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Key Features
Rickenbacker basses are interwoven into the fabric of music history. The Rickenbacker 4003S Bass Guitar is based on the iconic 4001 bass, bringing all of that distinctive low-end richness and singing treble that made the original so famous. Bassists as legendary as Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott, Yes' Chris Squire, The Who's John Entwistle, and even The Beatles' Paul McCartney have used it to drive their distinctive basslines. Two single-coil pickups deliver the classic, vintage tones of the 4001.
But it's been given an upgrade for the 21st century. With a top-quality maple body, the 4003S is incredibly responsive to whatever playing style you throw at it. And that maple is durable, too - it's more than capable of withstanding life on the road. Add in superbly natural playability thanks to rounded fingerboard edges, and you've got a bass that strives to give you excellence in every performance.
Product Ref: 54970
Rickenbacker is a name that's permanently carved into the history of rock 'n' roll. The list of bassists to use their guitars reads like a who's who of the very best musicians to ever walk the planet. Especially those to have used the 4001. From Paul McCartney to John Entwistle. Phil Lynott to Roger Waters. Heard in the music of The Clash, Queen, The Kinks, Muse, The Cure, Bee Gees, The Jam, and a seemingly endless collection of other legendary artists. It helped make some of the best music ever.
So you can be sure that the Rickenbacker 4003S will deliver every last drop of that quality that made the 4001 so revered in the first place. Because its two single-coil pickups have been designed to recreate those wide-reaching, warm, punchy tones that have stood the test of time through decades of popular music. The sound you'll get from this amazing instrument eclipses anything you've ever had before. After all, it's good enough for the very best.
Make every note count. Any bassist will be familiar with the frustration of their basslines not quite cutting through the mix when they're playing in a band. The Rickenbacker 4003S seeks to end this problem. A full maple neck-through-body expertly increases sustain in each note you play. So you can let your basslines ring for longer, ensuring everyone in your audience hears what you're playing.
All the options you need to make your bass perfectly suit your own playing style. Rickenbacker have loaded the 4003S with a number of features that'll let you quickly and easily alter how your bass sounds. Firstly, there's 3-way pickup switching, letting you choose between either of the two single coils, or both at the same time for a fuller, bigger sound. There are also individual tone and volume controls for each pickup. This means you can rapidly tweak your tone on-stage, even in the middle of a song. You'll have complete control over how your basslines sound.
Effortless. The best possible word to describe the playability of the Rickenbacker 4003S. The maple neck is smooth and sleek - great for letting your hand glide up and down it with ease. The neck-through-body construction not only provides excellent sustain, but it also removes the need for a bulky neck joint. So hitting notes at the top of the scale is made easy, because there'll be nothing getting in your way. And rolled fingerboard edges give you even greater, more comfortable access to every inch of the fretboard. Playing bass has never felt this natural.
It goes without saying that staying in tune is pretty essential for you to play at your best. So Rickenbacker have made sure that your strings will stay pitch perfect for as long as possible. They've fitted the 4003S with Schaller Deluxe tuning machines. These hold your strings firmly in place, ensuring every note you strike is accurate and in-key. And their super-strong grip means you won't need to tune your bass as often. Ideal for professional musicians.
Image for illustration purposes only, actual instrument may vary