Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,515
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Rickenbacker 4003W". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the full potential of your bass lines with the Rickenbacker 4003W, a distinctive electric bass that combines vintage charm with modern performance. Crafted with a sleek walnut body, this bass exudes natural beauty and offers a resonant sound that only premium wood can deliver. The neck-through-body design, featuring a Skunk Stripe neck, ensures remarkable sustain and stability, making it a reliable choice for both the studio and the stage.
The unpainted maple fretboard, adorned with elegant triangle inlays, offers a smooth playing experience across its 20 frets, allowing for precise note articulation. This iconic bass features dual bass single-coil pickups that deliver a rich and versatile tone, perfect for any musical genre. Whether you're laying down a groove in jazz, rock, or funk, the Rickenbacker 4003W has the power and clarity you need.
Equipped with Schaller Deluxe machine heads, this bass ensures precise tuning and reliable performance. The inclusion of a hard case means your instrument is well-protected wherever your music takes you. The Rickenbacker 4003W is not just an instrument; it's a statement of quality and style that will inspire your creativity every time you pick it up.
Key Features:
- Body: Walnut
- Neck-through-body Skunk Stripe neck
- Fretboard: Maple with triangle inlays
- 20 Frets
- Pickups: 2 Bass single coils
- Scale: 845 mm
- Nut width: 42.9 mm
- Schaller Deluxe machine heads
- Hard case included
Product specs
| Available since | March 2014 |
| Colour | Natural |
| Soundboard | Walnut |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Maple |
| Frets | 20 |
| Scale | Long Scale |
| Pickups | JJ |
| Elektronic | Passive |
| Incl. Case | Yes |
| Incl. Bag | No |
| Limited | No |
| Body | Walnut-tree |
| Number of strings | 4 |
| Pickup system | JJ |
| Elektronics | Passive |
| Case included | 1 |
FAQs
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What makes the Rickenbacker 4003W's walnut body unique?
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The Rickenbacker 4003W features a solid walnut body, offering a distinct aesthetic and contributing to a warm, rich tonal quality. The walnut body also enhances the bass's natural sustain and resonance.
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How does the neck-through design of the Rickenbacker 4003W affect its playability?
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The neck-through construction of the Rickenbacker 4003W provides excellent stability and sustain, allowing for smoother access to higher frets and a more comfortable playing experience.
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What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 4003W have, and how do they influence its sound?
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The Rickenbacker 4003W is equipped with two single-coil pickups, delivering a clear, punchy sound with plenty of treble and midrange presence, ideal for rock and other genres requiring articulate bass tones.
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Is the Rickenbacker 4003W suitable for both mono and stereo output?
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Yes, the Rickenbacker 4003W offers both mono and stereo output options, allowing for versatile signal routing and tonal possibilities in various performance and recording settings.
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Does the Rickenbacker 4003W include a case?
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Yes, the Rickenbacker 4003W comes with a case, providing protection and convenience for transport and storage.
Videos
South Shore Music
Rickenbacker 4003W Bass Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with a distinctive character, perfect for cutting through mixes
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Beautiful natural walnut finish with unique wood grain patterns
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Integrated palm mute system offers versatile playing styles
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Comes with a high-quality hard shell case for protection
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Maple fretboard provides a unique feel and enhances playability
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Wide tonal range, from classic Rickenbacker to modern sounds
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Lightweight and well-balanced for comfortable playing during long sessions
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High-quality craftsmanship with attention to detail
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Offers both vintage and modern sounds with versatile tone controls
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Suitable for diverse music genres, from heavy metal to Motown
CONS
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Requires professional setup after shipping for optimal playability
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Sharp top edge can be uncomfortable on the forearm
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No dedicated thumb rest, which may affect fingerstyle players
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Factory defects in sanding noted by some users
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Pickup switch may require replacement due to potential malfunctioning
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Limited availability due to small production batches
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rickenbacker 4003W.
User experience
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Owners describe the 4003W as having "sweet creamy mids" and a unique vibration sensation, especially noticeable when pushed through a 70s Ampeg V4B.
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The 4003W is said to be lighter and provides a smoother playing experience due to its non-lacquered finish, enhancing playability compared to other finishes.
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The binding can cause discomfort on the forearm, but wristbands or sweat sleeves are suggested to alleviate the issue during longer play sessions.
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The neck's unique shape and thickness are praised for making notes feel "bigger and beefier," though it's not ideal for technical or fast playing styles.
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Mods and upgrades
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JBE pickups are recommended for improved volume consistency and preserving the classic Rick tone, outperforming stock and Seymour Duncan models according to user experience.
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Users recommend removing the pickup cover to access the "sweet spot" more easily, with some opting for a treble bezel replacement for better playability.
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Use cases and applications
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The bass is noted for excelling in heavy music genres, producing a "full tube grind" with rounded edges when played through loud tube amps.
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Setup and maintenance
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistAlbum Usage
The Rickenbacker 4003W has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 4003W, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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