Departments > Guitars > Bass Guitars > Bass 4 String Fretted > Rickenbacker > 4003 Series Electric Bass - Matte Black

Rickenbacker 4003 Series Electric Bass - Matte Black

SKU: # 727826   |   Model: # 4003 MBL   |    Product Reviews31 Reviews  Write a Review

4003 Series Electric Bass - Matte Black
Your Price: $2,650.00 CDN
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The Classic Rickenbacker bass - famous for its ringing sustain, treble punch and solid underlying bass. A subtle strip of binding graces the elegantly curved body and the Rosewood fingerboard. Deluxe triangular inlays and stereo capability are standard features.

Body Type: Solid
No. Frets: 20
Scale Length: 84.5 cm (33 1/4'')
Neck Width at Nut: 42.9 mm (1 11/16'')
Neck Width at 12th Fret: 54.0 mm (2 1/8'')
Crown Radius: 25.4 cm (10'')
Body Wood: Maple
Neck Wood: Maple
Fingerboard Wood: Rosewood
Weight: 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs.)
Overall Length: 113.8 cm (44 13/16'')
Overall Width: 34.3 cm (13 1/2'')
Overall Depth: 31.8 mm (1 1/4'')
Neck Binding: Yes
Fret Marker Style: Triangle
Tailpiece: RIC
Bridge: RIC
Neck Type: Through body
No. of Pickups: 2
Type of Pickups: Single Coil
Output Type: Mono and Stereo
Machine Heads: Schaller Deluxe

