Off the Rick-ter Scale
It's not particularly revelatory to say that the Rickenbacker 4003 sounds like no other bass in the world. Rickenbacker makes basses that sing with a completely singular voice that is just as much a part of the fabric of rock and roll as the sound of a Stratocaster or Les Paul. Their round low-end, powerful midrange, and legendary treble snarl have graced countless classic records, but what's really amazing is how many different types of musicians have fallen in love with their signature tone.
For instance, metal masters like Cliff Burton, Lemmy Kilmister, and Geezer Butler used their Rickenbackers' copious low-end and cutting trebles to provide a solid foundation for some of the heaviest music of all time, all while Rick James was using his Rick to lay down some of the funkiest bass lines ever committed to tape. Sir Paul McCartney copped his Motown-by-way-of-Great-Britain bass tone by stringing his Rick with flats to get a warm, pillowy sound right around the same time Chris Squire was inventing lead bass playing with his signature brash, bright Rickenbacker sound. The list could go on and on.
This begs the question: how can so many players in so many genres all agree on one distinctive bass tone? The answer is hard to quantify, but I think it's because the Rickenbacker 4003 sounds so unique that it winds up fitting in everywhere! This particular model has a slightly different sonic flavor that works well in just about every musical context. Usually, 4003s have a maple body and a bloodwood or Chechen fretboard, but the 4003SW has a walnut body with a maple fretboard. This gives it a bit more midrange punch and warmth, and it makes the attack a bit snappier and more percussive.
The 4003SW has the sort of sonic personality that plays well with other instruments. It has a sound that can cut through a mix while simultaneously providing a rock-solid low-end foundation, and there is no genre under the sun where that sort of tone doesn't work! It might not be a Swiss Army Knife, but who needs a Swiss Army Knife when you have a machete? The Wildwood staff invites you to discover the singular sound of the Rickenbacker 4003, and we are excited to see what new and exciting musical adventures they bring our exceptional customers.
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Brand Name
Rickenbacker
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Model
4003SW
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Finish Color
Satin Natural
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Weight
8.12 lbs.
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Body Wood
Walnut
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Neck Dimensions
.780 1st - .790 12th
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Neck Wood
Maple
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Fingerboard Wood
Maple
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Fingerboard Inlays
Dots
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Frets
20
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Scale Length
33-1/4"
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Width at Nut
1-11/16"
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Pickups
2 Single-Coil
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Tailpiece
Rickenbacker-Designed
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Hardware
Chrome
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Tuners
Schaller Deluxe
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bridge
Rickenbacker-Designed
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Case
Rickenbacker Hardshell
An instrument from Wildwood isn't just an ordinary guitar. It's your guitar. Each and every instrument we sell includes a full,
point by point setup, an exhaustive evaluation, and expert shipping procedures, with first class, industry leading standards from start to finish. Why? Because you deserve it.
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