Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

After hearing about Chromes for years here, I finally got around to trying a set on a 4003. I ended up getting the 50-105 set (I prefer a slightly higher gauge to add a bit of tauntness to the feel of the strings). Aside from needing to widening the D string channel in the nut to allow the string to seat properly, the strings seem quite nice. I have started to wonder about using the heavier gauge and bridge lift. Does anyone think this is a valid concern?

for me,a standard gauge 45-105 set was too heavy on my 4000 set neck,and i tried them on my 68 telecaster bass,still too hi-tension feeling. i personally didn't care for the sound either-very bright sounding like a roundwound string-not what i look for in a flatwound. but i appear to be in the minority on this issue,most folks love 'em! i would think the 50-105 set would be too much tension for most bass necks,but i have found you just have to try it and see....

Steve, I didn't have them on my 4003 long enough to tell if there'd be lift, but I can say they are fairly higher tension strings as I had to adjust the truss rods when I put them on and took them off. They are on the 4004C now and that bass has no lift issues. I probably have the same gauge as I had to open the nut a little also.

I would just keep an eye on the lift amount and see how it goes. If you have the washers under the 3 screws in the rout area, that really helps alleviate the lift tendency, as not having the washers there lets the 3 screws pull down the tailpiece and pre-lift the string anchor end, aiding the process of lift.

I use 40-95 on the old school necks, keeping minimum stress, and that lower tension to keep the action low.

The new rods should handle that gauge no problem, but an adjustment may be necessary.

I use 45-100 on my C64 with no problem at all. I don't care to go any heavier with flats though. I use 45-105 and 45-100 DR RW's on my 4003 and V63 respectively

I just bought a custom Chrome set that I really like, the tension is very even string to string:

DAD_ECB84$26.85



NOTE
DESCRIPTION
DIAMETER INCHES TENSION LBS

1st G
Chromes Stainless Steel Flat Wound
.040


2nd D
Chromes Stainless Steel Flat Wound
.060


3rd A
Chromes Stainless Steel Flat Wound
.080


4th E
Chromes Stainless Steel Flat Wound
.100

Hey John . I have a bit of tail lift on my V63 . What is the size of the washers ?

Barry, the size should vary in diameter because the thickness will vary with diameter. Get two sizes big enough so the hole will pass the tailpiece mounting screws. Then select sizes to give you the height you need to fill the gap between the maple wood in the routed area and the bottom of the tailpiece.