Rickenbaker 4003 Review

By

Chris Ryan

9/10/2024 4:34 PM

E

Expert Score

9.9

Reasons To Buy

Signature sound that can take your creativity to new heights
Beautifully built bass guitar, with solid construction

Reasons Not To Buy

The unique tone can stand out in a bad way if you try to use it in music that is not appropriate for it’s tone

Overview

These basses are, in a word, SPECIFIC. The look specific, and they sound even more specific.

My love affair with the Rick started the moment I heard Cliff Burton howling at the moon in “Anesthesia.” Later, those classic Yes albums had an undeniably unique bass sound to me. And then when I discovered that McCartney used a Rick on “Revolver” & “Sgt. Pepper” & “Magical Mystery Tour” I was even more amazed. And guess what kind of bass Rick James played.

I love the way they sound & look, and I love the weird skinny neck that seems to lend itself to a different approach & fresh ideas. Downside: unlike a Fender which seems to be able to fit into any sonic ensemble, the Rick sticks out & can’t really be disguised. So, if you’re ok with being freaky 100% of the time, the Rick is a really fun & exotic way to go.

Critic Consensus

The Rickenbacker 4001 is the embodiment of British rock and roll in the early 1960’s, so we decided to scope it out in our search for best bass guitars.

Features:

Maple Neck with “C” Shape
Passive Single Coil Pickups
Rosewood Fretboard
Double Cutaway Solidbody
Solid Walnut Body
4 String Bass Guitar with Pickguard
Hardshell Case

When this bass guitar was first introduced in 1964 it was exclusively sold through the British instrument distributor Rose Morris. The unique tone and the cool look that featured dot inlays and lacked any binding inspired Paul McCartney and Chris Squire to embrace these tremendous bass guitars.

The bass guitar has evolved since it’s reintroduction in the new model the Rickenbacker 4003.

The new model of the Rickenbacker bass guitar made some improvements to the truss rod and in some models has incorporated Walnut to warm the sound and make the bass guitar more diverse.

9.9

EXPERT SCORE

Rickenbaker 4003 Review

Sound

9.7/10

Price

9.8/10

Look

10/10

Reasons to Buy

Signature sound that can take your creativity to new heights
Beautifully built bass guitar, with solid construction

Reasons not to buy

The unique tone can stand out in a bad way if you try to use it in music that is not appropriate for it’s tone

Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is a musician and educator from Philadelphia, PA, an avid archivist of folk and country music, a disciple of Aphex Twin and a fervent supporter of Atlanta trap music. Chris can usually be found tracking keyboards, vocals and lap steel for the upcoming debut of his band The Cobwebs, or in FL Studio working on the next generation of trap sounds. He is conversant with, and writes about, hundreds of genres of music from all over the world.

All Articles by

Chris Ryan

→

Why Trust Music Minds

Our editorial process is built on human expertise, ensuring that every article is reliable and trustworthy. We provide honest, unbiased insights to help our readers make informed decisions.

RELATED REVIEWS