The Rickenbacker 4003 is the Classic Rickenbacker Bass Guitar.
The 4003 is famous for its ringing sustain, treble punch and solid underlying bass tones that made Rickenbacker a household name. A subtle strip of binding graces the elegantly curved body and the Rosewood fingerboard. Deluxe triangular inlays and stereo capability are standard features.
The Rickenbacker Vintage Tone Selector is an additional control included standard at no additional cost on all 4003 basses beginning in the 2006 model year.
Prior to 1984, Rickenbacker basses utilized a capacitor in the treble pickup circuit to emphasize treble tones coming from that pickup. However, changes in tone preference and a call for higher output led RIC to discontinue the use of this capacitor in favor of a more balanced sound. Nevertheless many users added this capacitor back into the circuit, experimenting with and sometimes preferring the sound of the older configuration, despite the resulting drop in volume.
Rickenbacker has now decided to give their players a choice, allowing the best of both worlds. With a simple pull of the treble tone control, the Vintage Tone Selector will allow a player to move between both sounds at the drop of a hat. Pressed in, you'll hear the familiar balanced tone of the 4003, while pulled out to engage the circuit, you'll appreciate the bite and crispness popularized by such artists as Chris Squire.
Handmade in America - three words that proudly embody Rickenbacker's unchanging commitment to quality and excellence. A commitment that is as strong today as it was in the Company's beginnings, over sixty five years ago.
Indeed, little has changed in the production of Rickenbacker guitars and basses. The time-honored skills of craftsmanship and handwork are as prevalent in the Rickenbacker factory as the lack of modern conveyer-belt assembly lines.
While utilizing some of the most modern tools and equipment available, Rickenbacker has been selective in employing technology to be sure that improved quality is the only reason for not performing the operation in a traditional fashion. In fact, to the greatest extent, the most skillful and demanding work is still done entirely by hand.
Despite the somewhat European sounding name, every instrument bearing the Rickenbacker name was produced in Rickenbacker's own factory in California, U.S.A.
*There are no returns allowed on Rickenbacker basses.