Yet another question about Strings.

congerz83 · Post by **congerz83** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:40 am

Hey guys, need some help here. I have a 4001C64S with the D'Addario chromes on in. My 4003 has GHS precision flatwounds. I like the GHS flats better. Can i put these on my 4001. I am terrified of the "bridge lift." Help please.

edski · Post by **edski** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:39 pm

I'd be more concerned about neck bow. I loved the sound of Fender 9050 ML's on my 4001, but replaced them due to the high tension...

It's a 75 4001, and had a problem with the fingerboard lifting off in the early 80's, but handled several years with those bridge cables on it with no problem other than the bow. I don't have the guts to try and adjust the rods on such an oldie...

The c64, IIRC, has the stronger truss rods in it, similar to the 4003. So that shouldn't be a problem.

Other more experienced folks should give their opinion, however. I don't even like to change strings, whereas people like Ted S have brought basses from the DEAD.

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:26 pm

I'll say this, I put a set of Pyramid flats on my '05 4003 and noticed a little bridge lift about a month later. Don't know how GHS flats compare in tension to Pyramids but, just a little FYI.

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:27 pm

Is there any new info on the new bridge being produced by RIC?

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:28 pm

Pyramid flats on my 4001c64 caused bad, rapid bridge lift. They sound great, but I can't deal with the upkeep involved.

brycycle · Post by **brycycle** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:37 pm

are there any particular flats well suited to a 1979 4001 as well as a newer 4003?

scottpro1969 · Post by **scottpro1969** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:39 pm

Thomastik Infeld flats...much lower tension but sound fantastic.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:58 pm

I am not a flats guy ... but the ones I like best are Dean Markley flats ...

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 4:15 pm

I have my custom light set of Chromes on my '67 4005WB and '73 4001 with the old style rods; no issues there.

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:10 pm

I have a light set of very old GHS bright flats on a 79 4001 and it sounds great, rocks.

shinynewtoy · Post by **shinynewtoy** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 6:11 pm

45-100 Chromes on my '77 4001... sound awesome and haven't done a thing to the neck, and I put them on last November.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:09 am

Bridge lift in most cases isnt all that bad Richard. A few of my 4003's have it and it's not bad enough to really even mention. I use D'Addario XL-170 nickle roundwounds. I have seen a few extreme non-repairable bridges though.

Thankfully there is a solution:

http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=215

highway_star · Post by **highway_star** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:45 am

Another vote for Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats. I have them on my C64 and they sound fine with no lift issues.