For Sale: 2012 Rickenbacker 4003 Ruby Red w/ OHSC | Rare Color | All Original

Up for sale is a 2012 Rickenbacker 4003 in the extremely rare Ruby Red finish, complete with its original Rickenbacker hard-shell case.

Ruby Red is one of the hardest-to-find modern Rickenbacker colors and is seldom seen on the used market. The deep transparent red finish beautifully showcases the maple body underneath while retaining the unmistakable look of a classic 4003. Combined with the neck-through construction, rosewood fingerboard, Hi-Gain pickups, and Ric-O-Sound stereo capability, this is a fantastic example of one of Rickenbacker's most iconic basses.

If you've been looking for something beyond the typical Fireglo, Jetglo, or Mapleglo, this Ruby Red is a standout.

Condition

Very Good – 8/10

• Light scratches throughout
• Some dings from normal use
• A few dings on the headstock
• Tarnish to the hardware
• Some clear coat bubbling around the lower side of the bridge and around the bridge pickup surround

The finish bubbling is cosmetic only and is a fairly common occurrence on Rickenbacker basses of this era. It does not affect playability or structural integrity.

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

The bass is 100% original with no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.

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

The original Rickenbacker hard-shell case is included. The case shows some cosmetic wear from normal use but remains fully functional.

Please note that the original paperwork is not included.

Specifications

• Model: Rickenbacker 4003
• Year: 2012
• Serial Number: 12 34649
• Finish: Ruby Red
• Body: Solid Maple
• Neck: Maple/Walnut Neck-Through Construction
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Radius: 10"
• Inlays: Pearloid Triangle
• Scale Length: 33.25"
• Frets: 20
• Nut Width: 1.70"
• Neck Depth: .89" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .91" at the 12th Fret
• Pickups: Dual Original Rickenbacker Hi-Gain Single-Coils
• Controls: Volume, Volume, Tone, Tone
• Switching: 3-Way Pickup Selector
• Outputs: Standard Mono & Ric-O-Sound Stereo
• Bridge: Original Rickenbacker Bridge/Tailpiece
• Tuners: Schaller Deluxe
• Weight: 9 lbs 4 oz
• Case: Original Rickenbacker Hard-Shell Case

Electronics & Features

The 4003 has long been celebrated for its unmistakable sound and construction. Its neck-through maple design produces exceptional sustain and clarity, while the dual Hi-Gain pickups deliver the aggressive attack, punch, and articulate midrange that have made Rickenbackers favorites of countless professional bassists.

The Ric-O-Sound stereo output allows players to send each pickup to separate amplifiers or effects chains, opening up a wide range of creative possibilities, while the standard mono output retains the classic 4003 simplicity.

Of course, the real highlight of this bass is the stunning Ruby Red finish. It has tremendous depth and richness, allowing the natural maple grain to subtly show through while giving the instrument an elegant appearance that is rarely encountered.

Tone & Feel

This bass has everything players expect from a great Rickenbacker.

The maple construction provides incredible note definition, ringing sustain, and piano-like clarity, while the Hi-Gain pickups deliver the signature growl and punch that easily cuts through any mix.

The medium neck profile feels comfortable and substantial without being bulky, making long playing sessions effortless.

At 9 lbs 4 oz, it has the solid feel players expect from a traditional 4003 while remaining well balanced on a strap.

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 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.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime — always happy to help!

This 2012 Rickenbacker 4003 in Ruby Red is a beautiful, all-original example finished in one of the rarest modern Rickenbacker colors. With its classic 4003 tone, neck-through construction, original case, and increasingly collectible finish, it is a fantastic opportunity for both players and collectors.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006