Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Thanks. As usual, you guys are a treasure trove of information.

As long as we're recommending roundwounds, I like DR LoRiders.

I used the Rotosound TruBass black nylons on my Michael Kelly Acoustic Fretless. Those Are the strings used by Paul McCartney on "Abbey Road".
I did not like them at all.

Javier,
I'd suggest not only trying the Hi Beams, but also try a few other low tension brands as well, the only real way to find the string YOU like is by trying different types.

Personally I like Super Slinkies on my v63, and the Hi Beams on my 4003. Try both, and I'd also suggest trying the lighter versions of GHS Boomers which also have a great Piano like ring when new.

In the end it'll be what sounds good to your ears and feel s good on your fingers.

It might take a little time, but I'm sure with the variety and quality available today you'll find something that fits.

Jim, I know Super Slinkies well so they are a good yard stick. How do the Hi Beams compare? thanks.

I generaly use D'Addario XL170 nickle roundwounds on all my Ricks, have for years with no problems. However I put DR Highbeams on my 4004 CII and I really like them. Nice comfortable feel and great tone. I have been experimenting with D'Addario EPS170 Stainless Steel rounds on my V63 but Im just not sure about them. Very bright but a little harsh.

Can someone post a list of lo-tension strings available?

For a recording we did I wanted to get the Squire sound using my V63 so I also needed a set of Rotosound. They sounded great but lost their bite too quick. I now use DR Lo Riders and they sound bright (not harsh) and are 'accurate', last longer and as Tony said, they are easier on the fingers.

Bob,
My preference is for the Super Slinkies in Stainless Steel, they compliment the v63 better, however this is my personal taste.

I love the raw growl they have and even though they're Stainless they seem to be fairly gently on the frets, I also think they last longer under practice / gig conditions.

D'Addario's website lists string tension for each of the strings in their sets. They have a line of nickel round wounds that I'm experimenting with right now on a Yamaha 5-string bass right now(EXL 220-5:.040/.060/.075/.095/.125@ 180lbs for the set!)) I really like them and they remind me very much of the stock RIC bass strings.

Thanks Jim. Never used the SS ones only the Nickel. I quite like their tone that sits well between flat and full on round. I am looking for a bit more bite and edge so I might give the SS ones a go. Do the Ho Beams have more or less top end than the SS Slinkies?

I'd say about the same, maybe a little less, at least on my v63, the Slinkies do seem to last longer though.