Just as the 4001 was introduced as an upgrade to the 4000, the Rickenbacker 4003 was introduced in 1980 as an upgrade to the 4001. After the 4001 was discontinued in 1986, the 4003 became Rickenbacker's main production bass. The two basses actually differ very little apart from a few minor cosmetic changes and a change in the trust rod system. The 4003S follows the same basic design as the 4003 with the exception of the omission of binding and triangle inlays. 

Body Style: “Cresting Wave” solidbody

Wood Composition: Maple body, Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements: Neck-thru construction, triangular inlay, bound neck, Ric-O-Sound wiring

Notable Rickenbacker Bass Players: Geddy Lee, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Lemmy Kilmister, Cliff Burton