New Rickenbacker short scale, the 4030S

[Clarky]

Apparently there have been limited production runs of these in the past but this seems like a full roll out. Would like to see what these look like when played before judging as some shortie derivatives work better than others visually IMO. I had a Willcock Mullarkey which looked great whereas I thought a short scale Stingray looked a bit like a toy on me when I played it (TBF, the Dadbod fat stomach didn't help)

[prowla]

They don't work for me; ugly & stupid IMHO.

I don't see the point of having a short scale full-sized instrument with the bridge half-way up the body.

[Woodinblack]

The pickups look too close together, presumably because the bridge is so high.

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

For me it's the bass equivalent of uncanny valley.

[Maude]

A standard Ric is shortscale isn't it? 😁

 

Seriously though, are the necks on these a standard neck but with the bridge moved up a few inches? 

To me, the whole point of of a short scale is to move the fretting hand towards the plucking hand, not the other way round. 

[BlueMoon]

13 hours ago, Maude said:

Seriously though, are the necks on these a standard neck but with the bridge moved up a few inches?

Certainly looks like it from the picture above.

[prowla]

3 hours ago, BlueMoon said:

Certainly looks like it from the picture above.

Probably, and a different fretboard.

[Woodinblack]

But one where they couldn't be bothered to put a 24th fret marker on it

[prowla]

1 hour ago, Woodinblack said:

But one where they couldn't be bothered to put a 24th fret marker on it

Well spotted...

 

...or not!

[Maude]

I know Ric bashing is a sport but I love a good Ricky.

But if, and it is only if, the body size and neck length are the same as a normal 4003, then I can't see the point in this short scale. Yes it'll sound slightly different but with a full size body and neck then you've lost a lot of the appeal of a short scale. 

Just move that bridge back, put a horseshoe in the space created and make it sound like a real Ricky should.

Unless the body and neck are shorter, then ignore me, I'm talking shite. 😁

[Woodinblack]

Ok, read the story of the origin of the 4030 and it is just a 4003 with the bridge moved up 2.5" and hotter pickups in different place. I guess there is a market for everything

[ajkula66]

On 24/09/2025 at 16:03, Maude said:

A standard Ric is shortscale isn't it? 😁

 

 

 

Not really. It's 33.25" (standard 4*** series models) as opposed to 34" on most Fender basses.

 

So it's longer than what most would consider medium scale (32") but slightly shorter than the standard long scale.

 

Short scale is usually 30"-31"...Fender, Gibson, Guild, Hagstrom and most of the usual SS offerings fit within this bracket.