Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've got an 8-string project in the works. I'm Fortune-ate enough to have Dale F doing it for me. (sorry) Against the advice of pretty much everybody here, I'm using a standard 5-screw tailpiece with 4 extra string holes drilled in back. To ward off the possibility of tail lift the best I can, I'd like to try some light-tension strings. I've heard that Carvin & Thomastick are good like that. Do they make 8-string sets? Any other good light-tension 8-string brands out there?

I have used GHS set 8LS-DYB mostly because it was the only stock set that matched the RIC factory 8 string set. I got them from Just Strings.

Where can I get a set of strings for my 10 string bass?

Mark, SIT makes some good strings, also D'addario. By the way, even though it's not on the bass yet, your tailpiece is already lifting. You could also try running four of the strings through the back of the body to relieve stress on the tailpiece...that's lifting right now!

You can order custom sets from DR and others. Try Just Strings. Maybe they can help.

From juststrings.com I would order Ken Smith Burner piccolo bass strings and a 4 string set in the gauge I liked. Let me know if you are interested.....I still have a few sets around and can get you part numbers if you like.

Thanks, guys. Brian - I take it you used the piccolo set as the octave strings in conjunction with the standard tuned set? Sure; lay some numbers on me; that'd be great. I'd like to use nickels as long as it's an option. I'll check out the juststrings site, too.

The D'addarios are very good !

juststrings.com they sell individual strings

Mark, that's a question I was going to ask too, so thanks!

I liked the Ric strings that were on when I got my old 4003s8 (45-90?), tried my normal 40-95 Rotos which sounded fierce for one gig only and then completely died, then tried a set of LaBella 45-105 which I absolutely hated. Do Ric still make the 8 string sets?

Mark....here's the link for the piccolo set i used as the octave strings.

http://www.juststrings.com/ksb-aa-bbp.html

I experimented with a few different gauge "main" string sets and settled on another Ken Smith set but I don't have any left so I'm not sure exactly which ones but I remember they were pretty close to the stock Ric set. Sorry I'm not more help.

Shaun - that's the drag about Rotosounds. They sound great for a couple of days, but they lose their tone quick. If you don't mind changing your RS sets often, you might try the boiling trick as outlined in this thread:

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Mark, I use Rotos pretty much all the time (have done for 20-odd years), and they do die fast, but these went from "clangggg!!!!" to "thump" in 30 minutes. I think the Ric set, on that bass at least, sounded better (although they don't on my CS and didn't on my V63).

BTW, all joking aside, what did you end up using tailpiece-wise Dane, if you don't mind me asking?

Mark, Someday I hope to have an 8 string project - kids thru school first. You might look at this:
http://store.juststrings.net/dad-exl170-8.html

I have been running the D'Addario 170s on my 4001 for what seems like forever (I do have a little lift - might do screws). Anyhow after a little testing I have settled on the EXL220-5 for my 4003s5. They run E 50/100, A 40/80, D 28/65 & G 18/45.

I like the d'addario 8 xl set on my 4008. They sound pretty good, they hold up for a while, and are pretty accessible. (sp?) Oh well, have fun