Rickenbacker 4003 Stereo Bass Guitar - Fireglo Reviews

I have been playing bass in bands for a long time, always with my trusty Fender American Jazz. I got this bass first because I love how it sounds, and second because of the stereo out. Sweetwater sent a perfectly set up instrument and I can pull out so many different tones out of this bass. The neck is fast, its playability is exceptional and it is a super versatile sounding bass. It can play anything. Don't let them tell you it can't. I should have gotten this bass years ago. Thank you Sweetwater and Rickenbacker!

I've had my new RIC 4003 for 6 months now, but before I review it I'd like to give a shout out to my sales engineer Alan who worked with me and went through everything about this bass and very important purchase I was about to make. He also kept me informed and did everything he could possibly do to get it into my hands as soon as he could. It arrived at my doorstep in perfect condition. I unpacked it and it played near perfectly out of the box. Action was great, in fact too great for my style. I had to raise it a bit because I like to feel the strings. The other adjustment I made was to move the strings a bit closer together. You can actually do this with the RIC bridge. I did remove the pickup guard and installed the bezel. Was not hard at all and only cost about $30. I have it perfectly set up for my playing style now. I've played a decent amount of basses over the years and I've only played one other bass that could get me the deep lows with the punchy highs. Onto looks. The finish was pristine. Not one flaw anywhere which amazed me because it's mostly a hand crafted instrument. The binding is also very nice and gives the neck a really smooth feel, speaking of which, the frets on the side of the neck we're finished perfectly. The pickups are pretty hot and you do get buzz, but it's not a deal breaker. Next on my list is shielding.

This is quite possibly the most iconic, professional instrument I've ever owned. Prior to buying this bass; I've never even been in the same room as one. The sustain on this beast is unparalleled to anything I've ever played in my life. Buyer beware though, if I'm honest: the fretboard is much wider at the nut than I anticipated. I don't have big hands and I have a few different basses that are more comfortable than this one, but none sound/play anywhere close to this. Aside form the neck width, I have no regrets about buying this bass, and you should feel confident in purchasing this instrument too.

Everything about this bass is perfect! The tone, the feel, the look! Thick lows, bright punchy highs, that nasty ric rattle! It is magnificent! The chrome bar across the bridge pickup takes getting use to though but that is in no way a problem! So glad I made this purchase!

I have owned Rickenbacker Basses before and through my own foolishness did not keep them. When my new 4003W arrived and I started playing it, All those memories came flooding back!! It was like this bass was made for my hands and my hands only!!!!! There can be no better bass for me. The action, the feel, the SOUND! this bass has immediately moved to #1 in my rotation and will likely remain there! Thank you Rickenbacker for maintaining you highest standards and continuing to produce these ultimate instruments.

I ordered my 4003 Stereo Fireglo a few weeks before Xmas as an early gift to myself. :) I"ve been wanting to own one of these since I was a teen. 20 years later, I finally pulled the trigger. I could not be happier with my decision. Great customer service, thanks Roq Martin! Received it in great shape, just amazing opening the case for the first time. The setup is a dream, and it"s more than I expected. Took it to my first gig this last weekend. It"s sound is definitely distinctive, and just perfect. You can get a great range of sounds with the pickup configuration, the custom string gauge Rick uses, and the "Pull for Vintage" knob. Tons of possibilities. Don"t forget about the stereo output that splits the pickups into two different signals. I have not messed with that yet, but I have lots of ideas. I see others say the same, that they wish they can get one. You can and you should. Call Sweetwater.

I can't say enough great things about my new 4003. First off, the service was excellent and I got a great price (like always through Sweetwater). Dan Overstreet was great as always and my bass was shipped and in my hands by the next day. Set up was perfect and the bass was flawless! I popped it out and plugged it into my rig and was immediately in love. I've wanted one of these for years but typically have had more guitars than I can use. However, I decided to give myself an early Xmas present. You can never have enough basses. My only critique is I found it difficult to play with the back pickup cover in place. It took me about 10 minutes to remove it and problem solved. Overall the quality and craftsmanship is perfect. If you have the bucks you will not be disappointed!

I have owned nearly 30 guitars, from pawn shop junkers to uber expensive custom shop relics, etc and i have to say the rick 4003 maybe one of the finest guitar type instruments ever produced. I have p-basses, j-basses, music man and they are fantastic but NOTHING sounds like a 4003 rick. The craftsmanship, the tone, the look and feel of this instrument is on a whole other level. Every time I record a track I try a few basses and always come back to the 4003 for its unmistakable growl and hi fi like tone. They are expensive but sincerely worth every penny and one of those instruments you will never part with. This is not beginners bass and I say that mainly because there are two truss rods and depending on your homes humidity level, they have to be adjusted delicately and with patience. The rick also needs care and maintenance to keep it playing its best but the payoff is extraordinary! One of my favorite features is pulling the treble knob to its out position to get that old school "original" rick tone which is thinner and sharper. I also love using a stereo mrs cable and routing the bass to my ampeg and the treble side to my plexi, micing both amps and mixing the together into a single killer track. All in all this is as good as it gets when it comes to bass guitars in my opinion and a true legend!

IVE BEEN PLAYING 30 YEARS, OWNED EVERY BASS TILL I GOT MY RICKENBACKER. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFULL, BEST SOUND AND INTONATION I NEVER EXPECTED. MINE IS FLAWLESS THE SOUND AND ACTION I GET IS UNSURPASSED. IT WAS WORTH THE TIME I WAITED AND COULD AFFORD ONE AND NOW I WILL NEVER PART WITH IT. THANKS

Wanted one of these classic machines since I saw McCartney play live on "All You Need is Love" back in the summer of '67. Thank you Mark Chapman!

A Rickenbacker was my first bass...some 35 years ago. In all the trades, giveaways and sales I've made throughout the years it somehow became a casualty. Now that I've picked up the bass again...it seemed like a logical and sentimental re-addition to my collection. Also, the stereo feature is very useful. As with most Ricks, it plays very fast, is great in the higher registers ( plays more easily than many other basses past the 12th fret ) and is consistent and smooth; it has a different sound that can, without a lot of tweaking, cut through a lot of mixes.
That being said it arrived quickly, exactly as spec'ed and was set up perfectly. The action and intonation were on point. But, from Sweetwater, I have come to expect nothing less. Their seamless sales/customer service and follow up makes things easy. They are the benchmark of the industry in that respect. I buy a lot of instruments and equipment. With the exception of certain boutique and vintage gear they might not handle Sweetwater is always my 'go to' vendor. Their people put the customer first and they don't posture ( if they don't know something they tell you and make every effort to find out ). If there's a problem or a delay they are up front and get to you first...no need for constant calls or emails wondering about the status of your order. Usually, they improve upon the time frame for special or out of stock orders; this tells you a lot as it means that they have excellent relationships with their suppliers. A big plus. They are one of the few companies where I've gone out of my way to contact upper management to express my appreciation for how well every employee, to a person, has met or exceeded my expectations. I don't know any of them personally but while professional, quality and efficient service should be SOP they go beyond well that...therefore, I give credit where credit is due. It's especially nice to know that while I do buy frequently I'm hardly a 'whale' which means I know they're treating everyone as if they were. Other companies have a lot to learn from them as far as how to do business.
Thanks guys,
Rob S.