Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Has anyone gotten their RIC re-strung in LA. I'm apprehensive about getting it done just anywhere. (I bought it at Sam Ash)

Just a re-string, or do you need a complete setup?

you really should learn to restring your own instrument ... it is not rocket science ...

Dan, any one of Dan Erlewine's books has a good primer on restringing. Or simply go online--there are hundreds of pages called up with a simple "restringing guitars" Google inquiry.

The more you learn technically, the less you are at the mercy of others. Do it yourself!

Hey Dan, if you are willing to drive down to Costa Mesa in Orange County, I'd be glad to show you how to restring it (including some tricks for the R tailpiece) and set the intonation. I do all my own guitars anymore. All you would need is the set of strings ... well, that, and patience while driving from L.A. to O.C. and back!

Dan, this page on my website explains how to change strings on a bass. Not six string guitar, but the technique is about the same.
http://www.joeysbassnotes.com/maint.htm

My new RIC strings just came in. I pretty sure it was set up but the strings on the guitar now are oxidizing a little and the sales person said the strings should be replaced. I would like to do it myself but don't know what "setting the intonation" means.

Thanks for all the advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Dan, I am also in the "O.C." and I'd also be willing to help you out with restringing your guitar and setting the intonation if you want to make the drive.

Thank-you. Would it be very difficult for me to do it myself? (I'd like to) I'd need a procedure and a suggestion for a tuner to buy. I know changing the strings wouldn't be that difficult but It's the intonation I'd want to get just right.

just be glad you don't have a Floyd Rose tremelo to restring ...

Joey's website has a good procedure, with good photos, of how to restring. Also, how to intonate.

You will definitely want a tuner. Tuners have come a long way in the past 10 years or so. I have a Boss TU-2 footpedal tuner that I really like because I can use it for club gigs, and drop my low E string down to D for a song, etc. Also, it silently shuts down my signal when I stomp on it, so that is a nice function for me, as well. I think they run about $80-100 new. Or, you could get a handheld tuner for very little $$. Also, I just saw a review in Bass Player magazine of a new footpedal-style Peterson super-accurate strobe tuner. Looks great, but I don't have the $200 to spend right now.

Go for it on the regular guitar maintenance. Find good instructions and give it a go. You will be closer to your guitar afterwards.

I'll try it. regarding the strings itself. Are the Pyramid flat wound strings better for tonal quality than the RIC round wound compressed nickel strings?

The Pyramid thing is very personal. When I got my Rick 12, I was determined to try them. Now, since reading about how stiff they are, I'm not so sure.

After trying a number of brands--all in .010 gauge--on my Rick 6 string, I'm convinced that the Rickenbacker strings sound best, feel better, and buzz less. I've got D'Addarios on it right now, and although they really bend nicely, they also buzz more at the bridge. Though the gauge is the same, they are putting less tension on the neck, requiring a slight truss rod adjustment.

I'd say stick with Rick in the string department (for awhile).

Thanks for the compliment Dean.

I've finally had the time to make some updates to my website, I even fixed a mistake or two on it.

Dan, if you have any other questions on how to intonate, just ask here or you can email me. It's really not hard to do, it's just time consuming and requires patience when you are new at it. When you have experience doing it, it gets easier and you can get it done quicker.