Fireglo

Rickenbacker 4003 Electric Bass (with Case)

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. Learn More...

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Overall User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Individual User Ratings

Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
GREAT BASS, BUT HARD TO ADJUST THE BRIDGE PIECES FOR PERFECT HARMONICS. Leo's machines are easier to adjust. IMHO

Quality:
Neck sway was an issue with mine so it's OUTTA HERE. But do not let my opinion SWAY you. If yer in a Yes tribute band ya got no choice, if yer in a Rush Tribute band then get the "Geddy Lee" bass as it's the best buy in basses. Ric's are very well made.

Value:
Nobody was ever sorry they bought a 4001

Desirability:
It is a great bass so quit reading this drivel and buy it already.

Sound:
Gentlemen, I was the owner of a 1972 Black Ric 4001. Although it was an outstanding bass I "rid" myself of it because the neck "swayed" too much. I know this is an unusual remark but my 1962 Gibson EBO was a set-neck bass(short scale) and felt rock-solid. The tone of my 4001 and neck action were to die for but did not like that unsolid neck sway,Traded it. BTW I have owned my 1967 Fender Precision since 1971. guess I am just a Fender man @ heart. I do love the Ric sound and will likely but the 4001CS version. Currently my main girl is a custom shop 1966 Fender Jazz bass Replica. With "paddle-style" tuners. Turan Porter of the Doobie Brothers used to play a 4001 into an Acoustic 370 and previous posters are correct about using a great amp to pump out your sound. PEACE AND HAPPINESS TO ALL

Ease of Use:
Are you kidding, it's a Ric. Great tone with RS66LD strings. No introduction needed. Listen to "Your's Is No Disgrace" on the Yes Album and "Siberian Khatru" on Close to the Edge. Nuff said.

Support:
it was used, Stars Guitars, south of Market street in San Francisco takes care of my Fender's.

Overall:
Will buy another 4001, a CS model.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It did come with the standard wiping cloth and cases keys and Allen key. It came with the male strap lock buttons, but none for the strap (In my opinion it should come with an entire set Like My Fenders Did)

Quality:
It is the best quality Bass I have purchased to date and I have been play and buying basses for better than 20 years.

Value:
Well worth the money for a quality Bass that will give years of service.

Desirability:
I have wanted one for years and always had other things come up to block the buy. But after many years and lots of dreaming I finally got one.

Sound:
The sound is truly classic Ric. It produces a clean solid sound that I have yet to find in any of the other basses I have owned.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to get the sounds you are looking for and without spending hours reading manuals.

Support:
I only called about the other half of the strap locks, thinking they were left out (they were not). I got right through and they answered my question quickly and professionally.

Overall:
I expect to have this bass until such time as I can no longer play or I die. If it were stolen, I would buy another without delay.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * . . . 7 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
It seems like a step up from every other bass,it's got what a fender or Gibson has - and even more: the rick o sound, the dual truss rods, the string mutes, the easily adjustable bridge, the pickup switch Pickup cover is cool - but it's killer looking for about ten minutes, then you must take it off to REALLY play it

Quality:
It's Killer - That's all to say

Value:
There things are expensive and that's a turn off for most bassists - they're becoming rare and I think that may be the reason- if they made Rickie's the same price as USA fenders, everyone would be getting one

Desirability:
I have wanted this bass for about four years and I took me about four years to get it - finally I did, and I never looked back

Sound:
I suggest if you have this bass, get a huge amp - you're treating your Rickie badly unless you plug it into a huge amp and show off the awesome sound you get from this baron

Ease of Use:
Frankly to get the sound you want - not an issue with the bass - if you don't like what you're getting, your amp sucks

Support:
Nothing bad to say so full marks, once again

Overall:
What can I say- It's the Concorde of Basses(except it'll last to rock on forever)

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10

Feature:
The rick o sound became one very unique thing.

Quality:
like a fine piece of furniture. As time goes on it just looks better.

