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Spector Euro 4 Classic vs Rickenbacker 4003

Buy the Spector Euro 4 Classic if you want a modern, active bass with a fast 24-fret neck and onboard EQ. Buy the Rickenbacker 4003 if you want the classic passive Rick tone, look and stereo output. The Spector has a slimmer 1.64" brass-nut neck and neck-thru maple build; the 4003 has a wider 1 11/16" nut, 20 frets and a shorter 33 1/4" scale. Owners praise the Spector's punch and playability but note its active preamp colors the tone; 4003 players love its character but accept its weight, quirky ergonomics and setup fussiness.

  • Choose the Spector Euro 4 Classic if you play modern rock, metal or funk and want active EMG pickups, a 24-fret neck and a lighter weight-relieved maple body.
  • Choose the Rickenbacker 4003 if you want the iconic passive Rick sound, vintage looks and mono/stereo output for stage and studio.

Prices

  • Spector Euro 4 Classic: $2,600.00 at Rayhill Audio (last seen Nov 8)
  • Rickenbacker 4003: $2,399.00 at eBay (checked today)
  • Difference: the Rickenbacker 4003 is $201.00 cheaper than the Spector Euro 4 Classic at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)
Spector
Spector Euro 4 Classic Solid White Gloss

Spector Euro 4 Classic

Spector Euro 4 Classic Solid White Gloss

$2,600.00at Rayhill AudioObserved Nov 8, 2026, 5:33 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Rayhill Audio
Pros
  • Active EMG pickups with onboard treble and bass EQ
  • 24 frets and a comfortable 1.64" nut
  • Weight-relieved maple body keeps it around 8 lb
  • Neck-thru build with brass nut and locking bridge
Cons
  • Active preamp colors the tone and needs a battery
  • Single mono output only
  • Gloss finish and active circuit divide purists
Rickenbacker
Rickenbacker 4003

Rickenbacker 4003

$2,399.00at eBayObserved at 2:02 AM
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Iconic passive Rickenbacker tone that cuts through a mix
  • Mono and stereo outputs for flexible recording
  • Distinctive looks and neck-thru maple/walnut sustain
  • Schaller tuners and solid hardware
Cons
  • Heavier solid maple body
  • Wider 1 11/16" nut and only 20 frets
  • Setup and string changes are fussier than most basses

What separates them

Spector Euro 4 ClassicRickenbacker 4003
ElectronicsActive EMG pickups with EMG BTS preamp and treble/bass boost-cutPassive Rickenbacker Hi-Gain pickups with three-way selector and push/pull treble tone
Frets24 frets20 frets
Scale length34"33 1/4"
Nut width1.64" with brass nut1 11/16"
Neck construction3-piece maple neck-thruMaple and walnut neck-thru
Output optionsSingle mono outputMono and stereo (Rick-O-Sound) outputs
WeightAbout 8 lb 2 oz, weight-relieved maple bodySolid maple, noticeably heavier
HardwareSpector aluminum locking bridge and die-cast tunersRIC tailpiece, V2 bridge and Schaller machine heads

Price history

  • Spector Euro 4 Classic: lowest $2,600.00 on Nov 8 at Rayhill Audio.
  • Rickenbacker 4003: lowest $2,499.00 on Nov 9 at Eddie's Guitars.

Prices at every store

Spector Euro 4 Classic

  • Rayhill AudioNew

    In stock

    $2,600.00Observed Nov 8, 2026, 5:33 PM
    Visit Rayhill Audio
  • Music Store USNew

    In stock

    $2,799.00+ $49.00 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 5:32 PM
    Visit Music Store US
  • Spector Bass ShopNew

    In stock

    $3,059.99+ $20.00 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 5:32 PM
    Visit Spector Bass Shop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by rayhill-audio (99.4% positive, 5,300 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $2,739.00Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 5:32 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 10 stores and price history →

