Reviewer Tom Eisenmenger
Manufacturer Rickenbacker
Model 4003s/5 5-string bass
Price $1400US list, $1050US street

Neck Type Laminated maple/walnut, neck-though-body.
Fingerboard Rosewood, varnished, no binding, dot markers.
Body Type Maple wings.
Finish Fireglo (Transparent dark red).
Pickup(s) 2 single-coil (passive).
Controls Volume/tone for each pickup, toggle pickup selector switch, mono
output jacks
I've owned a Rick 4001 since the early '80s, so when it came time to consider a 5-string bass the 4003s/5 was at the top of my list. While I consider the 4001 to be as close to bass perfection as possible, I am not as enamored with its 5-string cousin. Although the quality of construction and beauty of finish meet RIC's typically high standards, there are some problems with their approach to bringing a 5-string model to market. The neck is only 1/16th in. wider than the 4001, requiring a rather narrow string spacing (similar to a short-scale bass) which takes some getting used to. However, for bassists with small hands this could be an excellent choice. Finally, the heavier headstock and 5th tuning machine make this bass a bit neck-heavy compared to its perfectly-balanced 4-string version.

On the plus side, if you like the classic growl and trebley punch of the Rick (seems brighter than my 4001), then this is the 5-string for you. Also, the 4003s/5 is very lightweight for a 5-string bass -- I had also considered the Fender Jazz Deluxe V and the G&L 2500, both seeming to weigh half again as much as the Rick.

All in all, I do recommend this bass for its excellent sound, light weight, excellent construction and beauty of finish. However, I would suggest to the folks at Rickenbacker that they consider bringing back the 4005 in a wide-neck 5-string version with its heavier 360-style body to produce the perfect Rick 5-string.

Construction 100%
Playability 80%
Appearance 100%
Sound 90%
Value 90%
Cust. Service 100%
Overall 90%
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