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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

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String for rock music?

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.

Is the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String suitable for beginners?

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.

What is the main difference between the Rickenbacker 4003 and 4003S models?

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.

Does the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String have active or passive pickups?

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.

What kind of wood is used for the body of the Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String?

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.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Rickenbacker 4003S/5

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003S/5 by BassTheWorld.com

Rickenbacker 4003S/5

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for LowEndLobster Review: Rickenbacker 4003S/5 5 String Bass. A new Ric model!? by LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster Review: Rickenbacker 4003S/5 5 String Bass. A new Ric model!?

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003S Fivestring - Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

Rickenbacker 4003S Fivestring - Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003S/5 5-String Bass Review by IndieTimber Studio

Rickenbacker 4003S/5 5-String Bass Review

IndieTimber Studio

IndieTimber Studio

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003S/5 Bass Guitar DEMO and Review by Jerry’s Guitar Shop

Rickenbacker 4003S/5 Bass Guitar DEMO and Review

Jerry’s Guitar Shop

Jerry’s Guitar Shop

Video thumbnail for Dirk Witte - Rickenbacker 1986 4003S Mapleglo Five-string by Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte - Rickenbacker 1986 4003S Mapleglo Five-string

Dirk Witte Music Store

Dirk Witte Music Store

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003S/5 Demo by Swing CIty Music

Rickenbacker 4003S/5 Demo

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic Rickenbacker sound with aggressive and unique tone

  • High-quality craftsmanship likened to a work of art

  • Effective pickup design for deep, powerful low notes

  • Wide sound palette with push-pull knob for classic and modern tones

  • Schaller bridge and tuners enhance tuning stability and playability

  • Adjustable string spacing caters to personal playing preference

  • Smooth neck action praised by diverse players

  • Handles versatile music styles, from rock to mellow tones

CONS

  • Hot pickups may cause unwanted hum without proper grounding

  • String spacing may require adaptation for some players

  • Not optimal for slapping techniques

  • B string performance may vary with heavier gauges

  • 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

  • In the US, the Rickenbacker 4003S/5 can still be found relatively easily, but there's a considerable waiting time even domestically.

    Source
  • The 4003S/5 is frequently available on platforms like Reverb, suggesting a slower turnover rate compared to other models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users express interest in replacing the stock bridge for aesthetic reasons, though it's acknowledged as functionally sufficient.

    Source
  • Switching from Hi-Beams to Lo-Riders strings has been reported to significantly enhance the sound quality of the bass.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite some aesthetic criticisms, those who've played the 4003S/5 in-store generally praise the instrument's sound quality.

    Source
  • Expect waiting times up to two years for the 4003S/5 due to limited production runs, even in the US.

    Source
  • 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

  • The neck of the 4003S/5 feels broader than a Fender Jazz, which may influence playability preferences.

    Source
  • Owners often compare the 4003S/5 to Fender Jazz basses, noting the Rick's neck as beefier and clear-coated, which some feel can make it less "fast" to play.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 4003S/5 bridge, while visually different, is noted for being highly functional and reliable in comparison to traditional Rickenbacker designs.

    Source
  • The neck on the 5-string is noted to be comfortable, positioned between a Fender P and J bass.

    Source

Other

  • 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

  • Owners describe the instrument as producing a "classic Ric sound," which is highly valued for its unique tonal qualities.

    Source
  • It's reported that the 4003S/5 can sound so good that bandmates insist on it being the primary instrument used.

    Source

Build quality

  • The thick poly finish on the Rickenbacker 4003S/5 can sometimes be brittle and crack over the frets.

    Source
  • The single-coil pickups are prone to picking up external signals like cell phone chatter and aircraft radio transmissions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners find the B string tension lacking, recommending a .135 gauge for better tension and playability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bassfi3nd

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
See how Paul McCartney uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black

McCartney can be seen in a photo on this page with a Rickenbacker 4003S/5 MKI.

See how Jack Bruce uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

Jack Bruce

Singer, Bassist

Cream

...
Verified via Tuneyoursound

Here we can see Jack Bruce Play a Rickenbacker 4003S in 1995

See how Al Cisneros uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

Al Cisneros

Singer, Bassist

Sleep

...
Verified via Photo

Here is seen playing his 5-string Rickenbacker

See how Tim Feerick uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

Tim Feerick

Bassist

Dance Gavin Dance

...
Verified via Photo

Tim Feerick showcases his Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String bass on Instagram, highlighting its use with La Bella strings.

See how I.C.S. Vortex uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

I.C.S. Vortex

Singer, Guitarist

Dimmu Borgir

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Borknagar playing in Wacken 2016, Vortex is using a Rickenbacker 4003s/5

See how David Roback uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

David Roback

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Mazzy Star

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, David Roback can be seen with a Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String Bass.

See how Aaron Huffman uses Rickenbacker 4003S 5-String

Aaron Huffman

Guitarist, Bassist

Harvey Danger

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture you can see Aaron playing a Rickenbacker 4003s/5 bass

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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eric_rodolphe_christophe_baldini

eric_rodolphe_christophe_baldini

Gear IQ 261

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