I have a 1978 4001 in mapleglow. I've recently found out that they're only supposed to be used with flatwound strings because of the extra tension that roundwounds put on the neck.
What gauges of flatwounds are safe? I have 50-110 roundwounds on it now. So far, there's no warping but I don't want to take any chances. I definitely prefer tight strings but not at the expense of ruining the bass. Could I use 50-110 flatwounds and be safe??
Important flat/roundwound gauge question for 4001
Moderators: rickenbrother, ajish4
This was a "semi myth " that was started by the sales office to reduce warranty returns due to the difference in tension that the stock factory supplied string had and brands such as 'Roto-Sound ' had .
The bass string tension when the basses were introduced in the 1950's were based on upright strings .These proved to be loose and floppy for most players ,and as the Fender company was the leading producer of basses ,they also led the way for makers of strings .
Rickenbacker had a string deal with a German company and were very happy with the quality of strings .For the needs of their basses ,they proved to be fine ,and no need for change was felt necessary.
Then along came a young 'upstart' -Chris Squire of "YES" ...he changed everything !
With a little help the old rods can withstand the tension of these round wound strings .And as 95% of the strings made today are in fact this tension of string ,you should be aware that you can safely use them if the rods are adjusted by someone that 'understands ' how to do this .They are NOT like the Fender rods system ,where you can just take a screwdriver and torque away!
There is a bit of finesse involved and with some trickery it can work fine .
Flat wounds are not the solver of the issue ,they are the same tension as round wounds ...for the most part.
If you feel uneasy about this ,ask the makers of any brand of string what their overall tension is when tuned to A 440hz.Then you can compare with any brand and come up with a definitive answer .
D'Addario publishes on their packaging the tension of their strings .
Gauge is NOT the issue ...it is the tension load.
The bass string tension when the basses were introduced in the 1950's were based on upright strings .These proved to be loose and floppy for most players ,and as the Fender company was the leading producer of basses ,they also led the way for makers of strings .
Rickenbacker had a string deal with a German company and were very happy with the quality of strings .For the needs of their basses ,they proved to be fine ,and no need for change was felt necessary.
Then along came a young 'upstart' -Chris Squire of "YES" ...he changed everything !
With a little help the old rods can withstand the tension of these round wound strings .And as 95% of the strings made today are in fact this tension of string ,you should be aware that you can safely use them if the rods are adjusted by someone that 'understands ' how to do this .They are NOT like the Fender rods system ,where you can just take a screwdriver and torque away!
There is a bit of finesse involved and with some trickery it can work fine .
Flat wounds are not the solver of the issue ,they are the same tension as round wounds ...for the most part.
If you feel uneasy about this ,ask the makers of any brand of string what their overall tension is when tuned to A 440hz.Then you can compare with any brand and come up with a definitive answer .
D'Addario publishes on their packaging the tension of their strings .
Gauge is NOT the issue ...it is the tension load.
So you too want yours "ALAPWOB"?!?!
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lucien_s
I had a '70's 4001 which always had roundwounds on it the whole time I owned it. The rods had to be pretty tight (especially after my ****** refinish job where I inadvertantly sanded a lot of the wood off the back of the neck, weakening it), but the neck adjusted well and stayed adjusted.
Course, my 99 4003 is built like a brike outhouse by comparison, much stronger and can utilize probably any string I want.
LS
Course, my 99 4003 is built like a brike outhouse by comparison, much stronger and can utilize probably any string I want.
LS