let's talk strings..

[Ric_MEL]

Hi,

Recently got a new 620.6.. .and it still has the strings on it that were on the guitar.. and who knows how old they are...

so; what is the world of "RIC" strings ?

.... sales clerk noted that they were a little lighter than standard.. so even tho he thought they came with " 10's".. he said they were like 9's .. or maybe 9.5's...

I like ..or should say: I'm USED to 10's.. so these feel a little limp to me.. and I always have the heavy left hand issue.. so I pull strings sharp.. heavier strings seem to help there..

also seems I've seen people say they use flat wounds. or ground rounds etc. - non standard strings.

I've only experience with basic D'Addario 10's... so before I run out and restring ( and check intonation )..

thought I'd ask the ever knowledgeable forum.. string advice!

What's special about RIC strings? and any experience or sage advice for strings.. with the 620.6 ?

tnx!
M

[8mileshigher]

The Rickenbacker strings are 10s
http://www.rickenbacker.com/cart.asp?category=Strings

You can also order them from P.O.T.R. and they have some house specialty brands too.

There are probably as many opinions about strings as there are guitarists.... run a few searches here on the Forum... flat wounds, or by brand names ....

[johneek]

If memory serves me, there are two obvious differences when RIC strings are compared to others.

(1) the set is somewhat lighter 10-42, where most 10 gauge sets are 10-46
(2) RIC strings are compressed wound rounds as opposed to being either round wound or flats.

[Ric-O-Buc]

Try the Curt Mangan fusion matched strings. You'll be glad you did.

[Clint]

I've always used D'Addario 10-46 on my 620. No complaints here.

[suedehead71]

oh my...i love love love Rotosound strings. made in the UK.


pyramid flat wounds are amazing as well, but $$.

[Ric_MEL]

if possible... if you're inclined..

if you respond with " I like <this or that > string "

perhaps a bit of : why?

From my reading of Dave Hunter's great book on guitar pickups..

he notes some variation in string metalurgy and mechanics..
re: Pure Nickel wrapped ( widely used prior to 1970 ) .. are a bit mellower in tone, but more expensive.
Then the industry started using nickel wrapped around a plain steel wire... cheaper.. brighter
Then he notes: brighter yet are: chrome and stainless steel wound strings.

Then he notes mechanics: re: round wound is the most common.. Flatwounds are warm and round in the lower registers.. and half-round or ground rounds in between round and flatwound..

I had no idea what separated "RIC" strings from the pack.. metallurgy.. how they wrap... etc.
other than now a previous post says they are " compressed " round.. which I will assume is a tighter wrap <? > ... smoother to the touch? sound quality ?

or if they're more suited to 12 strings.. versus 6 ?

anyway.. I understand it's like asking what kind of haircut to get.. <to each his own > ..

but just trying to gain familiarity with - What makes the RIC strings unique ? ( would be interesting to learn: how many RIC owners.. by default - just automatically stay with RIC strings... )

[RutleDirk]

I've always used D'Addario 10-46 on my 620. No complaints here.

+1, on all my six-strings.
I find that compressed roundwounds feel a little "tight", for lack of a better description. Perhaps the tension is a bit higher, due to the construction? That's what it feels like to me, anyway.

[suedehead71]

i originally used ONLY ric strings, but got sick of having to order them. i just wanted to be able to walk into a store and get them off the shelf, you know? it was then i was talked into trying Pyramid flat wound strings. used them on my 360WB and they were the most comfortable strings ever. i mean, they felt SOFT.
sounded a teeny bit Less bright, in my opinion, but i loved the sound, especially since i am such a treble-ish player. seemed to suit the sound well by making it not as jagged/sharp. only down side is i remember them being a lot pricier than any other string on the market.

[beatlefreak]

I sue D'Addario 10 gauge strings on my six string Ricks. They're inexpensive, sound great, and can be easily found in almost every music store.

[gregga41]

I sue D'Addario 10 gauge strings on my six string Ricks. They're inexpensive, sound great, and can be easily found in almost every music store.

I've used D'Addario 10's for as long as i can remember, they have always been very reliable.
Heaven knows why you would want to "sue" them Kris!!

[johneek]

I had no idea what separated "RIC" strings from the pack.. metallurgy.. how they wrap... etc.
other than now a previous post says they are " compressed " round.. which I will assume is a tighter wrap <? > ... smoother to the touch? sound quality ?

Compressed Round wounds are somewhere between round wounds and flat wounds. The wrap is not round, nor is it flat, but I believe the round wire is "compressed" so that it's a little flatter. They are smoother to the touch than rounds, but brighter than flats. I used them exclusively on my first RIC a 360/6.

...or if they're more suited to 12 strings.. versus 6 ? I don't think so anyway.. I understand it's like asking what kind of haircut to get.. <to each his own > .. but just trying to gain familiarity with - What makes the RIC strings unique ? ( would be interesting to learn: how many RIC owners.. by default - just automatically stay with RIC strings... )

Some may disagree with me, but I think both the 6 and 12 string sets are equally applicable to being used on RICs. I really can't answer your question about how they are made...to the best of my knowledge, every time that question is raised, RIC seems to keep any information about who makes them etc, to themselves.

All that said, I have moved away from RIC strings and now use Curt Mangans almost exclusively, on all my guitars. I am contemplating giving RICs another try on my 12 string, but am pretty happy for the time being. Hope that helps.

[Clint]

Compressed roundwounds (sometimes called rollerwounds) start life as regular nickel roundwounds that are sent through a set of rollers that gently squish them down. This makes them smoother and gives the string added mass (since a slightly larger gauge string is compressed to its desired gauge). They have a slightly mellower tone than roundwounds, with less twangy overtones and they usually last a long time. Most manufacturers make a version of compressed/rollerwound strings. My current favorites are GHS Nickel Rockers 10-46. I use them on my 350V63 (with Toasters). I don't like the sound of the compressed/rollerwound strings on my 620 (with High Gains) or my Fender Stratocaster. I'll stick with the D'Addarrio 10-46 for those.

[whojamfan]

The compressed wounds just feel "sticky" to me.
330FGVP gets d'addario 11s standard set
360/12FGVP gets the POTR set of custom TI Flats
4003AFG gets DR Highbeams
These all work, play, and sound great to me.

[Ric_MEL]

excellent info clint.. thanks!

I'm coming from playing - Telecasters... so I'm used to bright and Twangy.

I'm learning the 620.. and initially felt like I couldn't get it to a place that I know( would go to bridge PUP alone.. and go full volume and treble.. and it's not the same )

I'm discovering the fabulous full tone of blending the neck and the bridge pickup to varying degrees.. and how MUCH effect there is when changing any setting: Rhythm volume or tone.. Bridge volume or tone.. and then the blend knob. Lots of different tones.

I figure the strings will really be a big factor.. so I'll play these RIC strings dead.. then try some basic old D'Addarios 10's.. ... and then others.. ( never heard of the Curt Mangan's... ) .

Never have played flatwounds.. but given my penchant for Twang.. have always figured wouldn't be for me.. but I'll have to try 'em someday

Thanks for any and all viewpoints!
M