Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

After 4.5 years with the same set of pyramids, I just ordered a set of TI jazz flats. I got the jf344 set from just strings. I've heard good things about them, so I'm excited to try them. I'll also be adding some washers under the bridge when I change the strings. I'm curious to see/hear what this will do as well.

You will probably have to take some off of the rods. TI's are great strings but they are quite a bit softer than the Pyramids.

I figured I'd loosen the rods, install the TI's, and then tighten as needed.

Changing both the strings and adding the washers at the same time will be hard to sort which causes the change you hear. You'd have to do them one at a time to attribute a change to the washers.

I'm thinking of trying a set of TI flats on my 4004. The highest tension string is less than the lowest tension on my set of Chromes. Oops. I lied, the tension would be less if I went to a 106 E.

Has anyone went from Chromes(45-100) to TI flats on a 4004(43-100)? I am curious as to how different they feel.

Well, I installed the washers and the new strings. I've only played it for a few minutes, but I like the TI's. I can tell the strings are easier to press than the pyramids, but they don't feel floppy. I got the jf 344 set (.043, .056, .070, .100). There isn't that big a difference in sound between the two. I think the TI's sound a little warmer. I'm happy.

My first impression of the washers is that the A and D strings sound a bit more lively. The E and G sound just fine as well. I never really had a problem with the E being weak.

Charly, incidentally one of my 4004's is strung with Chromes, the other with TI Jazz Flats.

The TI's are smoother feeling than the Chromes, which results in less noise when sliding. This also results in a slightly brighter tone for the Chromes. If you like the Chromes, you'll certainly like the TI's.

However, I don't know if the tonal difference will be enough to warrant the price, especially when dealing with HB-1's, which aren't the most clear sounding pickup.

Thanks John, I'll stick with the chromes, since they are new.....

It's been suggested to me to put GHS pressure wound medium/light strings on my 4003. Anyone have any experience with these?

I played my bass some more today, and I really like the TI's. They seem to have more growl and definition. I didn't think it possible to find a string as good as the Pyramids, but I think I like the TI's better. The 4003 is my first bass, so I've only experienced the Rickenbacker strings(which I liked, but they weren't flats), the Pyramids, and now the TI's.

I was able to put two washers around each screw between the bridge and the wood (about a 2 mm gap). As John pointed out, it's hard to tell which is responsible for the sound (washers or new strings), but I'll leave the washers in place as I think they have added a little more resonance the sound.

Johnny B- I used to think that the hb1's lacked clarity too until I started trying different amps. I started with a B100r, very similar to what you've got. Then I tried some Eden stuff and noticed a little more clarity. Then I got my Markbass head and WOW it was like somebody cleaned all the wax out of my ears. The hb1's plus Markbass plus DR strings = unbelievable great clear tone, go check it out sometime.