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Average Price: $5,116

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut is a distinguished choice for bassists seeking a blend of classic design and modern performance. This 5-string bass delivers the hallmark Rickenbacker tone, renowned for its punchy low end and crisp high frequencies. Crafted with a walnut body, this bass not only offers a rich, resonant sound but also showcases stunning natural wood aesthetics. The neck-through construction provides exceptional sustain and stability, ensuring your notes ring true with every pluck and strum.

Equipped with a pair of single-coil pickups, the 4003S/5W Walnut produces a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres. The simple yet effective control layout features volume and tone knobs for each pickup, allowing for precise tonal shaping. The bass's ergonomic body contouring ensures comfortable playability, whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or performing on stage.

The Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut stands out not just for its sound but also for its high-quality craftsmanship. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide smooth playability, while the Schaller bridge and tuners ensure reliable tuning stability. With its iconic design and robust construction, this bass is a worthy addition to any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • 5-string configuration for extended range
  • Neck-through body design for enhanced sustain
  • Walnut body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual single-coil pickups for versatile sound
  • Individual volume and tone controls for each pickup
  • Schaller bridge and tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Comfortable body contouring for improved playability

Product specs

Brand Rickenbacker
Model 4003S/5W Walnut
Finish Natural
Year 2018 - 2021
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 Brown, Natural
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 10"
Model Family Rickenbacker 4003
Model Sub-Family Rickenbacker 4003S/5W
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Rickenbacker 4000 Series

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut?

The Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut offers a rich, warm tone with a distinct clarity, thanks to its all-maple construction and passive pickups. It's known for its punchy low end and articulate midrange, making it versatile for various music genres.

Is the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut suitable for beginners?

While the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut is a high-quality instrument, its unique features and 5-string configuration may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities.

How does the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut differ from the standard 4003 model?

The 4003S/5W Walnut features a walnut body with a satin finish and no body binding, unlike the standard 4003, which typically includes binding. This gives the 4003S/5W a slightly different aesthetic and feel.

What is the neck profile like on the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut?

The Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut has a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which offers smooth playability and easy access to all 20 frets, making it ideal for fast playing styles.

Does the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut come with active electronics?

No, the Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut is equipped with passive pickups and does not feature an active preamp, providing a classic and natural bass tone.

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide range of timbre, unmatched by other basses

  • Adjustable string spacing and neck width for personalized play

  • Stunning two-tone walnut/maple finish

  • Exceptional resonance; low B and A tuning shake the house

  • Individual eight-way adjustable bridge simplifies intonation and string height adjustments

  • New pickups provide versatile and killer sound

  • Comfortable neck-through-body design despite heavier weight

CONS

  • Sharp frets can cause discomfort during play

  • Push-pull treble volume pot can be inadvertently engaged

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut.

Build quality

  • Walnut finish is noted for being special but requires attention; fret sprout may occur in dry climates, necessitating fret work or adjustments.

    Source
  • The walnut body of the 4003S/5W does not have a poly finish, requiring regular maintenance with oil to preserve its natural appearance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Dual truss rods can require adjustments in dry climates; having a tool for this is recommended for ease of maintenance.

    Source
  • Tung oil is preferred for oiling, with some owners recommending light sanding using 800-1000 grit sandpaper before application for better absorption.

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  • Strings can remain on during oiling if loosened, allowing easier access to tight areas without needing to restring.

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  • Avoid applying oil on plastic or metal parts to prevent discoloration and pitting; these materials do not benefit from oiling.

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User experience

  • Owners report the B-string sounds surprisingly good despite the shorter 33.25” scale, providing satisfying sound and feel compared to other 5-string options.

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  • The Aguilar Tone Hammer is favored for adding warmth when used in conjunction with various amplifiers and through effects loops.

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Comparisons

  • The walnut model is described as having a slightly mellower sound compared to the Fireglo finish, which is less prone to climate-related issues.

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  • Owners report a deeper tone in the walnut model compared to maple counterparts, suggesting wood choice impacts low-end response differently.

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Features and functionality

  • The Ric-o-sound feature allows for creative stereo output setups, enhancing the tonal palette with separate FX chains for each pickup.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Removing the pickup cover and installing TI flatwound strings are popular modifications to achieve a preferred sound profile.

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  • Some owners use a Scotch-Brite pad for applying oil, followed by wiping with coffee filters for an even finish.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Al Cisneros uses Rickenbacker 4003S/5W Walnut

Al Cisneros

Singer, Bassist

Sleep

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Natural Walnut

In the video Al is clearly playing a 4003s/5w.

Genre Usage

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

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