Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone know if these strings are too high tension for a '68 4001? I really prefer the feel and sound of roundwounds, but is there a set that is suitable for a Ric like mine? What are your suggestions on strings? Is a 1979 4001 as sensitive to string issues as a 1960's model? Can the '79 handle the roundwounds? Thanks for your information.

Javier, I guess I am stating the obvious but it all depends on your neck. As we know Chris Squire uses Rotos on his RM 1999, so there may be a chance that it will be OK for you. Rotos were just fine on my '74 4001 but my '72 wont take them. I would have thought from hanging out here for a while now that is is unlikely that they will be OK on most '68 Rics.

Thanks. I am interested specifically in the Tru Bass strings. If I remember correctly, these are the strings that were on the bass when my Dad got it YEARS ago. They are the only ones that I have seen that have the nylon SLEEVE. The DR Black Beauties and Fender nylons are TAPE wound. I just wonder if these strings will work on the bass or if they may have contributed to the damage. I did like the way they felt.

Personally Javier, I would NOT put Rotosounds of any kind on the '68, and especially after all of Dale's fine work and proper set up. As Bob says, they certainly have been a factor in many a 60's neck problem.

My '64 had them for many years and tolerated them, but after switching to D'Addario rounds with much lighter tension, the bass is so much sweeter. The pull on the headstock has decreased and the action is lower.

You can just tell the bass is happier...

I used Rotosound strings on my 68 4001 for many years ... they stressed the neck beyond its design specs but it held up fine ...

Try DR strings they don't go dead as fast as Rotos ... or try D'Adarrio ...

I used Rotosound strings on my 68 4001 for many years ... they stressed the neck beyond its design specs but it held up fine ...

Try DR strings they don't go dead as fast as Rotos ... or try D'Adarrio ...

Hold on a second, the Trubass strings are very LOW tension. It's kind of counter-intuitive, because they are very thick, but actually they are almost like TI Jazz Flats. And they are basically like flatwounds - you won't really get any high end out of them. I have them on an old Gibson.

You are correct Harry. Their website states they are very low tension, but does not quote figures.

At first glance, and certainly looking at the string gauges, (65 75 100 115) it's not hard to think that caution would be on most users mind.

DR strings are very good strings. I love the nickel Lo-Riders. The nickel Sunbeams would be a very good low tension choice for a RW. I don't like SS rounds at all. They are too harsh sounding for my tastes. Flatwounds are a totally different story though. I prefer Chromes. The Roto Tru-Bass should be all right tension wise. They are just big strings. Macca used them on his Hofner, and they are fairly fragile basses.

I used ONLY Rotosounds for YEARS until a fellow forumite suggested the DR HI-Beam. At first, I wasn't too sure about them, but quickly adjusted to the change. PLUS, they are a LOT easier on the fingers.

After about a week, they settled in and wow, I NEVER went back to Rotosounds again. They don't eat the frets like the Roto's do, the sound very close and they last a LOT, LOT longer!

So are the DR Highbeams tapewound? Steel? Nickel? I am just trying to find the best for this bass. Thanks for your help!

Javier - what exactly do you want? Roundwound or tapewound? Bright sound or fat 'n' thumpy?

I actually like the feel and sustain of rounds. I want something that is full on the bottom, and a little bright, but not with too much bite. If that makes any sense.

If that's the case, then I don't think that the Rotosound Trubass strings are what you are looking for. They basically have zero high end. Maybe D'addario Chromes? I'm pretty sure there are some folks here that really like those, though I don't have much experience with them.

Javier,

"Hi-Beam Stainless Steel Bass Strings are round wound and constructed upon a round core which is unique in the industry. Hi-Beams require much more time, care, and extra steps to make than other bass strings. The extra effort DR expends making Hi-Beams results in a bass string that is highly flexible, musically bright (not harshly bright) and renowned for durability, unusually long life, consistency, and string-to string balance. They don't eat your frets. Hi-Beams are the string to choose for brightness, and ease of playing. DR H-Beams fit virtually all scale lengths up to 37 3/4".

To me, they are the closest thing to Roto's WITHOUT the coarse feel with a LITTLE less bite.