Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The cost of strings out here in OZ is ridiculous compared to what you guys pay in the US.

My concern with buying bulk offers on eBay though, is that I will be stuck with old and inferior stock, as I'm told that's what some people do; dump them on eBay. Does anyone have a reputable contact on eBay or elsewhere that they deal with, that you are willing to share this info with?

Webstrings

I wouldn't buy from anywhere else - Of course I did buy enough strings to last me the next five years and so won't actually need to buy from anywhere else...

Remember, there are actually very few string manufacturers in the World. Most brands are just re-badging of the original product - even Rickenbacker strings aren't made by Rickenbacker.

I've purchased Rotosounds on ebay from a seller called 'solutionshipp' in country Victoria. No problems with stock and he dropped the price to $10.50 each for six sets- even threw in a mixed bag of Jim Dunlop picks!

Absolutely hassle-free transaction. I just emailed him about buying six sets and he told me what to do - no probs at all!

I also bought some Darco strings through ebay from 'guitarrepairers' in Queensland. Again, no problems and they were only $6 a set.

Another ebay seller I've dealt with is 'Ebenex' in WA, Ron. They have Ernie Balls for $8 and D'Addarios for $7. You can also get D'Addarios for around $5 from Billy Hydes if you buy 50 sets.

Thanks for the info Howard - should asked you directly - thought this thread might have stimulated others into sharing their secrets.

Is that Western Australia Howard or Washington State?
Dr Rikki over here was doing guitar sets for $5 and bass for $30-35 and I was ordering weird sizes. 35 55 70 95 etc. He was getting a brand called JVB coming from The East. There ya go Ron...

I go for Copley strings these days ... good nickel rounds with a consistant quality ...

Interesting site Mark. There doesn't seem to be a string type similar to the Rickenbacker strings. How do your compare the RIC's with the Memphis electrics in terms of tonality?

Western Australia, Gerry.

Keep em comin folks - we're starting to get on a roll now!

I haven't used RIC strings since my guitars were first purchased, but I've never found any difference in strings of an equal gauge across brands, except once - These were strings coated in some plastic that came off after about 30 seconds and were a waste of time! Apart from that, I'm pretty easy about the strings I use as long as the gauge is roughly the same.

I used to use RIC strings exclusively, Mark, but after recommendations from others I have tried other brands and I have had no problems with them - and I'm saving money! I just make sure that I use 10-42 or 10-46.

As you know, it's not just RIC strings that are expensive over here - they are around the same price as all the well known brands - which is too darned much if you pay full price!

Well it seems we've exhausted this one. Thanks to those who responded, at least there are a couple of choices from members, rather than taking pot luck and being burnt, or paying retail.(Ouch!!)

Ok...not exhausted yet. I buy diaddario XL140's (10-52) in sets of ten off eBay from flynn_winfield (??) for about $38USD shipped here to Tasmania. I like the strings - think they're great on everything, last well, great tone - and most importantly, they keep in the bags they ship in. If I used more strings OR they kept better, GHS would be my choice of string.

Cheers

I think D'Addario XL-170 Nickle roundwounds are very close to the strings that came on my new Rick basses.

And Im very picky.