Rickenbacker’s 4003 Noir Returns for 2026 in All-Black Limited Edition
Rickenbacker has just unveiled a limited batch of the 4003 Noir, which features their flagship bass model in an all-black aesthetic. That includes a matte black finish, black hardware, and a black pickguard. They even use Macassar Ebony for the fingerboard to complete the look.
The 4003 Noir was first introduced in 2016, although Rickenbacker 101 points out that the company had toyed with the black theme on previous designs like the 1986 Shadow 4003 and the 4003S Blackstar, which ran from 1988 to 1990.
This new run is built with a maple body with checkerboard binding, a maple and walnut neck, and the aforementioned ebony fingerboard. Similar to the standard 4003, it is fitted with two hi-gain pickups with mono and stereo outputs. Other features include a RIC V2 bridge, Schaller tuners, and bullseye fret markers.
Rickenbacker’s 2026 4003 Noir run is limited to 20 basses. It’s available now directly from the company’s website for $3,999.
Rickenbacker Guitars 4003 Noir Specs:
Rickenbacker Guitars 4003 Noir Specs:
| Scale: | 33.25″ |
| Body: | Maple |
| Neck: | Maple and Walnut |
| Fingerboard: | Macassar Ebony |
| Fingerboard Radius: | 10″ |
| Frets: | 20 |
| Inlays: | Bullseye |
| Pickups: | Hi-Gain |
| Bridge: | RIC V2 |
| Tuners: | Schaller |
| Finish: | Matte Black |
| Other: | Black Hardware, Black Pickguard and TRC, Check Binding on Body |
| Weight: | 9 lbs |
| Case: | Standard Hard Shell Case Included |
| Orientation: | Right-Hand Only |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
I once had a 4005 Black Shadow (?). Looked ‘tastic but was pretty much unplayable for me, with 5 strings jammed onto what seemed to be a standard 4-string width nut/neck.
Very nice looking Ric!! I have a 4001 that I bought brand new in 1974…deep burgundy color!! It’s 53 years old now, and I’m 73 years old!!! And I think my Ric is in better shape than I’m in!!! It still plays great!!! And I definitely still love it!!! We covered a lot of miles together!!!