Rickenbacker 4003AC Review
As usual, thank you to the wonderful folks over at Sweetwater Music for helping me find one of these LE beauties, and for the gorgeous photos of my bass they took before sending it my way!
The Rickenbacker 4003AC Al Cisneros Signature bass is a truly exceptional instrument, designed in collaboration with one of what I consider the most influential bass players of our time. Al Cisneros, best known as the bassist for the legendary stoner-doom band Sleep, has built a reputation as one of the most innovative and versatile bass players in the world, and his signature model is a testament to his unique playing style and musical vision.
The 4003AC is a limited edition model, with only 420 units produced, adding to its exclusivity and making it a special piece for those lucky enough to own one. It is based on the classic Rickenbacker 4003 bass, which has been a staple of rock, pop, and alternative music for decades. However, this signature model is unlike any other 4003 you've ever seen. The first things you'll notice are the beautiful, hand-selected wood grain pattern and striking 'Sleep Green' fretboard inlays, which gives each instrument a truly one-of-a-kind look. This is no ordinary bass, and it definitely stands out from the crowd.
The 4003AC also boasts a custom pickup configuration, which Al has carefully crafted to capture his distinctive playing style. The pickups are positioned closer to the bridge, which gives the bass a brighter, more focused tone than the standard 4003. This positioning also helps to reduce muddiness in the low end, making the 4003AC ideal for playing a wide range of musical styles. In addition to the custom pickup layout, the 4003AC also features a carefully balanced blend of traditional and modern electronics. Something I've seen often overlooked in other reviews is that the bridge pickup on the 4003AC is equipped with a push-pull knob that switches between normal and 'vintage' voicing for the pickup, giving you even more tonal options to explore. The result is a bass that has all the classic Rickenbacker tone, but with a modern twist that sets it apart from other instruments in the 4003 series. Whether you're looking for a classic vintage tone or a more contemporary sound, the 4003AC has you covered.
One of the standout features of the 4003AC is its redesigned bridge, which is unique to this model and provides improved intonation and saddle adjustments. The new design allows for much finer adjustments to the string spacing and intonation, giving you a level of control over your tone that you won't find on other 4003s. The result is a more consistent and accurate playing experience, with no more worrying about notes that are just a little sharp or flat. The new bridge design also gives you the ability to make quick and easy saddle height adjustments, so you can fine-tune your action to your exact playing preferences.
The thing I absolutely love about the 4003AC is how versatile it is. It can handle any musical style, from classic rock to modern metal, and everything in between. The low end is huge and punchy, and the high end is bright and clear, giving you all the tonal range you need to play any style of music. Whether you're a session player or a touring musician, this bass is a dream come true to have available in the arsenal.
Of course, no review of the 4003AC would be complete without mentioning its incredible build quality. Rickenbacker is known for making some of the finest instruments in the world, and this bass is no exception. The neck is smooth and fast, the hardware is rock solid, and the finish is flawless. It's a true work of art, and it's built to last a lifetime.
The Rickenbacker 4003AC Al Cisneros Signature Bass Guitar is an instrument that truly stands out from the crowd. Whether you're a fan of Sleep, a bass player looking for a new tone, or just someone who appreciates high-quality/limited edition instruments, this bass is definitely worth checking out. It's versatile, beautiful, and built to the highest standards of quality, and it's sure to become a treasured part of your musical instrument collection. So if you're looking for a bass that can handle anything you throw at it (and look incredible doing it) look no further than the Rickenbacker 4003AC.
If you are interested in snagging one of these epic basses for yourself, I purchased mine from Sweetwater Music HERE. As of writing this, there is currently one in stock, but I am unsure as to how many they will be potentially getting in the future.
