Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi,

I've just replaced the strings on my 4003 for some of a slightly thicker gauge.

It was set up perfectly for the old strings in the past by my guitar tech.

Should I be worried about intonation & truss-rod adjustments etc? I'm pretty useless at that kind of thing so I'd have to fork out a bit of my hard earned cash to him to do it if so.... But I don't want to risk warping the neck or anything.

Any advice appreciated!

Its almost certain that the truss rod will need a slight tighten. The Intonation may need a slight adjsutment too.

Good to see you here young Owen, haha!

Yes, the neck will probably need a tweak. Bigger strings make a broader turn over the bridge saddles so the bass may need a slight intonation adjustment but it should be "close enough for rock and roll".

Before doing anything just let it go for a few days to make sure everything settles in. I change gauges depending on my mood and I rarely have to adjust anything. It depends on the tension if you'll have to adjust the rods and the gauge doesn't necessarily determine tension.

I forgot to add - if your bass is as new (from the factory) theres no way anything other than the original rickenbacker strings are gonna fit in the nut!

I just re-strung the Blueburst the other day and had to widen the nut slots just a hair...but then again, it was a slightly heavier set. I love the D'Addarios on that bass. Played it today at rehearsal and now it sounds "right".

Steve, did you go with a nickle or pro steel set?

I put a new set of RIC strings on my month old 4003 and I'll tell you what..... It sounds pretty damn sweet!

I went with the D'Addario nickel EXL160's. I had a set handy, so I tried them out, I like them a lot! That's what I was using on my Thunderbird. I also put the EXL170-5TPs on my Fender 5-string Jazz and like those a lot!