This is one of the earliest 4003’s ever made. It’s several months earlier than any other 4003 we could find so it may have been a prototype or just a really early 4003. The bass is all original. The pots date to 1978 and solder joints are untouched. It still has some 4001 specs and was actually called “4001-Special” in the control cavity. It also has the one-piece pickguard. The truss rod adjustment is on the bottom as on 4003’s but with an unusual headstock channel from the factory. The finish is Autumnglo or technically Walnut with some light fading and is exceptionally clean overall. Just a few light marks on the back as shown and one knob sticker missing. Comes with the original hardshell case with a few spare truss rod nuts. Plays great, sounds great and is ready to go for years. Get a historical Rickenbacker Bass right here!
Features include:
Cresting wave shaped headstock
Kluson riveted tuners with phillips head screws, black plastic bushings and shims under the tuner plates
Raised logo on plastic truss rod cover
Dual truss rods with adjustment nuts at the bottom end
Smaller triangle pearloid fret markers
Neck through body design including skunk stripe
20 frets
Four pole neck pickup
Four pole bridge pickup with chrome surround and cover
White one-piece pickguard
Plastic binding
Heptagonal shaped knobs with silver top and lettering
CTS potentiometers, yellow capacitors, plastic wiring in control cavity
Ric-o-sound input jack plate
Pots cavity marking
3 way pickup toggle switch
Chrome bridge assembly including mutes
Black case with blue interior
Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz.
