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Best Rickenbacker 4-String Basses 2025

Premium Rickenbacker 4-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Unique Designs For Specialty Applications For Experimental Music For Custom Features For Alternative Styles For Distinctive Sound
BRANDS: Sadowsky Ibanez Harley Benton Warwick Music Man Sterling by Music Man Yamaha Sandberg Marcus Miller Höfner Epiphone Jackson Spector Rickenbacker Lakland Cort Danelectro Fodera
Rickenbacker 4003S JG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Rickenbacker 4003S JG

by Rickenbacker
Alternative Styles Specialty Applications Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Classic bass foundation
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Rickenbacker 4003S JGElectric BassMaple body with rounded edgesMaple neck-through-body with Skunk StripeFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 360913
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Rickenbacker 4003 Walnut

by Rickenbacker
Custom Features Alternative Styles Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Rickenbacker 4003 WalnutElectric BassBody: WalnutNeck-through-body Skunk Stripe neckFretboard: Mapleunpainted with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 333622
$3,354
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003S FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Rickenbacker 4003S FG

by Rickenbacker
Distinctive Sound Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Rickenbacker 4003S FGElectric BassBody: Maplewith rounded edgesNeck-through-body maple neckFretboard: Unvarnished...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 360915
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 JG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Rickenbacker 4003 JG

by Rickenbacker
Alternative Styles Experimental Music Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Rickenbacker 4003 JGElectric BassBody: MapleFull-length Skunk Stripe (neck-through-body) maple neckFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 150711
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Rickenbacker 4003 FG

by Rickenbacker
Custom Features Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • No high C string for extended range

Rickenbacker 4003 FG, Electric BassWhen Paul McCartney decided on a new bass around 1966, it had ongoing consequences...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 103893
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 MG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Rickenbacker 4003 MG

by Rickenbacker
Unique Designs Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Rickenbacker 4003 MG Electric BassElectric BassMaple bodyFull-length maple neck with skunk stripeUnvarnished Caribbean...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 157070
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003S MG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Rickenbacker 4003S MG

by Rickenbacker
Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Classic bass foundation
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Rickenbacker 4003S MGElectric BassMaple body with rounded edgesMaple neck-thru-body with Skunk StripeFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 360916
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003S W - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Rickenbacker 4003S W

by Rickenbacker
Unique Designs Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Standard tuning limitations
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Rickenbacker 4003S WElectric BassBody: Walnut with rounded edgesNeck-through-body with Skunk StripeFretboard: Maple...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 370313
$2,914
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 4-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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