Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just put a set of Ernie Ball flatwounds on my 4001v63 bass as a test and love the sound but there is a problem. The bass originally had Rick 45-105 roundwounds on it and I knew a trussrod adjustment was inevitable so I had a friend of mine who is experienced with Ricks set it up. He did a fine job but the E string sounds dead. It seems as if there is no life in it. There is a tone but it's just not as tight sounding as the rest of the strings. The rest of the strings sound great. The neck appears straight and he wound the strings on the tuning pegs correctly. I've tried raising the action but that didn't help. Does the string need to stretch some more, is the string defective or this the case with all flatwounds? Any information would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Aaron

It's possible that you got a new set that had a "bad" single string in it. This Does happen in the mfg. process at times. If you'd bought Pyramids, they would send you one that replaced
the bad one. I have NBo idea if ernie Ball has such a policy.

I actually had a bad Pyramid E string and had it replaced. It was actually a "dead" string. This sounds like what you have. Try to replace the whole set, because you paid for a complete set. This is a common occurance.

I had a similar experience to that expressed by Ed. Fortunately Pyramid Strings were excellent and replaced the string. Having siad that, this has happened to several others I know with strings other than Pyramid, GHS and Labella. It is my view that the flatwound heavy gauge strings in the vicinity of 100 or 105 become dead quite early on in the game and this is related to the gauge of the string and its construction. I have had adjustments made to the nut and the bridge that did not resolve the issue, while a replacement string did the trick. Having said that, I would look to the E string going dead first even after the replacement. My two cents. I would like to hear of others experiences with flats.

I've been playing flats almost exclusively for a very long time and in my experience a bad string is rare. I also disagree that it is normal for an E string of .100 or .105 gauge to go dead early on. I typically don't change flatwound strings for a couple of years and up to a point they improve with age. The sound gets more mellow - think "thump," not dead. (Legend has it that James Jamerson never changed his flatwound strings for decades - of course, he was playing a F****r.)

To get the most out of your strings, you have to factor in your pickups, setup and amplification. My experience is that if you are not careful the E string can seem relatively weak on Rick basses, particularly on the neck pickup. Here's what has worked for me on my '73 4001: (1) Choose a string set where the A and D strings are smaller than standard in relation to the E and G strings. I have found that the A string in particular seems very strong on my Rick bass, so go light on that string for balance. (2) Pickup height adjustment is critical - experiment with this. (3) Also tweak your amp EQ carefully. My two cents - YMMV.

I've bought two sets of Pyramid flats and BOTH sets came with a dead-sounding E string (or is that just the way their E's are supposed to sound?). Will they really replace it for me?

Doug - Yes, they will replace it. Contact Paul at Pyramid strings: [email protected]

I'm sure this has been addressed before but are pyramids really worth it? I'm trying to get that McCartney type sound but pyramids cost a pretty penny. I don't want to blow a bunch of cash without a little advice. Any comment would be most appreciated.
Thank,
Aaron

Pyramids are great. I bought a set about a year ago and they're still going strong! Pyramids on a RIC bass are IMO the way a RIC should be strung. The set I bought had one of those infamous "Dead E Strings", and I contacted Paul at Pyramid strings. Within a week I had a new E string with the proviso I send back the dead one for research purposes. Paul was great and I cannot say enough good things about Pyramid's customer service.

The strings are expensive, but worth it. I don't think I'll have to change strings anytime soon, and I pretty much play every day. I'm guessing by this time next year this topic will come up again, and I'll be talking about the same set on my RIC. Take it from a former life-long Rotosound user, Pyramids are the best and definitely worth the $$$ if you're going for the classic McCartney vintage tone.

Me ...I would go back to where you got it with receipt ....and see what they will do for you .

If this is a new string and something that the store carries ..you might just get them to swap it out ...no charge .THAT is customer service .
Lots of great stores do that .

However you will need that receipt.

As to a new string bad .....sure any brand can have that happen.

I myself like GHS Brite Flats .

I have them on my 1957 P bass ...love them .

Aaron-- Just want to echo what 4003 Sea Green said about the Pyramid flatwounds. These are THE BEST for a Ric bass, IMHO. Yes, they are expensive, but worth it. I've got a set on my Ric 4003 and I'll never use any other type of string on it. Check with Juststrings.com or Mike Parks at The Rickenbacker Page for the best price around on Pyramids. If you're going for that McCartney tone, I highly doubt you'll go back to any other brand after trying the Pyramids.

I totally agree. GHS Brite Flats are the best of both worlds. Try em'. Also, LaBella flatwounds are excellent for a Pyramid tone. I use them too. The E string is always the same volume and sustain as the other three.

Well, the problem has been solved! I finally got a hold of the pyramids and love them! I guess it was just a bad string since the pyramid E sounds perfect. The bass fits like a glove now. Thanks for all the advice!
All the Best,
Aaron

Aaron-- I KNEW you would like the Pyramid flatwounds.