volume controls and two tone controls, and a pickup switch to select the bass, treble, or both pickups. The neck is a through body design, and there are both mono and stereo outputs. All of this makes for a very flexible and great sounding bass.

I got my Ric setup after I got it to have the intonations set and the action lowered a bit. It plays more like a regular 6 string guitar than a bass now. Compared to other basses, I think the sound is more versatile and richer. The only flaw I found was the "hubcap" that sits over the treble pickup. It basically gets in the way if you want to play down there. But, it is easily removed without changing the sound of the guitar.

I am currently playing through the optional Ric-O-Sound kit, which splits the stereo out into one bass out and one treble out. I switch my treble out from being clean to going through a DigiTech bass pedal if I need any effects. I mostly play it clean, though. I attempt several different styles - funk/r&b, pop/rock, blues, country, jazz, and it sounds great for all of them. It has a full, warm sound with a little punch. The mid-tone can dominate for some styles, though, but can be EQ-ed down.

This is a very durable guitar. I did have the truss rods get loose on me when the weather went rom 50 degrees to 8 degrees, but everything else held up and it was simply a matter of tightening a nut down to fix it. Other than that, I haven't had any adjustments since my tech initially set it up.

Price: $999.00 (new)
Where Obtained: american music supply

What can i say? Its like a custom shop bass, execpt its less expensive than a fender deluxe. Compared with the fender, the fretblard inlays and binding leave any fender far behind. Except maybe for the new 1800 bucks fmts. Either you love this bass, or hate it. Actually the first time i saw one i thought to myself, man thats ugly. But then I had an awakening, and good god, its gorgeos.

Because it is a very traditional bass, it lacks active electronics and such. But if it survived untouched (almost) for some 30plus years, theres got to be something about it. If I had to choose between 2 1000 buck basses, or even pit it agaisnt something more expensive, id buy the rick again. (actually this is the second ive owned.) You Can judge this book by its cover, definetly.

Is feels too much like a P, and I have small hands...

Model Year: 2001
Price: $1395.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Music Connection

Two controls, two pick-ups, passive electronics, Humbuckers, Automobile finish, jass hook body, horseshoe bridge body with string hight finger adjustments, Butterfly style Tuners with string through capsture and zero backlash!

Handles with grace. The finger guard may bother some folks but I think eveyone get over it once they play this for the first time.

Two Humbuckers and volume and tone controls for each. Stero capability when used with available Rick-O-Matic box. I have this box and it adds more sound options with a 2 channel amp than any other bass on the market. Bar none!

Built like a battleship

Model Year: 1995
Price: $1000.00 (new)
Where Obtained: morrel music

It's U.S. made with a rosewood neck and maple body.It's a four string with 20 frets. It has volume control, tone and a toggle switch. I installed seymor ducan active pickups S/H. A black-jet finish standard bass.

It's a pleasure plaing this bass. The thin neck is easy to play.

I use a ampeg SVT-II pre-amp and a mackie 1400 watt amp. It's a perfect bass for my style( I play driven music). The fender persion gives it a good competition. I like both well. Great bass for the studio or live.

It's a very reliable bass on stage and the intonation needs a little help with each string change. I would like to replace the bridge with a bass-II. The neck through body holds up good with climate changes.

Model Year: 2001
Where Obtained: Coda Music

The guitar was made in the small Rickenbacker company in America. 22 frets, 4 strings, bass and treble volume bass and treble tone controls, three way pickup selector,passive electronics single coil bass and treble Rickenbacker pickups. Fantastic looking pickup guard. great finish not sure what it is though.

I havent changed the action since i have had cause the factory setting was perfect, amazing to play. The finish can get a bit sticky when being played at a gig, needs regul;ar wiping or movement will become harder. compared to other basses i think it is the bass to have. No flaws are yet to be found.

Two outputs on the guitar, one standard mono, the other a stereo output called the Rick-o-sound output, mainly for effects.i play all music styles, but if you play slap, the pickup gaurd can get in the way and that is just a matter of changing the technique, the pickup is a little too close to the neck so you might find it a bit awkward to rest on it. (if thats how you play. amazing sound really punchy with the bass and great treble, if you play slap this sound is fantastic for you. i do recomend atleast a 7 band eq on you r amp or pedal whatever as the sound can have a too much mid range tone too it. but easily solved. great guitar for studio and fantastic for the stage.

Hard as nails guitar. very rarely needed to be re-tuned even after a good thrashing. cannot handle extreme climates, must be kept cool.

Model Year: 1981
Price: $1240.00 CANADIAN (new)
Where Obtained: MOTHER'S MUSIC

MADE IN THE USA MAPLE WITH ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD 22 FRETS 4 STRING 2 VOLUME, 2 TONE CONTROLS 2 SINGLE COIL STOCK PICKUPS PASSIVE AZUREGLO (DARK BLUE) FINISH STOCK BRIDGE, STOCK TUNERS

NICE THIN NECK LIKE JAZZ BASS

HAS A GOOD RANGE OF TONES BUT I LIKE THAT TRADEMARK RIC SOUND (BRIGHT AND GROWLY WITH LOTS OF BOTTOM END) WOULD LIKE TO PUT A BADASS BRIDGE ON IT CAN'T ADJUST INDIVIDUAL STRING HIGHTS ON STOCK BRIDGE

VERY RELIABLE HAS DUAL TRUSS RODS, VERY STABLE