Rickenbacker 4003S Bass Guitar - Mapleglo Reviews

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!

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!

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.

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"!!!

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

I have owned at least 3 or 4 Rickenbacker basses over the years, and I will tell you that the 4003S I bought from you recently is quite nice. I have been playing it now for the last few weeks, and just love everything about it. The feel, the tone, the look, etc. Very pleased with this purchase.

So smooth! Plays like butter! The sustain is unbelievable, goes on forever. You really feel the difference with a fine crafted quality instrument. There is not enough I can say about this bass. All my bass playing friends are truly in envy!

Just received my Rickenbacker 40003S and what a magnificent instrument! The finish is flawless and I had it strung with flat wounds courtesy of Sweetwater. If you're a McCartney fan like I am or love that classic RIC bass sound, this is the one to get. Thanks again to Scott A for another winner!

I purchased my 4003S and the first one needed to be returned. I was very concerned about making sure that I got the best RIC I could get and requested additional inspection of the replacement before shipment. The one I received as a replacement is top notch, beautiful, and basically perfect! My thanks and gratitude to Dennis Konicki my Sales Engineer for the hard work and dedication to make sure that I was not only a satisfied customer, but a HAPPY customer! Thanks Dennis and Sweetwater!

Thanks to extra time & effort from my sales rep, Aaron, I was fortunate to have this land in my lap as he worked hard for this sale. As a yellow tagged guitar, I knew there may be some issues. Fortunately they were few to none. Amazing tone and playability once configured to my style of no pickup cover, larger non-binding nut slots, custom round strings and a few pickup height adjustment screw replacements which had some burs. The fretboard is nearly flat, and the tone is amazing! Glad to finally to own such an iconic avant garde bass which is American made. Thank you Aaron and Sweetwater for this.

Very neck heavy. For all the changes on the bridge, Ric still has not got it right; the string channels are so sharp its actually painful to play near the bridge. What drug were they on when they reconfigured the neck? I had a 4001 in '79 with a wildly superior neck- this 4003s feels like a 2x4. If you can find a 4001 in good shape, get it, or buy a Jazz for 1/2 the price. Waited 4 months for this bass...massively disappointed.