Ric 4003 bass, Jetglo finish, made in USA 1998. Some instruments just have a presence about them, and this is certainly one like that: everyone notices when it's in the room. The 4003 is the stereo version of the classic 4001 bass, so it's got a standard output as well as a 'bridge pickup only' output; fun if you're inclined to dig into the possibilities. The tone: oh boy, what a monster. There's a mammoth, walloping attack, paired with a super crisp and articulate treble and a rich singing midrange. There's a whole lot of output on offer, so this will push a tube amp to a dirty crunch with gleeful abandon. It's not too heavy and very nicely balanced, and once you get used to the classic Ric slightly square-ish D shape neck, it's a very comfortable and satisfying player. It goes without saying that this looks good, but here goes: there's surely very few better looking basses going around than a black Ric. If you ask nicely I'll throw in a tab for Motorhead's 'Ace of Spades' absolutely free...

Model: Rickenbacker 4003
Made: USA, Sep 1998 (serial V1 5640)
Finish: 'Jetglo' (gloss black), 1-ply white guard
Body: maple
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 33.25" scale, 10" radius
Weight: 4.425kg
Mods: nut replaced
Pickups: Rickenbacker Hi-Gain single coil x2
Case: original Rickenbacker branded deluxe SKB hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some scuffs on the end and back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, very minor marks on the back only. The back has widespread but minor scuffs and light surface scratches, most notably up on the top corner; no major marks. The sides have a few things to note: both horns have some small dimples, the shoulder around to the strap pin have some binding dents and marks as well as some scuffs, plus there's a few dimples and binding marks near the jack. The front is pretty tidy, just some tiny chips around the edge on the shoulder and near the knobs and some widespread light pick scratches. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, both truss rods work. There's some wear on the frets, but heaps of life in them yet, 7/10 for fret life left. Electronics all tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.