Sound:
This bass is a classic. Well be a collectors item as time goes on. Got mine when I got out of high school. It was made in Oct. of 1972.Till this day it sounds great,it's 36 years old I don't gig anymore but I kept this guitar all these years cause it meant something to me.

Ease of Use:
Had to get used to the long scale neck,but after that it became second nature.

Support:
Never had to use support. I've heard some others had some issues with them.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Still a wonderfully made bass and a classic design, it was very innovative for its day; I am willing to bet that when it was introduced it was the only bass with a through neck and dual trussrods.

Quality:
Like I said, very well made. Mine was made in 1974, it seen more gigs than I can remember, it went from the US, to Japan, and Korea, I had with me aboard ship. I had to take it to a luthier a few times, but never any major problems.

Value:
Largely handmade in the USA at less than two grand, go price a Fodera or a Sadowski and see if you can pick one of those up for less than $2000.

Desirability:
Like I said, I have owned mine since 1980.

Sound:
Ricks have a sound all their own, I have owned my 4001 since 1980 and I am always amazed at how great it sounds. Even in these days of active electronics and onboard pre-amps I can honestly say that my old passive Ricks sounds as good, or better than modern basses with all kinds of gadgets onboard.

Ease of Use:
Sounds fantastic and it plays like a dream, this is one bass that darn near does play itself!

Support:
Never really needed it. If the other poster was discouraged because the company would give him a truss rod wrench, I know why, when I enquired about a truss rod wrench the folks at Rickenbacker told me in no uncertain terms not to try to adjust the neck myself but to take take the bass to reputable luthier; they were right!

Overall:
I have been satisfied with mine for 28 years!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * . . . . . . . 3 out of 10

Feature:
It has everything you need, except a trust rod tool for the extreley inconvenient trust rod tool needed. Every bass should come with its trustrod tool.

Quality:
Only the best parts and woods were used to make this other than the plastic pickup cover, I thought it was chrome... Watch out for the springs that pop out when you remove it.

Value:
Worth every penny. I would buy the entire series if I had the money. But you get every cent of what you pay for.

Desirability:
Its beautiful looking.

Sound:
It is everything that a dream bass is expected to sound like. Beautiful sounding low and punchy notes like a bass should be eh? It is top notch.

Ease of Use:
Easy, smooth, its just flatt out great. Easy to frett and play, no matter the style

Support:
Very poor. I called in their toll free number to ask why my Rickebacker, one of the highest names of musical instruments, did't come with a Trust-rod tool. They were very short with me about it. They did not even recoment buying one from them, or where to get one. Luckely for them I own alot of tools.

Overall:
If the company wouldn't have been so poor, it would be my perfect bass experience.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10

Feature:
All

Quality:
Got the silver and black tuxedo love it!

Value:
Bought mine back in 85' for $800

Desirability:
My mistress of 22 years.

Sound:
True!

Ease of Use:
Fingers glide over the fretboard .

Support:
Replacement parts.

Overall:
Mine for keeps love everything about her!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
Love the stereo output, the neck-through body design gives you insane sustain. Neck is so smooth and buttery. Only the most high class materials and the absolute sexiest finish on any instrument as far as I'm concerned.

Quality:
Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, this is the best bass that money can buy. It's just so fun to play and so great to own one. Sometimes I can't help but to just stare at it and admire it. Visually flawless, tonally immaculate. I wish I had 10 of these things.

Value:
$1350 was what I paid...a little steep, but well worth it.

Desirability:
I had an insatiable lust for this bass long before I could even afford it. Everything about it just feels right, the style, the weight, the color. Once I got this thing I stopped playing everything else and ignored all my other instruments for like 6 months.

Sound:
This is the best sounding bass I've ever laid hands on. It's so exquisitely versatile, and you can tailor it to accomodate literally any style. Really shines on the treble, a clear punch that colors your sound very well and breaks through into the foreground.

Ease of Use:
This bass will make you a better bassist simply by virtue of your owning it.

Support:
Very helpful, when I first got mine I couldn't get the stereo output to work right so that I could play through two amps at the same time and they instructed me. Very easy to deal with. Never needed any serious work done, but the warranty covers damn near everything except human stupidity.

