Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I prefer the feel of Rotosound strings (especially Nickelwound), but have found the Rickenbacker strings to have the longest life. I have a set on my CS that still sounds great after a year - that bass has seen plenty of use too. Rotosounds start out with the best tone, but lose it within a few 'playing days'. The Ric strings begin from a less zingy starting point, but seem to stay consistently there for months.

Jon, that has been my experience - nicely put.

I have a set of Ric RW's that came on a V-63 I bought brand new when they were closing out the line at GC, they've been on a 78 4001 now for at least 3 years and still sound good and bright, of course I don't play it all that much being a confirmed flatwound player, haha! All you have to do is look at Rots and they go dead. "Don't even look at it!"

I second the DR Hi Beams, just put a light set (40-100) on one of my 73 4001's and they rock!
I've got medium sets (45-105) on my 4004's with great growly results. I haven't been happy with the DR B strings though and recently tried LaBella Hard Rockin Steel B's in the .128 size. They match the growl of the DR's, are tight with great intonation and tone quality. Best B string out there for 34" scale basses and I've tried quite a few.

I have not changed the original factory strings on my 2001 4003. I do intend to any time soon either
I changed strings to DR extra life black beauties on a P bass copy a few days ago. the strings are very nice and improved that sound of the P but
the Ric still sounds better,

but then again its a Ric