Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Okay, let me demonstrate my naivete. Just took my new (1982) 4003 for a test drive through the Phil Jones amp, and I'm curious....
The D and G strings sound great-crisp, clangy, just like a Rick should. But the E string in particular, and to a lesser degree the A string, are somewhat subdued, muted, more like a P Bass than a Rick. The volume seems fairly consistent across all four strings, but there's definitely a tonal, personality difference between the E/A and the D/G.
I'm thinking (hoping) its nothing more than two dead strings. I have no idea how long they've been on the bass. Chris @ POTR says they are Rick strings, that's all I know. But could it be more ominous? Perhaps a pickup problem? Could it have something to do with the Rick O Sound jacks?

It's most likely the strings. How do the strings sound in comparison with each other with the bass unplugged? You don't have to be plugged in to hear the difference between new and dull sounding strings.
You might also want to check to see if the E string side of the mute is raised, touching the E and A strings. If so, just give the thumb screw on the E string side of the mute a couple of turns counterclockwise.

Also check for a twist in the strings. I've had it a couple of times and it really deadens the tone.

Mark brings up a really good point - if the string does not lay untwisted from the tailpiece hole to the machine head, it will not vibrate freely, and usually sounds dead.

Back off the tension on those two strings (one at a time) and when loose enough, play with the tailpiece end to make sure it is not twisted.