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Reviews


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Beauty Fireglo 4003 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Brantford, Ontario
I ordered this 2022 Fire glo Ric 4003 in June of 2022 put down my deposit and they said it would not arrive until September 2023. But It came in on Dec 23, 2022 (Christmas Miracle?). Beautiful Bass Guitar as all Rickenbackers are. Very interesting to see all suble differences when standing next to my 1974 Jetglo and 1977 Mapleglo 4001's. The V2 bridge is a welcome improvement over the old style Ric Bridge that were a pain to set up intonation and why so many were replaced with Badass Bridges. You wont need to do any mods to this version of 4003. The neck and headstock is slightly thicker than the older 4001. But still feels and plays and sounds amazing.
Posted by Scott on Nov 30, 2023
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Best bass I’ve ever had!! 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Laval, Quebec
I got this beautiful Rickenbacker 4003s back in July 2021 at the L&M Laval store, and I'm still amazed at how incredible this bass is. The quality and feel are excellent, noticeable the moment you pick it up to play. I love its ability to deliver both a great treble punch and a solid bassy sound. It's no wonder that legendary bassists like Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, and Cliff Burton chose this bass. I opted for the mapleglo finish because I adore its look, and it being made in the USA 🇺🇸 assures top-notch quality. You honestly can't go wrong with it!
Posted by Steven on Aug 4, 2023
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An Iconic tone that requires patience. 6 of 7 customers found this review helpful
Features  
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Value  
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Kanata, Ontario
Overall this bass is a very cool bass to have in one's arsenal. It looks awesome, sounds awesome and is simply a classic. Ric's do indeed have their own unique tone which apparantly is hard to replicate as nobody else has done it as far as I know.
The bad:
This bass is without a doubt the most temperamental instrument I currently own. The toggle switch is always a trouble area in that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I've learnt overtime that it's best not to touch it at all. Use the volume controls to select the pickup balance instead as it'll save you a lot of headaches. The input jacks are another problem area. The crackling and other fun stuff they contain is a no joy to deal with when your playing in a live situation. The bridge does its job, but lets be honest here, it sucks compared to other bass manufactures designs. The playing inhibitor is annoying and can thankfully be removed.
The good:
Nothing sounds or looks like it. It stays in tune and is super lightweight. Once the playing inhibitor is removed, it actual plays really nice but does take some getting used to if you're a Fender guy.
Would I purchase this bass again? Absolutely. Despite all its flaws, it's still an amazing bass.
Posted by Rob on Oct 2, 2022
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As If This Bass Needed Another Review 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   New Minas, Nova Scotia
Well, it does ! I bought a 4003SW in March 2020 and it's a great bass. I bought this 4003FG in June 2022 and I like it even more. It sounds a little beefier, but that is due, for the most part, to the resonance from the painted, finished wood as opposed to the open grain of the SW. This colour pops on stage. I like the large triangle fret markers (Shark Fins) better than the small dots inlays as well. For 2022 this bass has a single truss rod, which should make home adjustments less complicated than the well known dual truss rods. It also has a non lacquered fingerboard, which was slightly disappointing. The case actually seems sturdier than the case for the SW, although by Ric specifications they use the same case no matter the model. There is also less single coil hum, but that may be a Factory upgrade as it's been a complaint among owners for years. I have not used the stereo output yet, so I can't comment on that, but I'm glad it's there when the time comes to try it. If you like Rics, this is the one to buy. Costs a little more than the S models, but it's worth it.
Posted by Phil T on Jul 19, 2022
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40 YEARS IN THE MAKING 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Laval, Quebec
This is something I kept putting off for 40 years, what with family obligations and such and the lengthy delays to get one just didn’t sit well with me, until now. The stars must have aligned because I had only made a deposit for it just last month and low and behold, L & M got some in not even a month later. Had my particular instrument brought in from the store in Cambridge, still fully boxed and having never even seen the light of day. It plays just like a Ric should play and I’m so happy to finally have this iconic piece in my collection. A very big thank you to Biaggio at the store in Laval for making this happen!!
Posted by Nunzio on Mar 18, 2022
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Great Bass 2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
I bought my Rickenbacker in 2017. Since then I've bought a few different basses (both quality and entry level) but I sold them all because they always fell short of my Rick. I love this thing and will keep it till the day I die. The only issue is that it wasn't set up when I bought it, the strings were dead, and the nut and bridge had to be filed a bit in order for the strings to sit in properly.
Posted by Mitch on Feb 24, 2022
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A dream bass 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec
Ive waited 20 years to get my hands on this bass. Once you open de case your heart just stops, it's simply a work of art. It sounds as good as it looks! I was surprised with the tonal rang you can't get out of this. The new V2 bridge is a great upgrade intonation and string spacing wont be a concern. I was lucky, before buying I made sure that the fret board was lacquered. Special thanks to my friends at the Vaudreuil store for arranging the transfer of the bass and the great service.
Posted by Marc-Michel on Oct 8, 2021
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A holy grail instrument 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Edmonton North, Alberta
Purchased in May so I have not endured a Canadian winter with it yet, but so far, it has been incredible. Tone is unmistakably a Ricky. The new bridge design is great, the neck has held in place well, not a single adjustment needed yet. Solid construction, fit and finish is second to none. Do beware the mid 2021's and up don't have lacquered fret boards anymore.
