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Rickenbacker 4003/4001

Home > Best Guitars  > Best Bass Guitars  > Rickenbacker 4003/4001
9.9
EXPERT SCORE Read Review

The Rickenbacker 4001 or The Rickenbacker 4003 model bass guitars would be excellent additions to any bass collection.  The use of these electric bass guitars with The Beatles and Yes should tell you all you need to know about the quality of these instruments

$89.99
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Last Amazon price update was: October 30, 2023 3:23 am
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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

 

The Rickenbacker 4001 is the embodiment of British rock and roll in the early 1960’s.  

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

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.

Sound
9.7
Build
9.8
Look
10
PROS
  • Signature sound that can take your creativity to new heights
  • Beautifully built bass guitar, with solid construction
  • The Rickenbacker 4001 holds its value and depending on the model, can appreciate in value
CONS
  • 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
  • The Rickenbacker 4001 is more stubborn than the Rickenbacker 4003 when it comes to adapting tone to the situation

Price history for Epiphone Limited Edition EJ-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst
Latest updates:
  • $649.90 - October 26, 2023
  • $588.75 - October 24, 2023
  • $649.90 - October 7, 2023
  • $588.75 - October 3, 2023
  • $649.90 - August 12, 2023
  • $588.75 - August 12, 2023
  • $649.90 - July 21, 2023
Since: April 30, 2023
  • Highest Price: $649.90 - April 30, 2023
  • Lowest Price: $588.75 - April 30, 2023