4003 String Question

redvette · Post by **redvette** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:05 am

I would like to use D'Addario strings on my Rick, but they don't make string "sets" that match the factory string gauges. (Nobody else seems to either). Is it a big problem for the neck, etc. to go to a more "standard" medium string set like: 045 065 080 105? Or would it be better to go light as: 040 060 080 100?

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:16 am

I've used D'Addario XL-170's on all my Ricks for years with absolutely no problems. My string of choice.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:34 am

Hi Richard, welcome to the Forum.

I'd go lighter if it was me, you may have to tweak the nut just a little to accomodate the 60 and 80, but other than that they should work just fine.

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:15 am

I prefer 105's

grayk · Post by **grayk** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:31 am

Elites Player (nickle) 45 65 85 105 no problems.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:34 am

No, it's no problem at all to use any standard string gauge on a 4003. The D'addario XL165 (045-105), my first choice in rounds, actually are slightly lower tension than the factory set. The last time I did this, I already had the relief way low on the Ric strings and I actually had to loosen the truss rods about 1/6 turn after putting on the XL165s.

But if it's a new bass, you may have to enlarge the nut slots evry slightly.

redvette · Post by **redvette** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:55 am

Thanks for all of the replies. Gives me confidence to try some different string sets. I think I will try the XL 165 set first.

I have only been playing bass (and taking lessons) for about two months. Played clarinet and saxes for about 20 years and it seems that bass strings are like reeds -- you are always searching for a certain sound. What I am after is a very smooth and "centered" tone. The Rickenbacker bass seems to be the best for this.

jps · Post by **jps** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 11:48 am

Welcome former sax player!

"What I am after is a very smooth and "centered" tone"

If that is the kind of sound you are looking for you may want to try flatwound strings. I use D'Addario Chromes in a 40-55-75-95 set that is nice and easy on the neck and gives me a nice variety of tones from grindy to dubby.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 1:46 pm

The 4003 neck is designed to take a wide variety of strings. Matching the factory strings is not a requirement. I like 40-100 sets but I have used 45-100 and 45-105 sets as well.

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:49 pm

Just as a reference for the variety of strings that can be used I have 60-125 strings on my 4003 tuned BEAD and it has been like this for close to two years with not a single issue.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:57 pm

Brian,
Thanks for the info on the BEAD tuning, I was considering trying this with my 4003. I'm assuming that you had to widen the nut slots to accomodate.

What are you using for strings ??

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:52 pm

I tend to break strings on a regular basis so I go with GHS Boomers since the have a nice bright tone when they are fresh and I swap them out before they sound like mud anyway.....and they are pretty cheap. I just get 5-string sets.
Yes, I had to widen the nut slots a tad.
Since I have problems playing Ric 5 strings due to the tight string spacing this was a good alternative for me.

thx1955 · Post by **thx1955** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:12 pm

I appreciate the update Brian .....

rickaddict · Post by **rickaddict** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 3:54 am

So I have a question: Brian's 4003 is strung BEAD with 60-125 strings. Is that going to be more or less tension than your average medium roundwound 45-105 tuned EADG?

I used to have one of my 4001s strung BEAD with a similar gauge and I didn't have any neck problems either.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Wed Feb 09, 2005 4:21 am

In general, the BEAD set will have the same or lower tension than EADG. That's because a typical 125 tuned to B is lower tension than a typical 045 tuned to G.

Here are some examples using D'addario XLs:
EADG 040-060-080-100: 155.1 lbs.
EADG 045-065-080-100: 172.6 lbs.
EADG 045-065-085-105: 182.8 lbs.
BEAD 060-080-100-125: 152.8 lbs.
BEAD 060-085-105-125: 163.0 lbs.

D'addario has a complete chart in .pdf on their site with tension for every single string, and over an octave range of tunings. There's some good info on pages 3 and 4, and the bass strings start on page 9: http://www.daddariostrings.com/Resources/JDCDAD/images/tension_chart.pdf