Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,749

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Dive into the world of rich, resonant bass tones with the Rickenbacker 3000, an electric bass that captures the essence of classic rock and modern versatility. This model is renowned for its solid construction and distinctive sound, making it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances. The neck-through-body design ensures sustained notes and a comfortable playing experience, making it a favorite among bassists who value playability and tonal clarity.

This bass guitar features a single pickup configuration that delivers a punchy, articulate sound, allowing each note to stand out clearly in a mix. The Rickenbacker 3000 is equipped with a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, providing both durability and a smooth touch. The controls are straightforward, allowing for quick adjustments during performances, and the tuners are robust, maintaining excellent tuning stability even after hours of play.

Whether you're a seasoned player or an aspiring bassist, the Rickenbacker 3000's combination of classic design and modern features make it a compelling choice. Its unique tone and reliable build quality have earned it a spot in many musicians' collections, offering a sound that’s both timeless and adaptable to various genres.

Key Features:

  • Single pickup configuration for articulate sound
  • Neck-through-body design for enhanced sustain
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Reliable tuning stability with robust tuners
  • Straightforward controls for easy adjustments
  • Renowned for its classic and versatile tone

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 3000
Finish Azureglo, Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Walnut
Year 1975 - 1984
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Red, Tan
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Rickenbacker 3000
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H, S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker 3000 Series

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Rickenbacker 3000 bass?

The Rickenbacker 3000 offers a punchy and articulate tone, thanks to its passive pickups and maple body. It's well-suited for rock and pop genres, providing a distinct midrange presence.

Is the Rickenbacker 3000 suitable for beginners?

While the Rickenbacker 3000 is a high-quality instrument, its unique tone and design may be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its characteristics.

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 3000?

The Rickenbacker 3000 features a slim neck profile, making it comfortable for fast playing and suitable for players with smaller hands.

Does the Rickenbacker 3000 have a preamp?

No, the Rickenbacker 3000 does not have an active preamp; it uses passive pickups for its sound output.

How many frets does the Rickenbacker 3000 have?

The Rickenbacker 3000 is equipped with 21 frets, offering a standard range for a 4-string bass guitar.

ago72

ago72

RICKENBACKER 3000 BASS 1976 - PICTURES OF HOME - DEEP PURPLE BASS COVER

Video thumbnail for RICKENBACKER 3000 BASS 1976 - PICTURES OF HOME - DEEP PURPLE BASS COVER by ago72

RICKENBACKER 3000 BASS 1976 - PICTURES OF HOME - DEEP PURPLE BASS COVER

ago72

ago72

Video thumbnail for スピッツ/フェイクファー(live ver.) ベース演奏動画 Rickenbacker '76 3000 Jetglo リッケンバッカー3000 by D→tail

スピッツ/フェイクファー(live ver.) ベース演奏動画 Rickenbacker '76 3000 Jetglo リッケンバッカー3000

D→tail

D→tail

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte - Rickenbacker 3000 Short Scale Bass Jet Glo by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte - Rickenbacker 3000 Short Scale Bass Jet Glo

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 3000.

Features and functionality

  • The Rickenbacker 3000 is noted for its aggressive, punchy tone with a hot pickup that distorts and growls when played hard with a pick.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some enthusiasts describe the Rickenbacker 3000 as having a tone that's a mix of Precision Bass and Rickenbacker magic.

    Source
  • The Ibanez lawsuit basses from the '70s and '80s are often favored over Rickenbackers for build quality and playability, despite being less expensive.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners acknowledge the Rickenbacker 3000 for its great neck, though some mention its surprisingly heavy weight for a short-scale bass.

    Source
  • Some owners report issues with Rickenbackers not staying in tune, suggesting potential tuner upgrades to improve stability without affecting resale value.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An HB1 pickup swap is recommended by an owner for those seeking a different sound profile, though some prefer the stock pickup for its unique snarl.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Notably used by the bassist of Blondie for their first album and by Mani of The Stone Roses, the 3000 offers a distinct tone for rock genres.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite their exclusivity, many believe Rickenbackers are priced more as status symbols rather than for their actual playing quality, often leading to buyer disappointment.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Great

A good rickenbacker it is made cheap so they didnt do all the fancy stuff that makes ricks a heap of shit, but this ones great

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick O'Malley uses Rickenbacker 3000

Nick O'Malley

Bassist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

Nick O'Malley used the Rickenbacker 3000 for some songs of AM and in the "Teddy Picker" music videos.

See how Mani uses Rickenbacker 3000

Mani

Bassist

The Stone Roses

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Reverb, Mani is seen with a Rickenbacker 3000 bass guitar.

See how Ian Brown uses Rickenbacker 3000

Ian Brown

Singer

The Stone Roses

...
Verified via Photo

Brown can be seen in this photo playing a Rickenbacker 3000.

J

Jacob Bannon

Singer, Bassist

Converge

...
Verified via Photo

Jacob Bannon is seen playing a Rickenbacker 3000 bass guitar during Wear Your Wounds' live performance at Desert Fest 2017, as captured in a photo by wearyourwoundsofficial on Instagram.

See how Pierpaolo Capovilla uses Rickenbacker 3000

Pierpaolo Capovilla

Singer, Bassist

One Dimensional Man

...
Verified

Pierpaolo Capovilla in the one dimensional man project used the rickenbaker 3000 bass, it is probably modified in the specific pickup does not seem original but more similar to that of a jazz bass (positioned crooked)

Album Usage

The Rickenbacker 3000 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Rickenbacker Electric Basses

Rickenbacker 4003

$2,499.00 - $2,899.00

# 3

Rank

Paul McCartney Cliff Burton Jason Newsted
187 artists using
Rickenbacker 4003S

$1,999.99 - $2,599.00

# 19

Rank

John Lennon Mike Rutherford Jack Bruce
22 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides