Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My 4003 is from 2003, so it is relatively new. It is not much the taillift, but it's there. Hipshot claims on there website that their bridges won't lift.

I tried a Hipshot bridge on my 4003. I dont believe it could lift like a Ric bridge as it's a machined solid piece of brass. Very rugged & well made with fine ajustements. Also added up a bit of sustain. The drawback is the weight. This is the reason I did not keep it. It totally unbalanced the bass and made it very ``body heavy``...( think of it as adding at least 2 pounds at the bridge location )But some others like it...

It really only adds 1/2 lb.

I have a set of Ernie Ball 40-100 on my 73 and they sound ok but I am actually looking for that Chris Squire sound. I am used to loose strings and don't really want to go any higher than 100. What's out there that can give that sound that's also has a loose feel?

Have you tried the TI Jazz Rounds?

I just purchased a set of Ernie Ball Bass Strings Power Slinky 55/110 off ebay. They are the highest gauge strings from Ernie Ball, and since I loved me Ernie ball slinkys I thought I'd give these a shot.

TI Jazz rounds....Are they light tension?
Are they clean and bright? I've never tried them or heard of them. I don't get around much ya know..... Heh heh.

They are the lowest tension RW strings I have ever played. They have a smaller diameter outer wire wrap which makes them feel smoother. They may not be as bright as some RWs but with a bit of EQ and distortion, I would think you could get Squire's sound (of course, you also need his hands, brain and talent).

DR High Beams are very low tension strings too. They were too floppy for me and I had to change out. But if low temsion and good tone is what you are after and like SS strings, these are a good choice too. If you like nickel strings, the Sunbeams would be a good string also. DR's last, sound great, and are pretty easy to get. I prefer nickel Lo-Riders or Sunbeams myself.