For Sale: 2002 Rickenbacker 4003 Midnight Blue w/ OHSC | Hipshot Bridge

Up for sale is a 2002 Rickenbacker 4003 in the stunning and highly desirable Midnight Blue finish, complete with its original Rickenbacker hard-shell case.

The Rickenbacker 4003 is one of the most recognizable basses ever built, known for its unmistakable tone, elegant styling, and legendary status among players ranging from Chris Squire and Geddy Lee to Lemmy Kilmister. Featuring neck-through maple construction, distinctive body contours, stereo capability, and the unmistakable Rickenbacker growl, the 4003 has remained one of the most sought-after basses in the world.

Finished in Midnight Blue, this example is especially desirable. Produced in relatively limited numbers, Midnight Blue is one of Rickenbacker's rarer finishes and has become increasingly difficult to find, particularly in this condition.

This bass has also received one of the most popular upgrades among Rickenbacker enthusiasts—a Hipshot replacement bridge, dramatically improving adjustability, sustain, and overall setup while preserving the classic look of the instrument.

Condition

Excellent – 9/10

• Light surface scratches and small dings from careful use
• Exceptionally clean overall

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

The bass is all original with the exception of the Hipshot bridge and replacement pickup bezel.

There are no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.

The neck is straight, the original frets are in excellent condition with minimal wear, and the bass has been professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier. It plays effortlessly with low action, excellent intonation, and no buzzing or dead spots.

The original Rickenbacker hard-shell case is included. The case has some damage on the lower front edge, but it remains fully functional and continues to protect the bass well. Please see the photos for details.

Specifications

• Model: Rickenbacker 4003
• Year: 2002
• Serial Number: 02 21655
• Finish: Midnight Blue
• Body: Maple
• Neck: Neck-Through Maple
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 33.25"
• Nut Width: 1.70"
• Neck Depth: .96" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .98" at the 12th Fret
• Pickups: Original Rickenbacker Single-Coils
• Controls: Two Volume, Two Tone, Blend Control
• Stereo Rick-O-Sound & Standard Mono Output
• Bridge: Hipshot Rickenbacker Replacement Bridge
• Pickup Bezel: Installed
• Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz
• Case: Original Rickenbacker Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

The 4003 has earned its reputation as one of the most distinctive sounding basses ever produced. Its original Rickenbacker pickups deliver powerful lows, aggressive mids, and crisp, piano-like highs that cut effortlessly through any mix.

This example has been upgraded with a Hipshot Rickenbacker replacement bridge, one of the most respected upgrades available for the model. The Hipshot offers significantly improved intonation adjustment, increased sustain, and makes achieving an excellent setup much easier than with the original bridge design.

The original bridge is not included.

The bass is also fitted with a pickup bezel in place of the original bridge pickup cover. Many Rickenbacker players remove the pickup cover because it can interfere with playing technique. The bezel cleanly fills the opening around the bridge pickup while providing a much more comfortable playing surface.

Please note that the original bridge pickup cover is not included.

Everything else on the bass remains original, preserving the classic Rickenbacker sound and appearance.

Tone & Feel

The neck-through maple construction gives the 4003 its famous sustain and remarkable note definition, while the rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and balance to the instrument's naturally articulate voice.

The combination of the original electronics and the upgraded Hipshot bridge produces the unmistakable Rickenbacker character—tight lows, pronounced upper mids, and brilliant clarity that works equally well for rock, progressive, punk, classic rock, and modern music.

At just 8 lbs 12 oz, this bass is comfortably lightweight for a Rickenbacker and balances beautifully on a strap.

The slim neck profile feels fast and comfortable, making long rehearsals and performances effortless.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you'll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight every cosmetic imperfection.

We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many customers tell us our instruments often arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every bass is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars and basses all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation, so you can buy with complete confidence.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we're always happy to help!

This 2002 Rickenbacker 4003 in rare Midnight Blue is an outstanding example of one of the most iconic basses ever made. With its sought-after finish, original electronics, comfortable weight, professionally installed Hipshot bridge, and excellent overall condition, it is equally at home in a serious collection or on stage where it belongs.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006