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Rickenbacker 4003 vs 4001: Which is the Best Bass guitar?

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The Rickenbacker is a 4string bass guitar and the Rickenbacker 4003 vs 4001 bass guitars are still the most ideal and longed-for bass guitars. They’re very popular and one can instantly pick out their unique tone from a vast range of recordings no matter the period or genre, they’re a highly flexible set.

These guitars have been the most sought after by bassists because of their firm necks, steady playability, the body builds blended together with a sound that is versatile and full.

Before we look at Rickenbacker 4003 vs 4001, we need to establish that the 4000-style bass has been around for a long and a lot of modifications have been made over time although a vast bulk of them have builds centred on the classic double-cutaway “cresting wave” design that was first produced now considered a rare and vintage model

Rickenbacker 4003 (features, pros, cons)

Rickenbacker 4003

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The Rickenbacker 4003 is the improved version of the 4001 model and it is quite similar to the 4001 model with only a few alterations.

It features a wider neck profile than the 4001, it uses high hot gain pickups which produces a sound that has a more frequency response and better bass output. it has a modern truss rod system and also a bound maple double-cutaway body except for the 4003S which has an unbound maple body; the fretboard is built with rosewood and contains 20frets. It has triangular fret markers the 4003S has dot markers.

Pros

  • Improved modern truss rod system
  • Wider neck profile which allows for a more balanced sensation
  • Pickup doesn’t get in the way of playing
  • Improved neck lamination for extreme use

Cons

  • A wide neck profile makes playing difficult for players with short fingers
  • Headstocks are considered too big

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Rickenbacker 4001 (features, pros, cons)

Ibanez Talman TMB100 MGR 2015 Mint Green Electric Bass Guitar

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The Rickenbacker 4001 was produced from 1961 until the year 1983 and is the best choice for players that are into vintage guitars.

It is an electric bass guitar that features a slim neck, a bound maple double-cutaway body, or an unbound maple body in the case of the 4001S and is structured with caps in its circuit which creates its vintage sound. It also features a horseshoe and toaster pickup modeled after Paul McCartney’s guitar.

A bound neck joint or unbound maple in the case of the 4001S model, the neck is built with maple and walnut wood and the fretboard is built with rosewood and 20 frets. It has an old truss rod system which although is hard to adjust but once set up runs for years.

Modified models of the Rickenbacker 4001 include 4001S, 4001LH, 1999, 4001V63, 4001CS, 4001C64S C Series

Pros

  • Two pickup system which gives room for versatility                                                                                      
  • Wider control range
  • A slim neck that makes playing easier for players with short fingers

Cons

  • Its neck profile is too thin
  • Its horseshoe pickup gets in the way of playing  

Good Read: Best Short Scale Bass under $500

Alternatives to Rickenbacker 4001 and 4003

These bass guitars are great iconic guitars and a lot of bassists would kill for one or both of this, but maybe it is too expensive for you to afford, or you just don’t vibe with, you don’t see what the fuss is all about… not to worry, there are other great-sounding guitars that can just get the job done lie the Rickenbacker without creating much of a dent in your pocket. Some of these guitars include:

Ibanez GSRM 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (GSRM20BK)

Ibanez GSRM 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (GSRM20BK)
This Ibanez model features high-output pickups, mahogany body, rosewood frets, medium frets, 6 string and a 34” scale length. It is a great sounding guitar that offers both comfort, versatility and playability.
Pros
  • Versatile
  • Low action
  • Excellent fretwork
Cons
  • Not loud enough

Best Choice Products 22-Fret Full Size Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar w/ 4-Band Equalizer, Adjustable Truss Rod

Best Choice Products 22-Fret Full Size Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar

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This acoustic-electric bass guitar is a great quality guitar built to last, it features a glossy finish, chrome nobs, rosewood fretboards and adjustable truss rod that helps you play the perfect tune and also a double cut-away body for more comfortable playing.
It is equipped with a 4-band EQ-7545R bass preamp that’s in charge of creating a high-quality sound that makes you never want to stop playing your guitar, the 4-band preamp helps you customize your sound with the inbuilt volume control and an equalizer that adjusts the bass, middle, treble and presence
Pros
  • Inexpensive yet great sounding
  • Fretwork is excellent
Cons
  • The fretboard is a little dry

Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar (4 String, Black Cherry)

Schecter Stiletto Extreme-4 Bass Guitar (4 String, Black Cherry)
The Schecter guitars are built to rival the Rickenbacker and the stiletto extreme is no exception, it screams for attention with its beautiful contours, mahogany body and gloss maple top. It features 24frets, 2 bands EQ and master volume/blend control that enraptures the listeners.
Also, it is available in 4 and 5 string configurations and left-handed access. Either you’re a beginner or pro at playing, this guitar is an excellent lifetime investment.
Pros
  • Its sound is incredible and it has a wide tonal range
  • The frets are well marked and dressed
  • Intonation and action is great
  • The bridge is solid and heavy
Cons
  • It’s not loud enough for some people

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Precision Beginner Electric Bass – PJ – Olympic White

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Precision Beginner Electric Bass - PJ - Olympic White

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The Squier by Fender has always been a name to reckon with in the guitar world and they keep delivering great-sounding guitars of which this is included. This guitar features a PJ pickup configuration which is the combination of a pummeling Precision Bass middle pickup and a bright growling Jazz bass bridge pickup that makes the guitar tonally versatile. It also features a two-colour headstock logo, black and gold which adds to the guitar’s classy appearance
Pros
  • Great action
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Great intonation
Cons
  • Quality not as great as more expensive guitars

