For Sale: 2001 Rickenbacker 4003 – Desert Gold w/ OHSC

Up for sale is a 2001 Rickenbacker 4003 in the rare Desert Gold finish, complete with its original hard-shell case.

This is a very cool and increasingly hard-to-find Color of the Year Rickenbacker. The Desert Gold finish was a limited offering for 2001 and gives this bass a distinctive metallic brownish-gold look that stands apart from the more common Fireglo and Jetglo examples. With its solid maple body, neck-through construction, rosewood fingerboard with triangle inlays, and classic dual Hi-Gain pickups, it has all the features players and collectors look for in a good 4003.

Condition

This bass is in very good condition and I would rate it a solid 8.5/10. It shows light scratches, some dings, and some wear on the back, all consistent with normal use over the years. Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

There are no cracks, breaks, or structural issues. The neck is straight, the bass plays well up and down the board, and it has been recently professionally set up and is ready to go.

The original hard-shell case is included. It does show some wear, which is visible in the photos, but it remains fully functional.

Specifications

Serial Number: 01 26671
Weight: 9 lbs 4 oz
Nut Width: 1.70"
Neck Depth: .89" at the 1st fret, .95" at the 12th fret
Body: Solid Maple
Neck: Maple, Neck-Through Construction
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Inlays: Triangle Pearloid
Scale Length: 33 1/4"
Frets: 20
Pickups: Dual Hi-Gain Single-Coils
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Outputs: Mono and Stereo Rick-O-Sound
Bridge/Tailpiece: Rickenbacker Bridge and Tailpiece
Tuners: Schaller Deluxe
Hardware: Chrome
Finish: Desert Gold
Case: Original Hard-Shell Case

Tone & Feel

The 4003 is one of the most recognizable basses ever made, and this one delivers the bright attack, punchy midrange, and unmistakable Rickenbacker character players expect. The Hi-Gain pickups and neck-through construction give it excellent clarity and sustain, while the Desert Gold finish makes it a much rarer and more visually distinctive example.

At 9 lbs 4 oz, it has a solid, comfortable feel in the hands.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the actual instrument. At the end of the photo set, you’ll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to highlight any wear. We don’t just describe the condition — we show it in detail so there are no surprises. Many customers tell us our guitars 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 guitar and 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 there is no risk to you as the buyer. We know how to pack and ship instruments so they arrive safely.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013
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This 2001 Rickenbacker 4003 in Desert Gold is a clean, great-playing example of a rare Color of the Year finish, complete with the original hard-shell case.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp
Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006