String Gauge Confusion

rory · Post by **rory** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:10 am

I recently purchased a 2005 Jetglo 360 6-string from Ebay. I changed the strings a couple of weeks ago to the specifications in the manual (.08 gauge strings), but it feels a bit off now. I just saw a Rickenbacker review site where somebody had a problem with this really light factory gauge and they found out that the manual has a misprint and that the guitars are set up for .10 gauge strings in the factory. Does anybody know anything about the manual mixup or the proper string gauge I should use for this beautiful guitar? Thanks.

clearblue · Post by **clearblue** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:17 am

Use these Rickenbacker strings: sku 95403
Compressed Round Wound Medium.

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:19 am

Welcome, Rory

The manual, or the one I have, as well as the one on the RIC site, recommend using .10s. Yeah, .08's would seem way too light.

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:19 am

Rory: I don't have the manual in front of me, but my two cents is that if you use 8s on your Rickenbacker you are going to be very unhappy. I would use 10s and nothing lighter unless there is a very good reason to do otherwise.

rory · Post by **rory** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:24 am

Thanks. I was going to get it setup for .10s, but I'm happy to hear that it is already setup for this gauge. I'll use the specifications on the manual on the RIC site.

I'm glad that I can get rid of the light strings without snapping the guitar in half.

Do the Rickenbacker brand strings make a big difference in sound quality?

randyz · Post by **randyz** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:42 am

I'm sure everyone means 0.010 and not 0.10 strings. If Rory really started out with a set of 0.080, that would definitely be too heavy!

winston · Post by **winston** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:54 am

Rory I use .010 strings on all of my guitars. I check string gauge using a micrometer on any used guitar that I buy. That way I know for sure what it was set up for. Remember if you change string gauge then you will need to re-set your intonation.

If you want to sell that Ric manual c/w misprint let me know. It may be worth something 20 years from now. LOL

Welcome to the forum too BTW.

rory · Post by **rory** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 7:27 am

Thanks Brian. It is a new guitar, so it had the factory setup of 10s. I imagine I won't have to get it setup to put the proper gauge on there.

mark_revel · Post by **mark_revel** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 7:48 am

RIC sent out several manuals with the misprint specifying 8-38s for all long scale 6-strings.

When I asked, I was told to use the manual on the website which specifies the 10-42s.

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:23 am

A big welcome from Down Under, Rory! I use the factory fitted Rick strings mentioned (95403) exclusively. They produce a more 'chimey' sound than others I've tried.

scott_s · Post by **scott_s** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:29 am

Rory, if the guitar has only seen Rickenbacker .010s, you'll probably need to widen the nut slots for the low-E and A. Hope this helps.

brian_l · Post by **brian_l** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 1:11 pm

My 1998 Fireglo 360 is currently strung with GHS Boomers 10-46 gauge and I didn't have to widen the nut slots. I didn't have to file the bridge saddles, either. You should be able to use virtually any set of 10 gauge strings with little or no trouble at all.

rory · Post by **rory** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 7:06 am

I put on some .010 gauge strings and am much much happier with the guitar. Does anybody know the shipping rate to order Rickenbacker strings from the website?

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 7:25 am

95403 Rickenbacker round wound nickel, compressed, medium gauge, 10/13/17/26/34/42 $8 at Mike Parks' site.