suggest a softer feeling string for my new 4003

[armybass]

I just got my new 2011 4003 Jetglo. I got it from a guy who only had it for a few months so I am not sure if the strings are still the factory strings but I think they are. The tension is a bit much for me and I am looking for a slightly lighter feel but don't wanna wack the neck out with a really softer gauge. Just curious as to what strings you guys are using on your Rics and if anyone could suggest a brand and or set that would give my a nice medium tension feel?

[johnallg]

Rounds or flats?

[armybass]

ah sorry....I am definitely looking for rounds....I have my Labella's and TI's on other basses. But I want the classic Ric tone, just a softer feel. Wish I knew what the strings were that were on it. They have chrome ball ends and now silks?

[armybass]

NO silks....geesh

[jps]

I have TI Jazz Rounds on two of my Ricks, sound great, feel great, but perhaps too low a tension for what are looking for, well worth trying though. They are very long lasting too, mine have been on them for at least a couple of years, now.

[johnallg]

A lot of us like D'Addario EXL-`170 nickle rounds. A lot like the RIC factory strings, but the E is .100, not .105. EXL-165 would be the .105 E string set.

[armybass]

A lot of us like D'Addario EXL-`170 nickle rounds. A lot like the RIC factory strings, but the E is .100, not .105. EXL-165 would be the .105 E string set.

Are Ric factory strings D'Addario's?

[jps]

If you want D'Addario roundwounds in a lighter set try their EXL-220 set.

[coolingitdown]

I know I also speak for a couple of us when I suggest Circle K Strings' balanced 106 set. I was exclusively a flatwound player for a decade prior to trying these and coming back to rounds on some of my basses. They are a nickel/steel hybrid, and really capture the best of both worlds (brightness of steel; soft, supple feel of nickel). They make my 2010 4003 sing!

[Fretjob]

I used to play Rotosound RS66LD, the steel roundwounds that Chris Squire plays.

However, after switching to playing 60% fingerstyle i needed a softer string and went for the the Nickel Version, RS66LDN.

[Kopfjaeger]

I know I also speak for a couple of us when I suggest Circle K Strings' balanced 106 set. I was exclusively a flatwound player for a decade prior to trying these and coming back to rounds on some of my basses. They are a nickel/steel hybrid, and really capture the best of both worlds (brightness of steel; soft, supple feel of nickel). They make my 2010 4003 sing!

Big plus 1 here! I too use Circle K balanced tension strings on all of my Rickenbacker basses. You won't find them in any stores but by mail, I get mine in less than a week.

I'm a huge fan.

Sepp

[iiipopes]

Most rounds are similar, and if you're playing with a set that starts with a G string "45," then you have to start with something smaller than that. The Circkle K "balanced" sets are a good start, either the 106, which is still very close to standard 45-105, or what I would suggest, the 102, which is a shade lighter. If you like other strings, and have access to singles, you can make your own "balanced" set with a 40-55-75, and either 95 or 100 for the low E. I personally don't go any thinner than 100, and usually stay at 105, because the lesser tension can cause the string to go beyond soft and feel "floppy."

The RIC boutique has a set of 40-95:
http://boutique.rickenbacker.com/STRING ... p_684.html

[woodyng]

Another nod for the circle K's. Great feel,and great sounding string set. I have a set on my Laredo,I suspect it is the 102 gauge,they were on the bass when I bought it,and I love them. The tension/feel is similar to my maxima flats. I have a 40-100 set of DR sunbeams on my cii,which are also a great string set,both smooth feeling and have a bright rw sound.

[JackTheRipper]

Yet another nod for the Circle K strings. I normally buy the individual strings in 45/55/76/106 in traditional tension for my 4003, but I think I'll try the balanced tension next time. Very nice sounding string and they aren't rough to the touch.

--jack

[coolingitdown]

Yet another nod for the Circle K strings. I normally buy the individual strings in 45/55/76/106 in traditional tension for my 4003, but I think I'll try the balanced tension next time. Very nice sounding string and they aren't rough to the touch.

--jack

Yes, do try the balanced set! It's gauged 43/59/79/106, and each string has the same tension as the next. It's quite a wonderful set!