Brand: Rickenbacker
Instrument Categories: Bass, Electric, Guitars, REDUCED, SOLD, Solidbody
Here is a limited edition rarity from 1987 – a Rickenbacker 4003SPC Tuxedo White Star bass, one of approximately 120 built during that year; some reports say 100 were built.
The model 4003 bass was introduced in 1979 to improve the model 4001 and in particular to strengthen the dual truss rods for use with round wound strings. The Rickenbacker 4003 Tuxedo or White Star bass is based closely on the 4003 and was built only during 1987. As the Tuxedo or WhiteStar name suggests, it’s white with black components, and even the Maple fingerboard was painted white.
The Rickenbacker 4003SPC Tuxedo White Star model is quite rare – I’ve never actually seen one before, and it’s unusual for them to be on the market. This example is in good condition, though it’s clearly been used as intended. The finish shows light to moderate wear in the expected areas, particularly along the edges of the fingerboard. There’s normal, expected finish checking and a pair of marks at the headstock from a wall hanger.
While this Rickenbacker 4003SPC Tuxedo bass appears to be mostly original, a thumb-rest has been added next to the neck pickup. The black-finished bridge is likely original – all the photos of this model I can find show the same black bridge with the two extra screws at the tail. The original foam insert for the bridge mute is still in place. The pickups appear to be original but as usually happens, the bridge pickup cover has been removed. The frets are original, with light fret wear; there is no sign of refret, which would generate chipping in the white finish against the frets. While it presently has round wound strings, it may have had flats through most of its life, given the light fret wear.
A non-original rectangular hard shell case is included.
- Model: 4003SPC Tuxedo
- Year: 1987
- Finish White
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: B09727 manufactured in February of 1987
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 12/02/2020
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Required CITES documentation
- Instrument Weight: 9.37lbs 4.26kg
- Scale Length: 33.25in 844.5mm
- Nut Width: 1.65in 42mm
