Once again I’m going to break my “no Rickenbacker boutique guitars” rule because this one is not just clickbait funny color/hardware. This one is its own thing. So let’s talk about it!
What you see here is 4003 neck grafted onto a 350 body, with a 1950s 4000-esque pickguard. Standard Higain pickups, Schaller bridge. The model name? 350 body + 4003 neck = 3503.
To the best of my knowledge, this is the only “official” 350-based bass Rickenbacker has built. The 350-esque bass owned by late Heartbreaker Howie Epstein was built by a third party, although it did utilize many Rickenbacker parts.
I think a 350-style bass is an interesting idea, but this one is poorly executed. I’d either go “classic” like the Epstein copy, or lean into the 1950s vibe with gold plastics and a Mapleglo/Fireglo finish. The yellow and black are just a little too “look at me!” in my opinion. It’s a cool enough idea. It didn’t need to be garish.
It sold fast as most boutique guitars do, even at a price of $4200. The original owner reported that it “played like butter”, and I don’t doubt that it did. I really like it when the boutique does something really unique…here’s hoping we see more flights of fancy like this.
Also - any idea where Howie Epstein's custom bass ended up?
Thanks for reviewing, Andy. The yellow/black color combo is certainly eye-catching, but I agree, a classic FG or MG with gold would certainly have been a win.
BTW - With 2 pickups and no selector switch, how are the two knobs configured?