Short Takes: The 2020 4003 CB SPC

The Al Cisneros 4003AC Singature Limited Edition model was…polarizing upon its introduction in 2019.

Al Cisneros with prototype 4003AC

Designed by and for stoner rock icon Al Cisneros, the Sleep/Om bassist took a 4003SW and made some significant modifications to create the first new Signature Limited Edition in almost twenty years.

The 4003AC featured two treble pickups with full surrounds and covers—the first time this configuration had ever been used. Additionally, both pickups were in kinda Jazz Bass positions—much closer to the bridge than normal. Cosmetically it got a teardrop pickguard, four Rogan knobs, and green triangle inlays. Because, you know, marijuana.

It also featured two pretty significant changes that would fairly quickly roll out to all 4003 models: the new and improved 4003V2 bridge and a single dual action truss rod.

While the looks may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, lots of folks—myself included—thought the underlying idea was pretty cool. And Rickenbacker was listening, because in 2020 we got the 4003 CB SPC.

2020 4003CB SPC

The 4003 CB SPC answered the question what if 4003AC, but with vintage looks? And the answer was—in my eyes, anyway—yes, please!

What a difference cosmetics can make! So let’s break them down. For starters, a 4003 was the foundation instead of a 4003SW. With that came the 4003’s binding and (non-green!) triangle inlays, with the binding upgraded to checkered—thus the “CB” in the model name. The plain oiled walnut finish of the 4003SW was replaced with Montezuma Brown.

The 4003AC was built to Al Cisneros’ specs, and the way he plays—high up near the neck—means that the pickup covers found on the AC don’t get in his way. The way most everyone else plays, they absolutely do. And Rickenbacker knew this…so the 4003CB SPC doesn’t have ‘em.

Presaging the 2025 elimination of the pickup covers, the was outfitted as stock with the “treble bezel” inserts the factory had begun offering through the boutique in 2019—probably in response to the market success of aftermarket versions like Tube Ampology’s!

With their close to the bridge pickup locations—and the optional vintage tone circuit just a pull away—these things have all the clank!

They only made 27 of them, though, for the U.S. market. And they sold out almost immediately at an MSRP of $3300. But there’s usually one on the market if you want one, and if you’re patient you won’t spend a whole lot more than that. It’s unique, striking, and one of the cooler special runs we have seen or are likely to ever see.

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