Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm thinking about getting a set of these for my 4001, and wondering what that would sound like. Anyone ever try these on a 4001/4003? Dooe the fact that they're Acoustic Bass Guitar strings affect the tension on the neck?

I started thinking about this when my friend put acoustic guitar strings once on his guitar, and it gave a unique sound.

I have no idea how the bronze strings for an electric acoustic bass would sound on your 4001. But if you decide to try them, go with the Thomastik-Infeld brand. Rick Turner installs these standard on his Renaissance acoustic basses and has high praise for them.

I've not tried this nor heard of anyone doing so, but my first impression is that they would sound rather flat. The pickup would only be sensing the core wire itself, as the bronze obviously is non-ferrous. Maybe it'd be a nice sound but surely the output would be very low.

Robert-
I tried this on a hollow body bass in the hope this would bring out more of the acoustic properties, it didn't.

The sound electrically was not very desireable.
It was a somewhat (as Mr. Hall correctly assumes)weak signal with no bass & midrange only a high end with no definition.

If you still want to try this, the tension of the strings (Rotosound Accoustic Bronze 45-105's) was similar to a light tension electric set.

Never tried bronze acoustic strings on an electric bass, but years ago I tried some bronze strings on my 70s 360-12.They "worked", but man, talk about finger squeaking and raspy!!! I took them off in short order.Not a great idea, at least in my testing experience.