Strings for 2001 4003

ricnbacker · Post by **ricnbacker** » Sun Mar 09, 2003 2:48 pm

i am not one for changing strings ...ever!.....

in the event that i get tired of my factory installed ric strings, i like what the rotosound site has to say about their products but i have never heard them on a bass......

what would you guys recommend.

tim4003 · Post by **tim4003** » Sun Mar 09, 2003 2:59 pm

I use RotoSound Swing Bass RS66LD on my '01 4003. They have that Chris Squire(YES) & Geddy Lee(RUSH) sound.

ricnbacker · Post by **ricnbacker** » Sun Mar 09, 2003 4:03 pm

dogman????

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sun Mar 09, 2003 4:07 pm

Rotosound makes an excellent string ...

I think DR strings are top notch in quality and sound ...

These days I have 9 basses ... so I buy cheap nickle wound strings and change them frequently ... The nickle wound are good in few ways .. they are cheaper, they have a more vintage sound, and they are easier on frets ...

eddier · Post by **eddier** » Sun Mar 09, 2003 6:59 pm

I am a Rotosound Swing Bass RS66LD user on my '01 4003 also and have used Rotosound roundwounds for 20+ years and find this string very versatile.

Without a doubt the RS66's will put you in the ballpark for the Squire/Lee/Entwistle bright, "piano-like growl". Oddly enough, rolling off some of my 4003's treble and adding a bit more compression yields a very warm, bassy McCartney "tuba-thump" & early Roger Waters "dark rumble" sound.... Then again my Ric was never lacking for good tones.

The DR strings that Jeff mentions are an excellent choice also. The Hi-Beam & Low-Rider sets have slightly differing constructions the end result being different tensions. I always get them mixed up, but, one set has a slightly looser feel and the other set has a tighter stiffer feel when played.

Some of the other members on this forum prefer flatwounds for a more vintage "thump" sound. Rotosound has the Jazz Bass Flatwound Monel Steel set.

A particular favourite flatwound are Pyramid strings, they have less tension the Rotosounds. Some of the other forum members can comment on the qualities of the Pyramid brand in far greater detail then I could.

If you have any questions about Rotosound, email Hammer at the address on their website. He has always been very helpful, courteous & knowlegeable.

rickfan63 · Post by **rickfan63** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 10:25 am

If your thinking of flatwounds and still want a bright sound with a smooth feel,the Rotosound 77 Monel Flatwounds are the way to go. I have them on my 4001V63, and they are the best strings I've ever used. Roundwounds are a bit too rough on the frets and the fingers for me.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Wed Mar 12, 2003 3:40 pm

I like D'addario XL170's nickle roundwounds. they are gauged .45 .65 .80 .100 they dont have a real "tight" feel and are long lasting. Bright sounding and not expensive.

ricnbacker · Post by **ricnbacker** » Wed Mar 12, 2003 3:46 pm

so far most of the manufaturers lists have string sizes different that the standard 45-55-75-105 that ric supplies with the bass.

will using strings of a different guage be a problem?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Thu Mar 13, 2003 5:25 am

I have used lots of different gauge strings on Rics ... the problems you might encounter are having to adjust the bridge and truss rod slightly ... and thinner strings can make for a thinner sound ... this is a subtle difference but can be noticed ... but thinner strings can be streched easier ....

eddied · Post by **eddied** » Thu Mar 13, 2003 6:22 am

I have had great results with GHS Brite Flats. I only want and get the McCartney Rick sound, and these strings last quite nicely. Best of both worlds. IMO. I have been playing Ricks for 30 yrs now.