Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Heavy gauge round wound stainless? Low tension? I don't THINK so.

Ouch, my aching bass!

Yes, Heavy guage as in 105/85/65/45 ok more medium/heavy. I currently play 100/80/60/40's. They intonate perfectly, unlike the low quility(imho)Ric strings that came on the bass. They are what seems to be a softer compound stainless than what is commonly found on the like of Rotos which eat frets so they are light on the frets and yes, there tension is much lighter than you'd expect for this guage, so yes, I DO think so, and if you want a set of the strings I'm talking about I'll send you a set, they are Elites Stadium Series strings, and probably the best string as far as stainless rounds I've found. Best compromise between tone(which I love), durability, how much they eat my bass and price, allround great string. Oh and my bridge does not lift with these like it did with Roto's of the same guage. The only reason I dont use the 105's is they dont intonate as true as the 100's, no tension issues at all.
Steve

I also had a lot of problems with my '04 Monty Brown 4003. Also to do with the truss rods. It took a couple of years, but new truss rods, (after one of the nuts sheared off! My blood runs cold just thinking about it!) and a setup, really made this bass play beautifully. I've tinkered with it since, action, neck, etc. It sounds and plays superb now.
I nearly sold mine too, in a fit of pique, but I'm glad I didn't. All the guys here were really supportive and helpful, and I'm eternally grateful. Keep the faith, keep the Rick!!!

I tinkered with my first 4003, then got "an expert" to give it a full set-up - big mistakes. Then I found this forum & benefited from the knowledge & experience of people like John H, Dane, Paul, Ted (& many others).
Now both my 4003s are perfect, & need practically no attention at all - they just want playing !

One thing you learned Steve, is that you could take the rods out and do what you did to fix the problem. Try and do that with a Fender or Musicman!

Very True Jeffrey, Very True!!!!

I also learned a lot from the members in this forum
I showed up totally clueless about the 4001...
Now I can confidently pull the rods, straighten them and set-up the 4001 to just where I like it...
Many Thanks...
Chris

This definatly is a very good forum with great, helpfull, knowledgable and above all, Patient members, its great knowing that people here can understand ones frustration and not start biting back when you get angry with your ric. Having a Ric is like haivng a woman, you love 'em but they can be high maintenance and highly annoying but we love the end result.

Would Melissa or Alisha like to comment!