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Rickenbacker 4003S Bass Guitar - Mapleglo

4-string Electric Bass with Maple Body, Maple Through-Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard with Dot Markers, Two Single-coil Pickups, and Mono Output - Mapleglo
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Rickenbacker 4003S Bass Guitar - Mapleglo
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The Iconic Rickenbacker Bass

"Roundabout." The sound of that legendary Yes bass line is seared into the auditory memories of many of the musicians here at Sweetwater: the sound of an early-1960s Rickenbacker 4001S strung with roundwounds. With their punchy treble, solid bottom end, and sonorous, piano-like sustain, Rickenbacker basses helped forge the sound of classic rock in the capable hands of progressive bassists such as Chris Squire and Paul McCartney. It's an iconic sound, and there's only one way to get it. Today's formidable Rickenbacker 4003S delivers those inimitable bass tones in a sleek instrument that's primed for a new millennium.

All-maple construction for iconic sustain and treble punch

The Rickenbacker 4003S is crafted from high-grade maple. Maple is very stable, aiding in maintaining the structural integrity of the neck, which runs through the entire length of the body. The density of maple — and the neck-through design — is largely responsible for the instrument's famous bite and growl. The thick rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of warmth and harmonic complexity, balancing out the bright high end with powerful, rich bass.

A potent sonic elixir

This potent sonic elixir is delivered through two single-coil pickups with 3-way switching, separate volume and tone controls, and push-pull vintage/modern voicing for immense tonal versatility. The 4003S's unique body shape gives it the traditional Rickenbacker bass look and comfortable balance, whether you're playing seated or standing. Forge your own legendary sound with the Rickenbacker 4003S bass.

Rickenbacker 4003S Electric Bass Features:

  • An iconic bass immortalized by Paul McCartney and Chris Squire
  • Maple body and through-neck for serious sustain and treble zing
  • Thick rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and harmonic richness
  • 2 single-coil pickups deliver the classic Rick bass sound
  • 3-way selector with 2 tone and 2 volume controls
  • Schaller Deluxe tuners are stage rugged and studio dependable

Why Buy Your Guitar from Sweetwater?

See how Sweetwater goes to great lengths to give you the very best online guitar buying experience. From our online Guitar Gallery that allows you to see and select the exact instrument you want to our 55-point Inspection process and our in-house guitar techs, we take the guesswork out of buying your next guitar online.

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Strings: 4
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: 4003 Traditional
  • Body Material: Maple
  • Body Finish: High Gloss Poly
  • Color: Mapleglo
  • Neck Material: Maple, Neck-thru
  • Radius: 10"
  • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Dot inlays
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Scale Length: 33.25"
  • Nut Width: 1.6875"
  • Nut Material: Bakelite
  • Bridge/Tailpiece: RIC bridge and tailpiece
  • Tuners: Schaller Deluxe
  • Neck Pickup: Single-coil
  • Bridge Pickup: Single-coil
  • Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch
  • Case Included: Hardshell case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 4003-S-MG

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Fantastic Instrument!!

This is my second Ric, my first being an 89 blood red 4003 monster. I played an s model and found it to be much more comfortable due to the rounded edges, Fantastic neck, classic sound and the fire-glow finish is just plain beautiful. The case is a bit of a pos (plastic) but I had an extra Ric case (some cretin stole the bass 20 years ago)So my new rick is safely living in a classic case.

Yes, it's an expensive bass and the case sucks but it is worth EVERY PENNY. My bass arrived double boxed, perfectly set-up and perfect in every other way. The sales experience was nothing but positive!
Music background: Semi-Pro Master Poser :-)
Rated 5/5

Total Satisfaction

I didn't want to write a review until I had a chance to put this bass through some rigorous sessions. The only question I have now is why didn't I buy a Rick sooner! I have several 4, 5, and 6-string basses and none are as easy to play for long periods with a low fatigue factor as this bass. I did put a good set of flat-wounds on it that didn't detract from the Ricksound this bass generates. So far - zero problems and a lot of enjoyment. Thank you Greg for putting this fine instrument in my hands!
Music background: Saxophone and bass for many years. Jazz, Rock and Pop.
Rated 5/5

Backing Ricky

Just purchased a brand new 4003 Rickenbacker Mapleglo Bass.
After getting it tuned up and setting the 4 knobs in proper position, I was ready. And, I am 100% happy with my Bass. I needed to adjust myself from using my current older bass. But, once I got myself familiar and more accustomed to the new, I am very content. I enjoy playing it. Even with the accompanying strings. I say that only because there are a certain type of Bass string that I prefer. But, the ones already on the new Bass are fine, and I enjoy playing them. Glad I made the purchase! And, the Sweetwater representatives were very courteous and helpful. Mr. Randy Poteete was the rep who mainly helped me.
Music background: Always loved Music. Listen to Classical Music, mainly, right now. Took up playing Bass in 1999. Didn't really know I could play. But, found that I could and really enjoy it. Influenced a bit by Sir Paul McCartney in style.
Rated 5/5

Ric_tastic!!!

This is my third Rickenbacker bass. This time I wanted a Ric bass that looked more like the 4001 Ric bass that Paul (McCartney) played in the 1970's without the hefty price. The Ric 4003S that I purchased is still a 4003, but looks to me like a 4001 as it has no body binding and has dot inlays on the fretboard instead of the trapezoid style inlays...refer to the film "RockShow" which is a fantastic video of Paul's "Wings Over America" tour back in 1976! Compare the difference in appearance. Nothing negative can be said about the Rickenbacker 4003S model in the MapleGlow finish. If you want to have a Rickenbacker bass that looks similar to Paul's, the playability, the quality...then the Rickenbacker 4003S in MapleGlow is the way to go for far less money.

Sweetwater really came through on this purchase with their inspection up and beyond Rickenbacker's own quality control. This was,in my opinion "ASweet Deal"!!!
Rated 5/5

Outstanding

I have owned one of these for a while now and it is just outstanding. It has that Rickenbacker sound, Its got that Rickenbacker look. The S model is smoother on the edges and less flashy without the inlays . If there is anybody out there considering buying one of these i suggest you go for it
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