The Classic Rickenbacker bass has been strengthened with walnut for a solid and natural look that keeps with the traditional character of the instrument made famous for its ringing sustain, treble punch and solid underlying bass. A subtle strip of binding graces the elegantly curved body and the maple fretboard. Deluxe triangular inlays and stereo capability are standard features. Includes case.
Body Type: Solid
No. Frets: 20
Scale Length: 84.5cm (33-1/4'')
Neck Width at Nut: 42.9mm (1-11/16'')
Neck Width at 12th Fret: 54mm (2-1/8'')
Crown Radius: 25.4cm (10'')
Body Wood: Walnut
Neck Wood: Maple
Fingerboard Wood: Maple
Weight: 4.1kg (9.0lb.)
Overall Length: 113.8cm (44-13/16'')
Overall Width: 34.3cm (13-1/2'')
Overall Depth: 31.8mm (1-1/4'')
Neck Binding: Yes
Fret Marker Style: Triangle
Tailpiece: RIC
Bridge: RIC
Neck Type: Through body
No. of Pickups: 2
Type of Pickups: Single-Coil
Output Type: Mono and Stereo
Machine Heads: Schaller Deluxe
Includes case
Rickenbacker has been turning heads and turning up ears for years. Get yours today!
Custom Guitar's Friend Gold Coverage
Gold Coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty to protect your gear from unexpected breakdowns, accidental damage from handling
and failures. This plan covers your product for one, two, three or up to five years from your date of purchase, costs just pennies per day and gives you a
complete "no-worry" solution for protecting your investment.
Gold Coverage Includes:
Unexpected and unintentional spills, drops and cracks
Normal wear and tear
Power surges
Dust, internal heat and humidity
Other plan features include:
For products over $200, No Lemon Policy applies. If it fails for the same defect 3 times, it is replaced on the 4th breakdown. (Does not apply to failures due to drops, spills, and cracks)
For products under $200 experiencing the above failures, a Custom Guitar's Friend gift card will be issued for the full price of the product + tax.
Shipping fees covered if required for repair or replacement
Plans are transferable in the event merchandise is sold
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*Limitations and exclusions apply. See terms and conditions for program details
Term for New Gear begins on date of purchase but does not replace the store return policy or manufacturer coverage.
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I'm really amazed at the workmanship on these 4003 Walnut series basses. I own 2 other Rickenbacker basses, a 2006 4003 Mapleglo and a 1979 4001 Jetglo. This outplays both of them for a number of reasons.
First, the neck is really quick for a Rickenbacker. The thickness is somewhere in between the chunky Mapleglo and one of the narrowest necks I've played on the Jetglo. But the best part about it is the satin finish. The paint on the 4001 slows you down, and the thick lacquer on the other 4003 is really annoying, especially when you start sweating a bit. This is so smooth and easy to play that I don't know why Rickenbacker doesn't finish all their necks this way.
Second, the electronics are like nothing I've seen before on a Rick. This bass is dead quiet. The electronics are really responsive - you can really unlock the full dynamic capabilities of the bass with these pickups (which seem like they've been updated for this year). For passive pickups, these really impressed me.
Finally, the consistency in sound at different places on the neck is usually the most discouraging thing about Ricks. This does not suffer from those usual faults. The sound out of this is rock solid and incredibly consistent - which once again, might have something to do with the pickups.
The bottom line is that this is a fantastic bass. If you own another Rickenbacker, the tonal characteristics of the maple fingerboard and walnut body are different enough to make this a worthwhile upgrade or addition to your collection. If you don't, this is the one to get. They're only making them for 2014, so now's your chance.
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.Rickenbacker has always been known for quality and this bass is no exception. The fit and finish is perfect. The walnut stain is absolutely gorgeous and the tone is dead on for any style.
It is such a comfortable feel and weight that makes it perfect for extended playing. It's now my favorite workhorse bass.
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.This instrument is not only rare but beautiful. For those who own Rick 4001s or 4003s, you'll be amazed at the brightness, tone, overall feel, ease of playing, and weight of this instrument. The walnut and maple together really works. This bass has a satin finish throughout. You'll notice right away the difference with this neck vs. the common painted ones--its very fast, straight, flat, comes with low action and perfect intonation. No setup required. I own a 1976 4001 White and a 2014 4003 Ruby Red. I often play these and then switch to the walnut to then be truly amazed at the noticeable differences between them--the Rick sound is incredible and this walnut enhances whats already well known and highly sought after, enjoyed, and respected. Also, the sustain is incredible. When played acoustically the bass can be well heard--no need for amplification while song writing--truly amazing. Beautifully crafted and even smells good!