Posted by Keanan on Oct 7, 2021
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4003 bass 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Value  
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Product Experience   I've heard about it
Closest Store   Toronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
I don't own one but I know that they play great and sound great. I bought one for my grandson and he really likes it. worth the price.
Posted by Edith on Feb 17, 2021
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Speechless 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   North York (Steeles), Ontario
Been in love with the Rick for a while now and finally set aside some cash for one. It just arrived today, only 2.5 weeks after I ordered it! I wasn’t expecting to see it for a year! And the quality and sound is just wonderful... has that classic Rickenbacker punch. Well worth the price. Big thanks to L&M!
Posted by Matt on Feb 12, 2021
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AFTER 35 YRS. I got my Ric 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Bedford, Nova Scotia
Always lusted after a 4003 but never sprung for one. This past fall my girlfriend went and ordered it in. After hearing stories of the long wait times we were surprised when it arrived in 6 weeks. I just love the look and sound of the Ric. And they finally changed the troublesome bridge assembly in 2020. Im very happy overall and would never want to go back to a p bass. Expensive but very worth it.
Posted by Chris on Jan 2, 2021
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Great sound, but tremendously overpriced. 2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Markham, Ontario
I bought my 4003 Maple glow used from L&M back in the winter of 2017. Keep in mind that my criticisms would remain the same, despite if the guitar was brand new. I had to replace one of the stock truss rods because one of them broke 3 months into owning it. And I also had to replace the stock Rickenbacker bridge because lets face it, they are impossible to intonate on the spot and begin to lift (like mine was) over time. I bought this bass for the sound, which above all things I am extremely happy with. No other bass sounds quite like this one, which is why I have stuck with it and refused to sell it despite it's issues. At the end of the day, I think these basses are extremely overvalued because of their name, history and heritage. You are paying nearly 3 thousand CDN with taxes included, to own a guitar in my opinion that it worth about 1500 bucks. If you have the option, buy an S model that has all of the bells and whistles removed, for essentially the same guitar and it will run you 300 less.
Posted by Harley on Oct 22, 2020
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4003 bass 3 of 8 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Peterborough, Ontario
Baby Dove bought me one for a Christmas present. It came with a German Shepherd puppy. I've had to fuss with it a bit as seasons change but it is only minor tweaks. It's very quick on the neck. I'm not sure about "Ric-o-sound" as I have the gear to use it but don't want to haul extra amps around and set it all up. Is it worth the money? I don't know but I'm pretty sure Baby Dove loves me.
Posted by brittain johnson on Nov 25, 2018
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Rickey backer 4003 Jetglo 4 of 5 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Cambridge, Ontario
Definitely the best bass guitar I have ever played. Well worth the price. It's an instrument that takes you to a new level . Lightweight with a fast action neck. I traded my Musicman and a P bass for it. I am not looking back. Looking for a back up bass but looks like it will be another Rickenbacker.
Posted by Eugen on Jan 14, 2017
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40 years of high quality 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Vancouver, British Columbia
I just brought home my 2nd Ric after buying my first one 40 years ago. After setting up the new one today and playing it side by side with my '75, I am very happy that Rickenbacker has maintained their very high level of quality and finish. This can't be said for a few famous brands...Thank you to Jean in the bass dept. for the hookup!
Posted by Charles on Dec 9, 2016
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Best bass guitar 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I've tried it
Closest Store   Edmonton North, Alberta
I played this bass guitar, and I must say this is the best bass guitar I've ever played. It's perfect
Posted by Keenan on Jul 27, 2016
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4003 Fireglo Rickenbacker Bass 5 of 5 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Ottawa, Ontario
I played a 4001 Black 1974 for approx. 20 years. Left it in a closet for a few years because I started playing 5 string Bass. Thought it was sad to have such a great Bass sitting in a closet so I sold it in 2004 for $900.00 (stupid me) I regretted it afterwards since the Ric has such a specific and unique sound. Stopped in at Long & McQuade last week and to my surprise, they had a 2016 Fireglo 4003 that had just came in. I picked it up and it had the sound I remembered. Couldn't leave it hanging there so I had to buy it. The only disappointment I have is that it has the dot inlays instead of the regular half fret inlays. Not the end of the world but I think it looks much nicer with their half fret inlays. Besides that, great Bass.
Posted by Bob on Jun 14, 2016
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the hyped up Bass 0 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Burlington, Ontario
I bought my bass a few years ago and after a while the tail piece started to lift so I installed a Hipshot custom made one that cured the problem. Overall the bass is not bad but not as good sounding as my 1982 4003 sb bass which has the toaster top neck pick up and rounded non bound body edges.
Posted by george lange on Dec 22, 2015
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Bucket List Bass 3 of 4 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Markham, Ontario
I've always wanted one and found it on the L&M website. It arrived from out west in 4 days! Best I've ever played!
Posted by Mark Williams on Dec 17, 2015
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Rickenbacker 4003-best bass you can buy 7 of 9 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Winnipeg (Wall St), Manitoba
