Maximum string gauge with which hardware?

[Heike]

Does anyone happen to know what are the maximum string gauges useable – without modification – with (a) the standard bakelite saddle, (b) the Hipshot Rickenbacker Pre-2020 Replacement Bridge 5RK400BC Brass/Chrome?

Many thanks in advance

[rickenbrother]

When I was in heavy metal bands and didn't yet have a 4003S/5, I'd tune one 4001 to BEAD with .130 - .100 - .080 - .065 from a D'Addario EXL170-5 set and the the other was tuned C# F# BE with the GHS Heavy H3045 set .115 - .095 - .070 - .050. No adverse effects to either 4001, but I did have to widen the nut slots to fit the strings. For the D'Addarrio set, that was several years ago, when 4 string sets with the gauges of .130 to .045 were not yet available. These days, both of those 4001's are tuned to standard pitch, as I have 5 string Ricks. Still no adverse effects, but I really should replace the nuts one of these days.
So you may have to widen the nut slots to fit heavier gauge strings,, possibly also make truss rod adjustments, but your Rick should be fine and perform well.

[Heike]

Thanks a lot!

[rickenbrother]

Thanks a lot!

You're welcome. I'm assuming this is a 4003. What year?

[Heike]

I'm assuming this is a 4003.

No, it's my old trusted 4001C64 FG.

What year?

2002.

[jps]

I'm assuming this is a 4003.

No, it's my old trusted 4001C64 FG.

That has a three-screw tailpiece, just sayin'.

[Heike]

That has a three-screw tailpiece, just sayin'.

No longer I had a brass Hipshot installed, mainly because I wanted more bass response. As it also turned out, tone is more even across the fingerboard. And it also is nice having more room left between the PU and the bridge.

(May the guys at RIC hate me for that )

[Korladis]

I keep my 4003S tuned BEAD for playing doom metal. The gauges of strings I use are 130. 100, 80, 60. Had to widen the nut slots a little, but honestly I think people worry about that too much. Nuts are cheap and replaceable.

[Dirk]

Don't forget the other end of the bass, your nut will also determine the max without mods.
Dirk