String Thing

[woodyng]

the main "problem" with the pyramids is that they are available in only one gauge 45-105,and they do exert a lot of pressure on the neck. i had a set on my 4000,and it initiated the dreaded bridge lift. since it was a set-neck,i decided it would be prudent to put some lighter strings on it,currently dr sunbeams 40-100. these are rw,roundcore,nickel strings that are extremely smooth-they sound like rw strings,but are very slinky and smooth to play. you might want to check out a set in either that gauge ( which i admit i find a bit lite) or the 45-105 gauge. i think given what you've said of your preferences,you might like 'em a lot!

[Elnjaybass]

Another interesting factor for me is that my 4004L is my first neck-through.
Definitely a difference I've noticed in the sustain of the bass and the overall timbre and resonance opposed to my other Bolt-ons.
I'm certain that from a "technical" standpoint, changing the string gauge especially radically, would have an effect.
I personally would be adverse to removing the TRC and tweaking, but that's just me. I've already read about some owners that do nice mods and alterations to their Rics.

All the brands mentioned have top-rate reps- DR's TI's, etc. There's only a few brands I myself dis-liked, naturally we favor one and find a tone we want & stick with 'em.
The Pyramids intrigued me because of the high price and relative scarcity I guess- Sorta considered a vintage-vibe it seems.

My hands/fingers work up a sweat when I play, and I found that when I was on the road e.g. doing several shows a week, and playing in-between, I would go through sets like mad; so much so that it was eating up my funds!
That's why I started looking for alternatives to my fave, TI's. At over $50 per set, it ain't cheap. Rotos are about $20,same with GHS.
THe Rics- found a good price on SamAsh, but their website crashed, their system FAILED! and they now "owe" me a hundred bucks ';cause they inadvertantly charged me for 3 sets after I was unable to make my order!!!
I gotta wait too, til the charges disappear- NOT---HAPPY.
The bright side is I ordered from the Ric boutique, paid a bit more, but so what?? I added a catalogue, sticker, and allen wrench so there, it's all good.

I appreciate the feedback- Besides being my 1st neck-thru, it's my first Rickenbacker, and I mean it when I say I have LOTS of respect for this bunch here.
I'm pretty well-dialed in when it comes to Basses & amps- Or so I thought.
The Rickenbacker Laredo blew my sox off, and is still blowing them, as a matter of fact.
WHo knew??

You folks, that's who.
Smart-A***es!

[thx1955]

I've tried flats a few times over the years, and I've never really got the hang of them.

Like Jaymi I use Ernie Ball Super slinkies and love them.

[Elnjaybass]

Yeah, I put a set of TI flats on my P-Bass once (they were shipped by mistake, I thought "what the hey...)
Didn't feel 'em, yet there are those who swear and espouse by flatwound strings, and would not consider using anything else.
Makes life interesting I guess, just as there are players out there who don't play a Laredo..
I mean, what ARE they thinking??!!?

[johnallg]

D'Addario EXL-170 strings - great sound, cheap, and last a good while. I also like Webstrings Stainless Steel Mediums sets too.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=100156
http://www.webstrings.com/electric_bass ... nless.html

[rickenbrother]

Use use D'Addario strings, the EXL-170 and EPS-170 sets. The same for 5 string, which are the same set with an added .130" string.
I tried my first set of roundwound in '76, which of course were Rotosound. I use Rotosound until about '82 when I got several sets that had E and A strings that I was unhappy with. I tried a few different manufacturers strings, settled on D'Addario. Been using them almost exclusively ever since '82. Nice strings, reasonably priced. Wipe them down after playing and they will last for a decent amount of playing time.
I like the RIC strings also.
One of these days, I'll try those Webstrings.

[johnallg]

I tried two sets of the Rotos as the first strings I bought for my then new 2004 4003. I got about a week of use out of them before they were dead. I wash and dry my hands before practicing (pure soap, no additives), and also wipe down after, so sloppy care was not an issue. I changed to the D'Addario sets after many recommendations here and over at the RIC forum. Rotos sound great new but I am not getting free strings via endorsement like Mr. Squire!

[basmansam]

I've had great success with TI JR344' on my 4001 FL, love 'em (although they have inconsistent quality). Couldn't stand TI' on my '90 V63, had to go with D'Addario 40-95 nickle super light XL, sound fantastic.

[antipodean]

If you have the luxury of havving more than one bass, stringing some with rounds (I like D'addarios and GHS Boomers) and some with flats (my preferneces are Chromes and TIs) will give you a lot of flexibility. My Rics have all got rounds on at the moment, largely because I like the high-end zing that a 4000 series bass has when using rounds. Use whatever suits you best, but keep in mind that you need to try your hand at something in order to truly understand whether it works for you.

[rikk]

I've used GHS Boomers for 20+ years. I'm slowly moving toward Ernie Ball though.

[rickfan60]

I used Rotosound until about '82 when I got several sets that had E and A strings that I was unhappy with. .

That is what did it for me - too many false E and A strings. Roto QC was pretty bad at the time. I have not tried them since.

[rickenbrother]

I have not tried them since.

Neither have I. I've been wanting to try a set once again, but I've been reluctant to do so.

[Elnjaybass]

I find that each of my (8) basses "responds" differently to a set- Of course my Ric Laredo is new to me; liking it so much, the OEM's have the job at present.

TI JR-344's are my mainstays, they do it all, RotoSound FunkMasters are my choice for my "slappers" and I like GHS Boomers-(XXL for me) on my P-Bass.

I will take the plunge and try the TI's on my Laredo once the luster and unmitigated lunatic-like possessive joy diminish to a mere "what a totally awesome bass" level.
Should be no more than 6-8 months; a year at the most, maybe 2.

PLUS- I MAY soon be referring to my recently might-be-acquired 4003, thus opening up another can o' worms.

[incubus2432]

I love the sound of flats on 4004 models. I've tried LaBella Deep Talkin' Flats, Pyramids and D'Addario Chromes. i like 'em all but they each have slightly different character......I've settled on the Chromes mostly for price/availability. They have great fundamental tone and retain their brightness. I was a die hard rounds user for years but got sick of replacing my strings after every gig since they were dead/lifeless. Not an issue with the flats. With a few amp tweaks and some technique adjustments my tone is as good or better than it was with the rounds but now it is consistent. Just my worthless opinion.

[johnallg]

If you have the luxury of havving more than one bass, stringing some with rounds (I like D'addarios and GHS Boomers) and some with flats (my preferneces are Chromes and TIs) will give you a lot of flexibility. My Rics have all got rounds on at the moment, largely because I like the high-end zing that a 4000 series bass has when using rounds. Use whatever suits you best, but keep in mind that you need to try your hand at something in order to truly understand whether it works for you.

That's what I do Evan - one with D'Addario Chromes flats(4004C), one with RIC/Maxima flats ('04 4003), two with D'Addario EXL-170 rounds (V63 and '75 4001), and one with Webstrings medium SS rounds ('91 4003S).