Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,382
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String bass. This iconic instrument, revered by legendary musicians for decades, makes a triumphant return with modern updates that continue to captivate today’s players. Its classic design, featuring all-new single coil pickups, brings forth that unmistakable Rickenbacker sound—rich, solid bass tones accompanied by a distinctive treble punch.
The 4003S 5-String boasts a Schaller 3D-5 bridge with wider string spacing, enhancing playability and comfort. Combined with the dual truss rod system, this bass is engineered for stability and precise intonation, making it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances. The signature maple body, complemented by a sleek rosewood fingerboard, delivers both aesthetic appeal and sonic excellence.
Designed with the discerning musician in mind, this model pays homage to its predecessors with its unbound neck and dot inlays, maintaining the timeless charm that has defined Rickenbacker basses for generations. Whether you're channeling the spirit of the '60s or forging new musical paths, the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String is your gateway to iconic sound and style.
Key Features:
- All-new single coil pickup design
- Schaller 3D-5 bridge with wider string spacing
- Dual truss rod system for enhanced stability
- Iconic maple body with rosewood fingerboard
- Dot inlays and no binding for traditional aesthetic
- Includes hardshell case
Product specs
| Brand | Rickenbacker |
| Model | 4003S/5 |
| Finish | Fireglo, Jetglo, Mapleglo, Matte Black, Midnight Blue, Pillar Box Red |
| Year | 2017 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | No Preamp |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Natural, Red, Tan |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Maple, Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 10" |
| Model Family | Rickenbacker 4003 |
| Model Sub-Family | Rickenbacker 4003S/5 |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 5-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Rickenbacker 4000 Series |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String?
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The Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String features a comfortable, slim neck profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it suitable for both fast playing and intricate fingerstyle techniques.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String for rock music?
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The Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String delivers a distinctively punchy and bright tone with strong midrange presence, making it ideal for rock music where clear articulation and cutting through the mix are essential.
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Is the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String suitable for beginners?
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While the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String offers high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound, its weight and unique tone might be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its features.
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What is the main difference between the Rickenbacker 4003 and 4003S models?
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The primary difference is that the 4003S model lacks the body binding found on the 4003, offering a more streamlined and understated aesthetic without compromising on the iconic Rickenbacker sound.
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Does the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String have active or passive pickups?
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The Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String is equipped with passive pickups, providing a natural and dynamic sound that is favored by many bass players for its warmth and versatility.
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What kind of wood is used for the body of the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String?
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The body of the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String is made from maple, contributing to its bright tonal characteristics and sustain, which are hallmarks of the Rickenbacker sound.
Videos
BassTheWorld.com
Rickenbacker 4003S/5
Reviews
PROS
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Iconic Rickenbacker sound with aggressive and unique tone
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High-quality craftsmanship likened to a work of art
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Effective pickup design for deep, powerful low notes
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Wide sound palette with push-pull knob for classic and modern tones
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Schaller bridge and tuners enhance tuning stability and playability
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Adjustable string spacing caters to personal playing preference
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Smooth neck action praised by diverse players
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Handles versatile music styles, from rock to mellow tones
CONS
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Hot pickups may cause unwanted hum without proper grounding
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String spacing may require adaptation for some players
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Not optimal for slapping techniques
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B string performance may vary with heavier gauges
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Ergonomics may not suit all players, especially those used to Fender spacing
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String.
Value and pricing
Mods and upgrades
User experience
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Despite some aesthetic criticisms, those who've played the 4003S/5 in-store generally praise the instrument's sound quality.
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Expect waiting times up to two years for the 4003S/5 due to limited production runs, even in the US.
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The Rickenbacker 4003S/5 offers a unique tone that some players find indispensable, despite availability of other models with potentially better B string performance.
Source
Comparisons
Features and functionality
Other
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European buyers face significant challenges obtaining the 4003S/5 due to its American-made status and limited international shipping options.
Source
Use cases and applications
Build quality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
192
The best investment in what I love that I ever made!
As a bassist, this was been my dream instrument. It has been the smoothest and most versatile instrument I think I've played. I can channel my inner Geddy Lee on this monster or just as easily mellow it out to the creamy sound of Kevin Parker. I will say that the string spacing is hard to get used to, but once you do, there's nothing like having that classic Ric tone with the extra oomph of that low 'B' string! I like all kinds of music, and this bass can do it all.
Artist usage
Add artist
McCartney can be seen in a photo on this page with a Rickenbacker 4003S/5 MKI.
Tim Feerick showcases his Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String bass on Instagram, highlighting its use with La Bella strings.
In this video from Borknagar playing in Wacken 2016, Vortex is using a Rickenbacker 4003s/5
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Community setups
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