










About This Item
Serial: 2632763
Weight: 9lb 9.4oz
The Rickenbacker 4003S Jetglo Bass brings the streamlined styling of the original 4001S into the modern era, combining classic Rickenbacker construction with updated hardware and the unmistakable sound that has defined countless recordings. Inspired by the early 4001S models played by Paul McCartney and Chris Squire, the 4003S features a solid maple body with rounded, unbound edges, a rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, and Rickenbacker's signature neck-through-body construction. Finished in classic Jetglo, this bass delivers the distinctive combination of powerful low end, ringing sustain, and articulate treble response that has made Rickenbacker basses a favorite among rock, progressive, and alternative musicians.
The solid maple body provides a strong, resonant foundation with the clear attack and pronounced midrange associated with Rickenbacker's classic bass sound. Unlike the standard 4003, the 4003S features rounded body edges without binding, creating a smoother feel against the player's arm and torso while preserving the instrument's familiar contours. This understated design traces its roots to the 1960s, when the original 4001S was offered through British distributor Rose Morris. The Jetglo finish emphasizes the instrument's clean lines and traditional styling, making the 4003S immediately recognizable while maintaining a more streamlined appearance than its bound counterpart.
The maple and walnut neck extends through the body, creating a continuous structural connection that contributes to the instrument's characteristic sustain and responsive feel. A rosewood fingerboard features a comfortable 10" radius, 20 frets, and traditional dot position markers. The 33 1/4" scale length provides the familiar playing feel associated with Rickenbacker basses, while the 1 11/16" nut width offers a substantial yet manageable grip. The updated double-action truss rod system allows precise neck relief adjustments, providing improved setup flexibility and stability. Combined with the rounded body contours, the neck-through construction makes the 4003S a distinctive and comfortable instrument for both stage and studio use.
Two Rickenbacker Hi-Gain pickups deliver the powerful, articulate sound that has become synonymous with the brand. The neck pickup provides a full, rounded low-frequency response, while the bridge pickup emphasizes upper-midrange definition and the bright, cutting attack that helps Rickenbacker basses stand out in a mix. Together, the pickups offer a broad range of sounds, from deep, supportive bass lines to aggressive, harmonically rich tones suited to pick-driven rock and progressive music. The traditional mono output provides straightforward connectivity to amplifiers, pedals, and recording equipment.
The Rickenbacker 4003S Jetglo is equipped with a V2 bridge and RIC tailpiece, providing a solid string anchor and precise adjustment for intonation and playing feel. Schaller tuning machines offer dependable tuning performance, while the instrument's classic hardware appointments preserve its unmistakable appearance. With its solid maple construction, neck-through design, distinctive Hi-Gain pickups, and unbound body contours, the 4003S captures the character of the original 4001S while incorporating practical modern refinements. It remains an excellent choice for players seeking the signature Rickenbacker sound in a streamlined, vintage-inspired package.
Highlights
-
Solid maple body with rounded, unbound edges and classic Jetglo finish
-
Maple and walnut neck-through-body construction with updated double-action truss rod system
-
Rosewood fingerboard with 10" radius, 20 frets, and traditional dot inlays
-
Dual Rickenbacker Hi-Gain pickups for powerful low end, ringing sustain, and articulate treble response
-
Rickenbacker V2 bridge, RIC tailpiece, and Schaller tuning machines
Specifications
Body
-
Body Shape: 4003S
-
Body Style: Solidbody Electric Bass
-
Body Material: Maple
-
Body Construction: Neck-Through-Body
-
Finish Color: Jetglo
-
Body Binding: None
-
Body Edges: Rounded
-
Overall Body Width: 13 1/2" (34.3 cm)
-
Overall Body Depth: 1 1/4" (31.8 mm)
Neck
-
Neck Material: Maple and Walnut
-
Neck Construction: Neck-Through-Body
-
Truss Rod: Double-Action
-
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
-
Fingerboard Radius: 10" (25.4 cm)
-
Fingerboard Inlays: Dots
-
Number of Frets: 20
-
Scale Length: 33 1/4" (84.5 cm)
-
Nut Width: 1 11/16" (42.9 mm)
-
Neck Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8" (54.0 mm)
-
Neck Binding: Yes (per supplied specifications)
Hardware
-
Bridge: Rickenbacker V2
-
Tailpiece: RIC
-
Tuning Machines: Schaller
Electronics
-
Neck Pickup: Rickenbacker Hi-Gain
-
Bridge Pickup: Rickenbacker Hi-Gain
-
Pickup Configuration: Dual Pickup
-
Number of Pickups: 2
-
Pickup Type: Hi-Gain
-
Output Type: Mono
Miscellaneous
-
Brand: Rickenbacker
-
Model: 4003S
-
Finish: Jetglo
-
Body Material: Maple
-
Fingerboard: Rosewood
-
Number of Strings: 4
-
Scale Length: 33 1/4"
-
Overall Length: 44 13/16" (113.8 cm)
-
Manufacturer-Listed Weight: Approximately 9 lbs. (4.1 kg)
Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?
Tone Shop Guitars is an independent Rickenbacker dealer with locations in Addison, Southlake and Fort Worth, Texas. We offer free nationwide shipping on new instruments and multiple financing options.
Specifications
| Overview | |
| Model | 4003S |
| Condition | New |
| Case | Hardshell Case Included |
| Playability | |
| Scale Length | 33.25" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Tonewoods | |
| Body | Maple |
| Neck | Maple and Walnut |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Appearance | |
| Finish | Jetglo |
| Hardware & Electronics | |
| Pickups | Rickenbacker Hi-Gain |