For Sale: 2020 Rickenbacker 4003S/5W 5-String Bass – Walnut | OHSC

Up for sale is a beautiful 2020 Rickenbacker 4003S/5W 5-String Bass in Walnut, complete with its original Rickenbacker hard-shell case.

The 4003S/5W combines unmistakable Rickenbacker character with the extended range of a 5-string and the striking appearance of natural walnut construction. The combination of the Walnut finish, maple fingerboard, dual Rickenbacker pickups, streamlined 4003S body, and low B string makes this a distinctive alternative to the traditional 4-string 4003.

At only 8 lbs 14 oz, this example is also comfortably under 9 pounds and feels nicely balanced for a full-scale 5-string bass.

These walnut 5-string Rickenbackers don't surface nearly as often as their traditional 4-string counterparts, making this an excellent opportunity for the player or collector looking for something outside the usual Rickenbacker lineup.

Condition

Excellent – 9/10

This bass has been very well cared for and shows only minor cosmetic evidence of use, including:

• Very light surface scratches
• A few small dings
• Minor signs of normal handling and play

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

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

The neck is straight and stable, and the frets are in excellent condition with no appreciable wear.

The bass has been professionally inspected and freshly set up by our in-house luthier. It plays cleanly across the entire fingerboard with comfortable action and no buzzing or dead spots.

The original Rickenbacker hard-shell case is also in excellent condition and functions exactly as it should.

Specifications

• Model: Rickenbacker 4003S/5W
• Year: 2020
• Configuration: 5-String
• Serial Number: 20 24743
• Finish: Walnut
• Fingerboard: Maple
• Neck Profile: Medium
• Nut Width: 1.81"
• Neck Depth: .90" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .95" at the 12th Fret
• Pickups: Original Rickenbacker Pickups
• Weight: 8 lbs 14 oz
• Case: Original Rickenbacker Hard-Shell Case

Rickenbacker 4003S/5W

The 4003S/5W takes the unmistakable DNA of Rickenbacker's legendary bass platform and adapts it to a modern 5-string format.

You still get the immediate attack, articulation, growl, and presence that have made Rickenbacker basses instantly recognizable for generations, but with the added depth and extended range of a low B string.

The 4003S configuration also offers a somewhat cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic than the traditional deluxe 4003 design, giving the instrument a purposeful player's-bass appearance.

For someone who loves the personality of a Rickenbacker but needs the range of a modern 5-string, the 4003S/5W fills a very specific niche.

Walnut Construction & Natural Appearance

The Walnut version is especially striking.

Rather than covering the instrument in one of Rickenbacker's traditional opaque or burst finishes, the natural appearance showcases the character of the wood and gives the bass a warm, organic aesthetic.

Paired with the maple fingerboard, the contrasting woods create an immediately recognizable appearance that sets the 4003S/5W apart from more conventional Rickenbacker basses.

It's understated from a distance but loaded with natural detail up close.

Original Rickenbacker Pickups

This bass retains its original Rickenbacker pickups, delivering the articulate and authoritative voice players expect from the brand.

There's plenty of clarity for complex passages and extended-range playing, while digging in produces the aggressive attack and midrange presence associated with a great Rickenbacker.

The added low B extends that familiar character into a deeper register without fundamentally changing what makes the instrument sound like a Rick.

The result is a bass that can cover everything from clean and articulate passages to aggressive rock tones with plenty of cut and definition.

5-String Versatility

The fifth string dramatically expands the usefulness of the classic Rickenbacker platform.

The additional low register is particularly valuable for modern rock, progressive music, metal, contemporary worship, studio work, and arrangements that require notes below the range of a conventional 4-string bass.

More importantly, you get that additional range without moving to an instrument that feels or sounds generic.

This remains unmistakably a Rickenbacker.

Neck & Playability

This example has a comfortable medium neck profile with excellent consistency from the lower frets through the upper register.

Our measurements are:

• Nut Width: 1.81"
• 1st Fret Depth: .90"
• 12th Fret Depth: .95"

The relatively small change from .90" at the 1st fret to .95" at the 12th fret gives the neck a consistent feel as you move up the fingerboard.

The 1.81" nut width provides enough room to accommodate the five strings without making the neck feel excessively wide.

The maple fingerboard contributes to the bass's immediate feel and crisp response, while the excellent fret condition makes this particular example especially enjoyable to play.

Most importantly, the bass has been professionally set up and plays cleanly from top to bottom with no buzzing or dead spots.

Tone & Feel

This is a great combination of traditional Rickenbacker personality and modern versatility.

There's plenty of the familiar Rick growl, upper-mid presence, definition, and attack, but the 5-string configuration gives you considerably more range than a conventional 4003.

At 8 lbs 14 oz, the bass is also very manageable for a full-scale 5-string and feels nicely balanced.

The streamlined S-style body, natural walnut appearance, maple fingerboard, and comfortable medium neck combine to make this an instrument that feels as distinctive as it looks.

Whether you're playing with a pick, fingers, or using a more aggressive attack, the bass responds dynamically and retains excellent note definition.

Original Hard-Shell Case

The bass comes complete with its original Rickenbacker hard-shell case.

The case is in excellent condition and functions properly, making this a nicely complete package for storage, travel, and collecting.

It also provides excellent protection during shipping.

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 clearly show the light scratches, small dings, and any other cosmetic imperfections.

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

Many of our customers tell us their instruments 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.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

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

This 2020 Rickenbacker 4003S/5W 5-String in Walnut is an excellent example of one of Rickenbacker's more distinctive modern bass configurations.

With its natural Walnut appearance, maple fingerboard, original Rickenbacker pickups, extended 5-string range, comfortable 8 lb 14 oz weight, and excellent overall condition, it offers classic Rickenbacker personality with considerably greater range and versatility.

Professionally inspected, freshly set up, and complete with its original Rickenbacker hard-shell case, this one is ready for its next player or collection.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006