Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (16)
$2,599.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (9)
$2,599.00
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$2,499.00 New
$1,900.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (10)
$2,999.00 $2,979.00 $20.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£2,550.00

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

What makes the Rickenbacker 4003W's walnut body unique?

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.

How does the neck-through design of the Rickenbacker 4003W affect its playability?

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.

What type of pickups does the Rickenbacker 4003W have, and how do they influence its sound?

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.

Is the Rickenbacker 4003W suitable for both mono and stereo output?

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.

Does the Rickenbacker 4003W include a case?

Yes, the Rickenbacker 4003W comes with a case, providing protection and convenience for transport and storage.

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Rickenbacker 4003W Bass Demo

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003W Bass Demo by South Shore Music

Rickenbacker 4003W Bass Demo

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003W "Walnut" Quick Look by Andrew Conner

Rickenbacker 4003W "Walnut" Quick Look

Andrew Conner

Andrew Conner

Video thumbnail for Rickenbacker 4003W Demo by Joe Tritschler

Rickenbacker 4003W Demo

Joe Tritschler

Joe Tritschler

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality with a distinctive character, perfect for cutting through mixes

  • Beautiful natural walnut finish with unique wood grain patterns

  • Integrated palm mute system offers versatile playing styles

  • Comes with a high-quality hard shell case for protection

  • Maple fretboard provides a unique feel and enhances playability

  • Wide tonal range, from classic Rickenbacker to modern sounds

  • Lightweight and well-balanced for comfortable playing during long sessions

  • High-quality craftsmanship with attention to detail

  • Offers both vintage and modern sounds with versatile tone controls

  • Suitable for diverse music genres, from heavy metal to Motown

CONS

  • Requires professional setup after shipping for optimal playability

  • Sharp top edge can be uncomfortable on the forearm

  • No dedicated thumb rest, which may affect fingerstyle players

  • Factory defects in sanding noted by some users

  • Pickup switch may require replacement due to potential malfunctioning

  • 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

  • Owners describe the 4003W as having "sweet creamy mids" and a unique vibration sensation, especially noticeable when pushed through a 70s Ampeg V4B.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The binding can cause discomfort on the forearm, but wristbands or sweat sleeves are suggested to alleviate the issue during longer play sessions.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • JBE pickups are recommended for improved volume consistency and preserving the classic Rick tone, outperforming stock and Seymour Duncan models according to user experience.

    Source
  • Users recommend removing the pickup cover to access the "sweet spot" more easily, with some opting for a treble bezel replacement for better playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass is noted for excelling in heavy music genres, producing a "full tube grind" with rounded edges when played through loud tube amps.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Regular application of tung oil is necessary in dry climates to maintain the finish, as reported by a former owner.

    Source
  • Owners note the single truss rod in newer models since 2022, unlike older versions with dual rods, impacting neck adjustment preferences.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Rick-O-Sound offers versatility with separate outputs per pickup, allowing different EQs or amps for each, enhancing mixing options in studio settings.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Al Cisneros uses Rickenbacker 4003W

Al Cisneros

Singer, Bassist

Sleep

...
Verified via Photo

Al uses this bass alongside his 5 string walnut bass and of course his signature walnut 4003AC

See how Paul Gray uses Rickenbacker 4003W

Paul Gray

Bassist

The Damned

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul Gray demos this bass in the video and he says that he can get every Ric sound hes ever used on it.

Album Usage

The Rickenbacker 4003W 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rickenbacker 4003W, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
hammerbass

hammerbass

Gear IQ 152

voidfucker

voidfucker

Gear IQ 69

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