Brand: Rickenbacker
Instrument Categories: Bass, Guitars, SOLD
The Rickenbacker Shadow 4003 model, all black with white checker binding, dates to late 1986. These basses were a commemorative limited edition run of 50 to 60 instruments for the US Guitar Center chain. Rickenbacker 4000 series basses are one of the most distinctive guitar designs, using a ‘Cresting Wave’ body shape created by Roger Rossmeisl.
Based closely on the 4003 design, the Rickenbacker Shadow bass uses through-neck construction. The center is maple with separate maple ‘wings’ to create the body shape. The fingerboard is rosewood, and finished with a clear gloss. The rest of the instrument carries a gloss black ‘JetGlo’ finish, and the metal parts are also plated black except for the aluminum saddles.
The Rickenbacker Shadow electronics are typical 4003 – a pair of High-Gain single coil pickups, with pickup selector and individual volume and tone controls. There are two outputs, as on most Rickenbacker models – mono and Rick-O-Sound, which puts each pickup on a separate output for use on different amp or mixer channels. This requires a special cable, stereo 1/4 inch on one end and two 1/4 inch on the others. This is the same configuration used for insert cables, which connect outboard gear to mixer channels.
This example dates to October 1986 and is one of under 100 built; the exact production number isn’t well known but relates to whatever Guitar Center was commemorating. It is in overall very good and all original condition, with a small amount of wear and tear on the finish. The bridge pickup cover is even still in place! There’s very little fret wear, and the original case is included.
- Model: 4003 Shadow
- Year: 1986
- Finish JetGlo
- Class: Used
- Serial Number: ZJ2938
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Very Good
- Date Posted: 23/02/2018
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Required CITES documentation
- Including original Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 9.8lbs 4.46kg
- Scale Length: 34in 863.6mm
- Nut Width: 1.61in 31mm
