Bass strings with same tension as RIC ones?

delberthot · Post by **delberthot** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:07 am

I am having trouble getting a hold of original RIC strings in the UK and when I do, they are way more expensive than other brands that I have used in the past (around £30, double what I normally pay).

Does anyone know of anywhere that does them a bit cheaper or do any other brand of string have the same tension as the set that come factory fitted?

I really liked using D'addario Prosteels on my faker but don't want to fire them on my real 4003s in case the tension is too high or low and I have to get the action adjusted.

turlu · Post by **turlu** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:39 am

DR Hi-Beams gauge 40-100 does the trick for me on my 4001V63.

I tried Rotos, again last week, and it was the last time a they, once again, proved they are "fret eaters". This is my own experience.

DR Hi-Beams are great and fit well with the Ric in my opinion.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:00 am

Derek, I have D'Addario Pro Steels gauged .100 to .045 on my '73 and '79 4001 basses. The necks are both fine. Since yours is a 4003s, I would expect the neck of that bass to not have a problem with those strings. Whenever you change brands or gauges of strings on any bass, there is always the chance of having to do some adjustments.

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:15 pm

Are the RIC strings easy on the frets?

edski · Post by **edski** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:58 pm

I gave the strings on my Laredo a good whirl when I got it last March, and was pleased enough to stay with RW's...

I decided to try the Musician's Friend bulk strings at the same (I presume) gauges: 45-55-75-105. First I put a set of those on my 4001 and thought "nice...low tension, bright sound". When I finally put a set on the Laredo, I thought "nice...fells almost identical to the originals".

I guess I've had these on for about 6 months now, maybe 50% longer (and probably that much more playing) in calendar terms. Verdict: they're dead as far as RW crunch goes, but they are still alive by my terms.

So my suggestion is to get a set of these bulks. Not sure if MF ships to Europe, but someone must import those things over there. And they shouldn't cost 30 pounds (near $50 in my thinking)...I paid $40 for three sets, including shipping.

Beware, the shipping material is minimal on these. No fancy paper pouches and plastic pouches to put the individual paper clad strings into. Just a long plastic tube sealed at both ends with 3 strings in it. I'd guess if you buy more sets they'd all be in the same "bag"...

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 3:06 pm

Hi-Beams. I ordered some Lo-Riders to see how they compare to the Hi-Beams, but I know that Lo-Riders are higher tension than the Hi-Beams. The Hi-Beams feel pretty close to the original Ric strings.

chefothefuture · Post by **chefothefuture** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 5:47 pm

I've always had good luck with Dean Markley Blue Steel
45-100. They are similar to the tension of the old Rick strings.
I just put on some GHS Boomers 45-100 on my 69
and I like those too.

delberthot · Post by **delberthot** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 3:58 am

When I originally began this thread, it was before I had taken my 4003BB out for its first gig and I just wanted to find out in advance where to get rick/rick replacement strings. The strings are going to be getting changed before the next gig because it felt like I was pulling on elastic bands. I am a medium to hard player but can play soft when I need to. When I did play with any great pressure they sounded really bad and I had to crank up the bass and roll of the top end to stop the rattle of the strings on the frets overpowering the sound

turlu · Post by **turlu** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:02 am

To everyone on the Forum,

Instead of keeping a set of Rotosound RS66 in its package and never be used, I would like to offer them to one of you who likes them. They are basically brand new, with about 1 hour playing. Gauge is light at 40-95.

Email me and we will arrange something very very good for you !!! I simply do not need them. I prefer DR strings.

rich · Post by **rich** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:12 am

I put a set of GHS flats on my 4001C64 and don't really care for them. I just ordered some Pyramid Gold flats from Don Butler at www.toneman.com and I'll let you know what I think. They are rather expensive but he says they should last about two years.

Rich

rich · Post by **rich** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:16 am

Sorry, it's www.tone-man.com.

Rich

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:34 am

Stephane, talk to Nate. He just put a set on his bass, and probably could use some backups.

edski · Post by **edski** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:15 pm

Flats can last 2, 3, maybe even more years. I've had my Fender 9050's last for up to 4 years...

Funny thing with those strings was they sounded like **** playing unamplified, but the moment I put the bass through the amp and played with the band the sound was fantastic! Maybe it's just me, as the 6 month old RW's on my Laredo are starting to show that property too...

revolver323 · Post by **revolver323** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 3:25 pm

Try Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats. I think they approximate the stock Ric flats. Low tension and gauges that are a bit off the "norm." I think Ronn Roberts uses them in tThe Eggmen. I have them on my Lakland 55-94 and love them.

johnashfield · Post by **johnashfield** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 5:10 pm

Hey Dave,

I was thinking of trying the thomastik but they seem like such a light guage that I was thinking they may sound a little thin.

I tried the lakland joe osborn light flats (something like 40-100) and the sound of the D and A were very different, but with the mediums (45-108?) it's much better, and the bass is much louder too.

My worry was that with the lighter Thomastiks I may lose some volume and tone.

You like them though?