Heavy strings on a ric

[STOKKIs]

Hello - new guy w/ a question; I just bought a rickenbacker bass and was wondering if a Ric can take 50-110 flatwound strings without modiying the nut. I use the Rotosound Steve Harris set on my other basses and often need to widen the nut slots. I have stocked up on the Steve Harris strings - i dont want to mess with the nut on the RIc, but i do want to install a fresh set of strings when it arrives. Do i need to go stringshopping ? Its the 4003S model.

[rickenbrother]

Hello Rune, welcome to the forum. You can try installing the Rotosound Steve Harris set. You might have to widen the nuts slots, but possibly maybe not since it's not a new bass, maybe the slots have worn a little so that you can get these strings in the slots. Instead of just going ahead and installing the set, go one string at a time and detune each existing string, move it out of the nut slot and hold the appropriate string in the slot without actually uninstalling the old ones and installing the Rotosound Steve Harris set. If the E string fits, do the same for the A string and so on.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

i used to use 50-110 on my ricks but cause we tuned down a semi tone and that kept the same string tension as the 45-105. i would not recommend 50-110 for a-440 standard tuning on a rick for structural reasons.

[STOKKIs]

i used to use 50-110 on my ricks but cause we tuned down a semi tone and that kept the same string tension as the 45-105. i would not recommend 50-110 for a-440 standard tuning on a rick for structural reasons.

Hmm what can go wrong? Is the neck to thin/weak to support the tension? Ive read about the bridge lift, but the 4003S has the seven screw bridge so i dont think that wil be an issue.

[jps]

Welcome, Rune!

Your 4003S should be fine; some of the early 4001 basses could have issues with higher tension strings, primarily those from the '60s and early '70s , before the necks with the shedua strip running down the middle of them.

[cjj]

If you can find info on the string tension for the set you want to use, you can get some idea of whether it will be a problem. Info from RIC is that their current string sets run a total tension of around 156lbs, but modern 4003 basses should handle up to 200lbs total just fine...

[rickenbrother]

If you can find info on the string tension for the set you want to use, you can get some idea of whether it will be a problem. Info from RIC is that their current string sets run a total tension of around 156lbs, but modern 4003 basses should handle up to 200lbs total just fine...

The 4003S/5 and 4003S/8 have the same neck as the 4003S, so your 4003S should be able to take the tension. It would just have to be set up right.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

and then, there are those who wish to push the envelope !!! (monty python exerpt in scottish brogue..."i warned you, but naawwww...it's just a little bunny..." )

[cassius987]

Ron, I've put a little over 200 pounds on a recent 4003 with no problems. I couldn't get it dead straight but really close. I don't think it's that big of a deal.

[STOKKIs]

Thank you for all your input. Ive ordered a pair of rotosound jazz bass 77 45-105, they are basicly the same string as the signature set, just lighter - just in case.

Cant wait for the bass to get here. Ive played several rics over the years, but never owned one - and i researched quite a bit before landing on the 4003S model. i dont want binding and inlays so the 4001c64 was the obvious one, but i also want the hi-gain pickups and modern appointments.

[MaplegloMatt]

The order has been placed and I'm a little late to the party (as usual) but FWIW I use GHS Precision Flats light guage (95, 75, 60, 45) on my 4003S and to me they're perfect. They get better with age.

[LONNIE4003]

I'ld be worried about "tail lift"

[aceonbass]

Also remember that the later design 4003's with the truss rod adjustment at the headstocks had the same necks as 4003S5's & S8's, which must have been able to take nearly 300lbs of string tension.

[bluegrassmoker]

i was thinking of doing the same it seems like the double truss rod could take the tension but i am getting my bass in order and the top truss rod is positioned in such a way that i am afriad to tighten it because it is really close to the back of the neck making it nearly impossible to fit a wrench back there without bending the tip of the truss rod and I also checked out the same model in my music shop but it seems like the previous owner had a similar problem with the tension of the rods and tried to tighten it and cracked the bolt....thanks for ric making the double truss rod. What should i do.....love this forum

[coolingitdown]

The 4003S/5 and 4003S/8 have the same neck as the 4003S, so your 4003S should be able to take the tension. It would just have to be set up right.

Also remember that the later design 4003's with the truss rod adjustment at the headstocks had the same necks as 4003S5's & S8's, which must have been able to take nearly 300lbs of string tension.

Is there an echo in here?