Flats on my 4001

rudi_remme · Post by **rudi_remme** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:30 am

Which? I have TIs, but the tension is too low. But I am afraid to have string that is too tight because of the Rickenbacker's neck.

I like the TIs sound though, but not the tension.

Anyone have any suggestions?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:34 am

A lot of people here seem to like Chromes.

rudi_remme · Post by **rudi_remme** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:36 am

Is that the brand?

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:52 am

I am not a flat guy but of the ones I played recently I like Dean Markley flats ...

rudi_remme · Post by **rudi_remme** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 8:53 am

How is the tension compared to other strings you have played on?

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 9:49 am

Chromes are made by D'Adarrio, I think.

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:27 am

Yup, JPS swears by them and has converted quite a few of us! D'Adarrio Chromes that is!

shinynewtoy · Post by **shinynewtoy** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:31 am

Convert checking in... they're a nice, medium-tension and you'll fall in love with both the feel and sound.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:07 am

I use a custom set by getting the Super Soft (40-60-75-95) set and replacing the .060 D string with a single .055 string, which gives a better, more balanced feel to the whole set.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:33 pm

I tried the Chromes and was sold on the feel and tone. Nice mix of flat sound but also a bit of the roundwound ring when using a pick.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 6:50 pm

Pyramid Golds are also great flats, more tension and a much thicker sound although I also like TI's. I've had a set on one bass now for close to three years and they sound like they did the day I put them on. They're expensive but worth it. They have a more traditional flatwound sound than chromes do if you like that.
What is your bass? If it's a 4003 I wouldn't worry about tension, most 4001's, I would.

rudi_remme · Post by **rudi_remme** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 10:57 pm

I have '75 4001, so Pyramid Golds are out of the picture. That's a shame, cause those strings sounded nice!

Yes, I prefer a more traditional flatwound sound.

lars · Post by **lars** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:37 am

Hei Rudi,
D'Addario chromes are excellent strings. I use the regular light gauge (.045, .065, .080 and .100). The order number is ECB81. You can get them almost everywhere. (Imerslund i Skippergata f.eks)

oyoyobeatle · Post by **oyoyobeatle** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 12:52 am

I using Pyramid Gold on my 1964 4001.
The tension is not so high, and the neck doesn't any twist or bow through these years.
If you worry about it, you can lose the tension after playing it.

jps · Post by **jps** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:01 am

"What is your bass? If it's a 4003 I wouldn't worry about tension, most 4001's, I would."

The neck may not be a problem, but the tailpiece may do the slow rise!

On Atsushi's 4001 this is not a problem as he has the much stronger old style solid tailpiece.