Ed, I had Fender med. gauge telephone lines on a 78 4001 and they didn't bother the neck at all, but I believe that was unusual, they sounded good too.
Jeff you can accelerate the break-in process by tuning them up about an octave, would sound good by maybe 2010.
What are your favorite 'sound suckers' ?
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Bob, my 4001 had the dreaded fingerboard separation problem in about 1983...and I've been wary since. Not a problem since it got repaired well.
But I just wonder if the lower tension strings might be better for the guitar, plus give me a far different sounding/feeling bass.
The 4001 sounds great IMO with the flats on it. A real deep bass thud, and when I want it, I can get some nice highs out of it. Of course, that all relative-nowhere near the highs as when it was strung with Rotosounds back in the day.
The funny thing about these flats, was right before I changed the strings I felt that the bass sounded poor when I played alone. But every time I jammed with the band I was very happy. When I finally put on new strings, that old piano-like ring was clearly evident. Took about 2-3 weeks before it went away.
But I just wonder if the lower tension strings might be better for the guitar, plus give me a far different sounding/feeling bass.
The 4001 sounds great IMO with the flats on it. A real deep bass thud, and when I want it, I can get some nice highs out of it. Of course, that all relative-nowhere near the highs as when it was strung with Rotosounds back in the day.
The funny thing about these flats, was right before I changed the strings I felt that the bass sounded poor when I played alone. But every time I jammed with the band I was very happy. When I finally put on new strings, that old piano-like ring was clearly evident. Took about 2-3 weeks before it went away.
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I'm sure they are better for the bass Ed. With my 78 the neck didn't budge when I put them on, I had a 75 like that also, it was completely flat and I had to put med gauge fender flats on it to make it even budge a little bit and it took about two weeks. Most other 4001's I've had did not like Fenders or Pyramids at all, I think some just have much stronger wood than others or something. My 78 has a thicker finger board than most 4001's also. I have Ric nickle rounds on it now, but I very rarely use it as I'm not into the RW sound anymore. I put the Pyramids on my 4003's as I don't want to push my luck. I'm not real crazy about TI's as they are middy once the initional twang wears off and they are too light for me although they are nice for throwing your fingers around if you want to show off, or for jazz.
I like the thud also, I play bass, haha! When I play a note I want it to come out and punch me, which is why I use fingers, Ampeg SVT's, URB's, Ric 4003's and flatwounds.
I like the thud also, I play bass, haha! When I play a note I want it to come out and punch me, which is why I use fingers, Ampeg SVT's, URB's, Ric 4003's and flatwounds.