Rickenbacker 4003

  • Eddie's GuitarsNew

    In stock

    $2,499.00Free shippingObserved at 2:02 AM
    Visit Eddie's Guitars
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by candmmusic-lafayette (100% positive, 485 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $2,399.00Free shippingObserved at 2:02 AM
    Visit eBay
  • Musicians FriendNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,599.00Observed at 2:02 AM
    Visit Musicians Friend
  • George's MusicNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,599.00Observed at 2:02 AM
    Visit George's Music

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 12 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSpector Euro 4 ClassicRickenbacker 4003
Body woodWeight-Relieved North American MapleMaple
Neck wood3 piece MapleMaple
Scale length34"33 1/4”
Number of frets2420
Nut width1.64"1 11/16”
PickupsEMGHi-Gain x2
ControlsVolume, Volume, Treble Boost/Cut, Bass Boost/CutVolume x2, Tone x2, push/pull Treble Tone, Thre…
FretboardRosewood—
Nut materialBrass—
PreampEMG BTS—
BridgeSpector Aluminum Locking—
TunersSpector Die-Cast—
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSpector Euro 4 ClassicRickenbacker 4003
Fingerboard Wood—Rosewood
Body Type—Solid
Neck Width at 12th Fret—54.0 mm (2 1/8”)
Crown Radius—25.4 cm (10”)
Overall Length—113.8 cm (44 13/16”)
Qty. Strings (pcs)—4
Handedness—Right-Handed
Wood Type (body sides)—Maple
Wood Type (fretboard)—Rosewood
Qty. Frets

What reviewers say

Spector Euro 4 Classic

Owners of the Euro series generally praise the fast neck, light weight and punchy EMG tone. Some find the active sound too modern for vintage styles and wish for more tonal control.

What people mention
  • ToneMixedPlayers like the punchy EMG sound but some find it too bright and modern for vintage styles.
  • WeightPraisedOwners note the weight-relieved body keeps it comfortable for long sets.
  • NeckPraisedThe slim neck and 24-fret access are called fast and easy to play.
  • ControlsCriticisedSome wish for a pickup blend or mid control instead of two volumes and treble/bass only.

Rickenbacker 4003

Owners and reviewers treat the 4003 as a character instrument: they love the unmistakable tone and build, but many mention the chunky neck, weight and awkward bridge. It is rarely a player's only bass, more often a second instrument for a specific sound.

What people mention
  • TonePraisedOwners describe a bright, piano-like voice with punchy lows that cuts through a mix.
  • Neck feelCriticisedThe wide nut and thick, bound neck feel bulky to players used to slimmer profiles.
  • WeightCriticisedMany note the bass is heavy and can be tiring over a long gig.
  • BridgeCriticisedThe tailpiece and bridge are seen as fiddly for setup, intonation and restringing.

Questions and answers

Which is better for rock and metal?
The Spector suits modern rock and metal with its active EMG pickups, 24 frets and fast neck. The 4003 works well for classic and alternative rock but has a wider neck and fewer frets.
Which has the more versatile tone?
The Spector's active EQ and two volumes give quick tonal shaping on the fly. The 4003 is passive but its pickup selector, dual tones and stereo output cover a wide range of classic sounds.
Is the Rickenbacker 4003 worth stepping up to over the Spector?
Step up to the 4003 if you specifically want the passive Rick character, vintage styling and stereo output. If you want active tone shaping and a slimmer, lighter bass, the Spector is the better fit.
Which is easier to play for smaller hands?
The Spector has a narrower 1.64" nut and a 34" scale, which most players find easier. The 4003's 1 11/16" nut and shorter 33 1/4" scale feel wider but slightly more compact.
Which lasts longer?
Both are pro-grade instruments with neck-thru construction and quality hardware. The 4003 is fully passive, so it has no battery or preamp to fail; the Spector's active circuit is the only extra part to maintain.
Do they sound very different?
Yes. The Spector is punchy and modern with active EQ. The 4003 has the bright, growly passive Rick voice with strong mids and a distinctive top end.

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20
Size—4/4
Color—Black, Red
Wood Type (neck)—Walnut, Maple
Wood Type (front)—Maple
Wood Type (back)—Maple