Overall:
I love it. It's just perfect. If you're considering buying it, just do it, whether you can afford it or not. There's just no comparison to any other bass on the market. The versatility of it, the aesthetics of it, the brilliant tone, and just the fun level of it alone justify the price of ownership. This is my baby. If anything ever happened to it, I'd be devastated and replace it immediately.

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The whole thing was so confortable. It also looks awesome with the binding and the fret markers. The only part I do not like is the scale. It is slightly short. It doesn't bother me much though. I really like the neck-through body design.

Quality:
The best to my opinion. The only thing I would like is a Mahogany finish like on the 4001's.

Value:
This is worth the buy. Get it if you like playing bass.

Desirability:
It looks so cool! It has binding, the fret markers, a good finish, and an cool looking head.

Sound:
This bass has a unique sound to it. It has more treble sound like all the old Rickenbacker 4001's. I don't own this bass. I have used it. I own a 1964 4001. This bass also has a switch on one of the knobs to change back to a balanced bass and treble sound. Great for all styles.

Ease of Use:
Very good sound comes from this. The vintage to balanced sound switch on the knob makes it easier to switch styles and sounds. The neck-through body design makes this great.

Support:
Never had problems in the first place. Nor with my 4001!

Overall:
ITS SO AWESOME!!!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * . . 8 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
yeah its good but id take off the pickup cover cuz its right in the way if you like to pic/slap-n-pop/or just use your fingers...and you can kill your wrist too

Quality:
i love the quality...especialy the fingerboard

Value:
its totaly worth it buybuybuybuy!

Desirability:
its a beautiful bass

Sound:
it has a great sound its not to phat and not too thin its just about in the sweet spot

Ease of Use:
its fun and the fingerboard is fast and people dont know what there talking about when they say you cant slap a rick. the neck isnt the thinnedt in the world but its not hard to get around on

Support:
i dunno

Overall:
i love it but ive never seen "the perfect bass" yet

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Features:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Quality:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Sound:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Support:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

Feature:
The case is a beast, you could really kick the hell out of it and wouldn't cause any damage to your gear inside. The locks on the case are nice to, never can be too safe with something that costs over a grand! The horseshoe pickup cover is pretty annoying, you'll probably find yourself taking it off, as it covers the "sweet spot" IMO. Also, if you take it off you'll find that the cover is plastic, not crome, as I originally thought...kinda cheasy.

Quality:
Very sturdy bass, you can really crush it. It'll stay in tune after a hard thrashing also. Definitely road tough...the only drawback is the price. I don't want to take it on the road and bang the hell out of it and chance breaking it, but I'm gonna do it anyways.

Value:
Worth the price and then some! I've never been more happy about a purchase in my life!

Desirability:
I got the Fireglow edition, I really wish they still made the Oxblood colored edition! I'm gonna have to track that down. IMO you can't find a better bass shape than the Rickenbacker 4001-4003!

Sound:
Very powerful sound with an unmistakable punch! I've played Fender bass', Gibson bass' and Ibanez bass' and my Rickenbacker beats them all hands down.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to get the sound you want from this bass, but my Rick-O Sound input jack is pretty fuzzy, I'll have to get that fixed up. I didn't even look at the manual, just plug it in and play away!

Support:
I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. I haven't used the support team yet and hope that I don't have to. I feel as though they'd respect me and deal with my problems though.

Overall:
I expect to have this bass for the rest of my life, and it'll be my number one! If it breaks, gets stolen or lost I'll defintely buy another one in a heartbeat! In fact, I'm gonna look for an old 4001 on eBay just to have an older one that I feel more comfortable beating up. My only regret is that I bought other brands bass guitars before buying this masterpiece...do NOT listen to any bad mouthing on this bass! I've been playing for 11 years and there is nothing wrong with it at all!

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Overall:
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10
Value:
* * * * * * * * * . 9 out of 10
I Want It:
* * * * *