First off I would like to say that when they say it could take up to two years to get your order shipped, they aren't kidding. I ordered my RIC in March of 2008 and received it mid 2010. Anyhow, the bass was definitely worth the wait. It is by far the best bass I have ever owned or played (that includes a $10,000 fodera). It is perfect if you are looking to get a real old school tone with good girth and CRAZY BOTTOM END (more than my 1963 precision bass with 22 year old LaBella flats on it) right out of the box. It was set up just to my taste (which certainly is not everyone else's) with a medium-high action and a dead straight neck. Right away, I slapped on a set of labella "1954" fender-style flats, and boy this baby is the thumpiest, smoothest sounding bass I have ever heard (no chris squire tone here boys and girls). I can see the pickup cover getting in the way of some people's playing, but I have a playing style similar to Nick St Nicholas of steppenwolf, so the cover is not even close to problematic. The fit and finish is absolutely stunning, and it is so beautiful, the only time I have ever let it out of my house was when I took it home from the store. Overall, if you have the funds and are not expecting the terrible trebly click and clank that others seem to think that Rickenbackers get, then do not hesitate. Get yours now!
Posted by anonymous on Jun 20, 2015
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Rickenbacker 4003 JG 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Oshawa, Ontario
I received my Riki from the Scarboro store a few weeks ago an It is an amazing Bass! I have a few Ibanez and Fender basses but the 4003 is the finest. Thanks to Mike at the scarboro store for going the extra mile to get it for me!
Posted by Mark on May 20, 2015
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nothing sounds Like a Ricky 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   North York (Steeles), Ontario
I bought this bass few months ago and really happy i got one . I have few basses but, nothing sounds like a ricky .Great Low action , Nicely usa made and well put together.New 4003 has switch which will give you the earlier 4001 treble sound .Really cant ask for much more .
Posted by Lee C on Apr 23, 2015
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Two-Timing SOB 23 of 26 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Mississauga, Ontario
I am "married" to my Fender American Deluxe P-Bass, which can easily spoil you and keep you from looking anywhere else. But when a friend introduced me to his Rikki" last summer, I had an affair and fell in love with it...now I have a "mistress". Guess that makes me a "two-timing, son of a bass"!
Posted by Paul Ramm on Nov 15, 2014
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N/A 2 of 18 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Pickering (Store), Ontario
Posted by anonymous on Jun 12, 2014
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Labour of love not built for a Canadian climate. 10 of 19 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Ottawa, Ontario
It plays great in the summer months when you're not constantly adjusting the truss rods. One goes convex, while the other concave. I can't believe it didn't rip itself apart. The screws on the mute pad get in the way of palm muting. recording can be tricky as the pickups emit a constant buzz. Useless plastic pickup cover. On the plus side: - Great tones for slap and finger work (not so much for chords). - Balanced weight - Aesthetically pleasing. - Neck feels great when adjusted properly (...but for how long?). I've been playing bass for twenty years. I played this one for six of those years, perpetually disappointed. Do yourself a favour, try other basses in this price range. THIS BASS IS TRUELY A LABOUR OF LOVE.
Posted by anonymous on Feb 21, 2014
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The Best Bass 4 of 8 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Guelph, Ontario
While I don't have the 4003, I do have a 4001 that I purchased new from Long and McQuade back in 1980. Ricky for me is the real deal. The only one. Not one issue.
Posted by MikeM on Feb 14, 2014
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Brilliant Guitar! 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   Edmonton North, Alberta
This bass is absolutely fantastic! It has that signature Ricky growl but it offers a great deal of possible tone combinations. PLENTY of features for a bass. I really can't get enough of playing this thing. The only cons are it tends to be trickier to play than a P-bass and it's a little less forgiving of sloppy play. That and the pickup guard isn't for everyone and if you play finger-style mainly, you'll find yourself modifying your bass right away. I'll always have this bass and I'll always love it. Sexy, gorgeous sounding... too many good things to say about it!
Posted by Brian on Nov 25, 2013
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Holy Grail of Bass Guitars 6 of 6 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I own it
Closest Store   St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
I ordered this bass in late September and I was told it would be about a two year wait (at max). A couple of weeks later I had received a call saying that my bass was in town against all odds. I did not have all the money saved up due to the fact I was not expecting it so soon, but when I went down to Long & Mcquade to play it I could not leave without it! This bass is my go to bass and it has a perfect tone and a sweet smooth sound when using your fingers! And it`s nice to have a pick for a more sharp, aggressive sound! This bass can do anything you want it to do and it is worth every penny!
Posted by Ben on Nov 20, 2013
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SCOTT PILGRIM BASS 5 of 24 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience   I've heard about it
Closest Store   Cambridge, Ontario
'nuff said
Posted by anonymous on Nov 18, 2013
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Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty

A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.

Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.

How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
  • Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
  • Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
  • No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
  • Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
  • Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
  • Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
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  • Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
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Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.

Purchasing additional years of coverage

Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.

If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:

  • NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
  • USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
  • GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
  • BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.

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