Sawtooth EP Series Electric Bass Guitar, Satin Black w/Black Pickguard

Sawtooth EP Series Electric Bass Guitar, Satin Black w/Black Pickguard
Sawtooth bass guitars offer the best value in bass guitar designs. This model is exceptionally versatile, offers easy playability and great looks. It features a basswood body and maple neck, also a 34” scale length, 20 frets, dot inlays, 1volume and 1 tone control.
Pros
  • Sounds amazing
  • Low action and good intonation
  • Versatile
Cons
  • Fretwork is poorly done

Rickenbacker 4003 vs 4001 – comparison/differences

Both the Rickenbacker 4003 vs 4001 models are remarkable and exceptional bass guitars and as we all know, the 4003 is the updated and improved version of the 4001 and so are similar in many ways but they also have their distinct specs which each of them unique in its own

Similarities

  • The dimensions and components of both guitars are the same, they both feature a bound maple double-cutaway body except for models 4001S and 4003S that features unbound maple double-cutaway bodies.
  • Both fretboards are built with rosewood and contain 20 frets each
  • They’re both electric bass guitars

Differences

Although they both have a lot of similarities, they also have several differences which are what attracts each person to one or the other, these differences include:
  • The Rickenbacker 4001 uses a medium impedance horseshoe and a low impedance toaster inspired by Paul McCartney’s guitar which is the original design while the 4003 uses high-end pickups, this difference in their pickups makes for a great difference in the sound that it produces, while the 4001 produces the classic ric vintage tone rich in harmonics while the 4001 produces a more warm and punchy sound.
  • The 4001 model is built with an old truss rod system which although is hard to adjust but once set up runs for years but the 4003 model has an improved truss rod system which effectively the high tension strings it comes with.
  • Another difference is the neck, while the Rickenbacker 4001 was built with a slim neck profile that enhances overall playability and is suitable for  players with short fingers, the 4003 model comes with a wider neck profile which although may prove difficult for players with short fingers but the wider neck allows for more versatility and a balanced sensation
  • The Rickenbacker 4001 is set up with caps in its circuits which enhances its vintage tone while the Rickenbacker 4003 is usually set up with its caps out and this enhances its warm tone.

Factors to consider when buying a Rickenbacker bass: 4001 vs 4003

Reissue Models, Artists, Limited Edition

Peculiar versions and signature models have been made of both Rickenbacker 4001 and 4003 over the years. If you notice the letter “V” or “C” after the guitar’s numerical designation, it signals that the guitar is an artist reissue or reissue model and the number that comes after the letter indicates the reissue year.
An example is the 4001C64S which is a reissue of Paul McCartney’s 4001 from 1964, there are other artist reissue models by Rickenbacker like the 4004LK “Lemmy Kilmister” and 4001CS “Chris Squier” models

Rare Finishes

The primary finishes the Rickenbacker guitars have employed over the years include the Fireglo, Mapleglo and Jetglo, that is sunburst, natural and black. Although Rickenbacker has also produced a few rare finishes and in limited editions like burgundy or white finishes which are usually more expensive. Rickenbacker has also surprised us a few times in years past by offering all its models in special colors.

“S” or “FL”

The “S” and “FL” are two distinct models of both the 4001 and the 4003. any Rickenbacker bass with “FL” in its model name signals that it is of the fretless variation, this variation is relatively scarce in the market despite the fact that Rickenbacker has offered the fretless guitar models for a few decades ‘ the “S” on the other hand is the more affordable model, the absence of a bound body, stereo outputs and using dot fret markers instead of triangular ones has proven to be rather cost-effective and due to this is in higher demand.

Ric-O-Sound

Ric-O-Sound is a remarkably distinct stereo output system, and a vast amount of the Rickenbacker bass kits are equipped with it. Each channel on this stereo output system is connected to the guitar’s pickups. When you’re in the market for your Rickenbacker bass guitar, it is very easy to check if it comes with this stereo output system or not by checking for the number of output jacks on its body.
When using this feature, you don’t use both output jacks at once, but rather  you have to output it via a stereo Y-cable or other single splitting devices

Frequently Asked Questions

Did all Rickenbacker 4001 come without a pickup cover?

No, they all come with a pickup cover, most players remove it just to ease playability

What kind of strings work best with Rickenbacker’s guitars?

The most suitable strings for Rickenbacker guitars are flat-wound strings, as long as you can get quality flat-wound strings, you’re good to go

What is the Ric-O-Sound and how do I use it?

The Ric-O-Sound is a remarkably unique stereo output system and its main purpose is to segregate the sounds coming from each pickup and make each sound stand out thereby producing a spectacularly unique sound. To use the Ric-O-Sound, you can either use a “Ric-O-Sound adaptor,” a “stereo Y-Splitter.” or a “stereo guitar cord.”

Conclusion

From our Rickenbacker 4003 vs 4001 reviews, we can see that the Rickenbacker 4003 is an upgrade of the 4001 and they have a lot of similarities and also differences.  A lot of people are taken with the 4003 due to its more modern components and the absence of the horseshoe pickup that keeps getting in the way of their playing hand but rather features modern high,  end pickups.
So also some prefer the original vintage feel of the 4001 model and do not consider any of the modifications of its upgraded version. It all boils down to people’s personal preferences, and whichever is your favorite, as long as you’re having fun and enjoying it, that’s what matters.

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