Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello all, I'm in need of advice on a low tension, flatwound set of strings for my 87 4003s8. I've got some neck bow on it now and if I loosen the 4 secondary/octave strings the action is nice and low with no buzzes...when I tighten the octaves back up to pitch I get a fairly high action and slight neck bow...truss rod adjustment hasn't helped and neither has bridge adjustment.

I'm thinking that what I need are some low tension strings...I want to replace the primaries with D'Adario super soft chrome flats and of course the E and A octave strings with the chromes as well...What I need are some very long, low tension D and G octave strings...any ideas, thoughts or suggestions from you other s8 owners? thanks, David M

Have you tried setting then neck by hand while adjusting the rods? I do this on my S8 because of the heavy neck load. The rods cannot always move some necks on their own. This technique temporarily removes the load so the rods can be adjusted. I sit in a chair and set the bass on it's end button on the floor snugly between between my feet (soft shoes or socks!). The back of the bass rests against my left knee then I gently pull back with my left hand (at the nut) until the neck bends slightly. Holding it in this position I apply a 1/4 turn to the rods. Retune then check the relief/action again. This is the same technique used on the old style truss rods but it works nicely on more stubborn necks that have the new style rods.

try lighter strings like .95 E or try de-tuning to E flat or D ... Or use Ted's idea ... I did that on a 2030 and it worked ... also this time of year as winter kicks in and we turn up the heat our houses get drier ... and wood shrinks in low humidity and this will bow the neck because the steel doen't shrink ... so run a humidifier ...

ah the bass is all messed up-for a fee I'll take it off your hands.

I was going to say that also ...

Ted...yes I've tried the old method of hand setting the neck with minimul results..what I'm really looking for is those 2 (D,G) high octave strings in low tension...

Jeff...yes, that's what I'm trying to put together is a 40-95 set..I can get everything in chromes except the D&G octaves.

Jared and Jeff......my fee to let you take it off my hands would be $3,000

Thanks for the suggestions...dminer

Lighter strings should do it. I was actually thinking about building a set of Thomastik rounds for my S8. They are about the softest strings on the market. I am using Boomers right now but I am not totally happy with them.

"Jared and Jeff......my fee to let you take it off my hands would be $3,000"

I'll sell my s8 with perfect neck/action for significantly less than that if you are interested!

All the blood cleaned off it Brian?

The blood was on his MID 4003, I think.

How about a pic of that S-8 Brian??

Sorry David I wasn't attempting to hijack the thread.

Scott I really don't want to sell it.....I just love it but my "needs" require the Laredo that I just bought and I only have so much money in my toy slush fund at the moment. Again, I'm not sure if I'm parting with it yet but I'm leaning that way. I have the original p/u's that I'll re-install prior to any sale BTW. If you are seriously interested just drop me an email. Price would be $1750+......I'm not sure exactly how much since I'm still on the fence.





.....and yes, the 4003 MID suffered and the s8 remained untainted.

You just love posting that picture, don't you? It seriously looks like you lost a half-pint of blood through your fingers!

Yes I do! I try to limit it to when it somewhat applies and this time Steve mentioned it so blame him.....

It's a great picture, so I'm glad to be Brian's "enabler"!