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
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This bass is a reunion of the best things of Rickenbacker, plus extra amazing features. First, the neck width is a little thinner than the typical chunky 4003's made during the last decade, which makes it very comfortable and easy to play. Even when the construction has different body wings made with walnut, the distinctive Rick sound is there and intact. Amazing additions are the maple fingerborad which gives a very nice growl to the general sound; also the walnut body wings makes this bass very light, compared with the classic 4003 all made with maple. Finally, the oil finish: Besides being GORGEOUS, it gives a great sensitivity to the neck. Action out of the box was a little ackward to me, but that was corrected in 3 minutes with the allen keys. Excelent response of the truss rods and hardware. Also, the binding, inlays, hardware and finish are totally perfect. This bass is a masterpiece. Summarizing, this is one of the most beautiful Ricks 4003 even made, and also one of the fastest necks ever made for Rick basses (perhaps the exception could be those 4001 from the mid 80's with necks as thinner as a Fender Geddy Lee JB). FIND YOUR 4003W RIGHT NOW.
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.Feels good to write the first review of this model AND to get one of the first ones from Rickenbacker .(Thank you Custom Guitar's Friend !) The bass has an amazing feel to it . Sound is typically like a 4003 , (I own two , one in Fireglo)).
The finish is beautiful !! This bass is in very high demand right now so if you are lucky to find one , get it ! And --to Custom Guitar's Friend --thank you for your AMAZING customer service I'm a customer for life
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.I'd owned a 4003 many years ago and had to sell it, so I'd been wanting to get another Rick for some time. Finally got a 4003W, and I couldn't be more pleased. The neck is a little chunky, just like all modern Ricks, but the tone is phenomenal and it's just gorgeous in walnut. Much more growly than my '87 Jetglo 4003, and lighter to boot. Buy one! You know you want to!
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.Excellent instrument - setup was spot-on right out of the box. While I still enjoy playing my 2005 4003, the 4003W looks and plays beautifully and it's my new favorite.
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.30 years Playing Bass, I've had An 76' 4001 an 80' 4001 and a 2000 4003 in Maple Glow. Sadly I've parted with them all over the years. When Rickenbacker came out with this Walnut Finish I quickly began saving up for it. The playability is superb. The sound quality and craftsmanship is Top Knotch. I ordered it and had to wait 2 months for Rickenbacker to make it....Longest Wait Ever! But well worth it. This is a Keeper. Glad To add it to my Forever Arsenal that I won't be selling ever.
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.I have always loved Ricks. I have had the chance to play a 4001 & 4003 and the playability and tone was always killer. Just never could drop the paper for one. I have always been a diehard Fender J-bass man and the 1962 reissue J-bass I have is my go to always. This 4003W might have just became the new primary runner. Right out of the box, this bass is setup great. Intonation is excellent. The walnut gives this bass a slight distinct tone versus a standard 4003. I personally love it. Hands down a very well crafted instrument.
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
.I wasn't actively looking for a new bass, but my (purchased new) '82 4001 Mapleglow is definitely showing it's age from LOTS of playing and travel. When I seen the 4003W, something about it, I just had to have one! Waited 9 months, but it's worth it. I LOVE this Rick.
The satin finish neck feels fast, the electronics are dead quiet, the tone is typical Rick (which is awesome) and it's got plenty of flexibility. The fit and finish are superb, and I like that it came with strap-lock buttons. The walnut really looks great, and the maple neck/fingerboard just looks right. The finish is not the typical Rick clearcoat finish, and looks beautiful. Somehow the binding makes it look classy (even for my heavy metal). I looked at the new 4003SW, and it just doesn't look as nice without the binding. The only thing I changed was adding a Hipshot D-tuner (been using one on my 4001 for 25 years, but that wasn't Rick specific. The new one is and matches the Schaller pegs nicely) and some Rotosound BS66 strings (for the D-tune). Other than that, it came perfect right out of the box, and even the Rick cases are nice quality. I've been playing Ricks for 33 years now, and this one is my favorite!
Rickenbacker 4003W Natural Walnut
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