Rickenbacker
4003 Electric Bass (with Case)
Push/pull treble tone control.
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