Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello everybody, I am a RIC fan from Brazil, is my first post here and I have 2 questions for you:

I own a 90's Rickenbacker 4001v63 Mapleglo and I would like to use Rotosound strings... I want that "Bright" of Geddy Lee, CS, etc...
What is the right RS for me?
RS 66LC?
RS 66LD?

Another question: I own a 1974 Rickenbacker 4001, the past owner use it with Roundwound strings...I changed it to Flatwound, but I like more the sound of RW, is really NOT recommended to use RW in my old 4001?

Thank you all...

Welcome! These are probably the ones you are thinking of:



The 4001 is capable of using the roundwounds if you do a careful setup and initially watch the neck for movement the first few days. Many use roundwounds on the old 4001 basses.

Yes, this is what I want to use...
And about the old 4001, I think all past onwers uses RW strings, without problem...
But I`m afraid anyway...you have no ideia of the RIC prices here...

Welcome Guilherme,

The V63 can use any strings, but you have to be careful when using Rotosounds on the old truss rods basses from the 70's. Some basses can cope and some don't like them at all.

If the bass has worn them previous it shouldn't be a problem, but if you switch to a lighter gauge string you should find the action a little easier...

I have a '74 4001 and have used D'Addario EXL170 on them for years.... no neck issues what so ever. Just take your time and do a good setup with them.... enjoy!

And welcome to the forum Guilherme!

I had a neck repair done by Dale Fortune on my '68 4001. He said it could take rounds. I have DR HighBeams on it now. I think I'll try the DR HalfWounds next.

Welcome in the forum Guilherme,

I also have a '74 4001FG and I bought it with a severe neck break. However I could repair this due to the excellent support of Dale F. and Paul W. I never think of any other strings than RW. Currently I have a light set of 40 - 100 on it but I will increase the gauge next year after the pre-'73-conversion from Paul W. The only problem with the bass was a tail lift which I overcame with adding the 2 extra screws on the tail piece. This, together with the "washer-procedure" improved the sound and sustain of my bass enormously. So, don't worry about RW, just check and watch your bass carefully whenever you set it up with a new string set ... AND HAVE FUN!!!

+1 on those D'Addario XL-170's.
Here's a link to the details:
http://www.daddario.com/DADProdDetail.a ... Class=ACBA


I've been using them for years, and never had a bad string. They will give you the Chris Squire, Geddy Lee tone you seek.

Ah, Ja! Nickels give a more midrange sound than the stainless steels and also do not grind the frets too fast...

Oi, Guilherme!

Where in Brasil are you from? I have a house in Natal.

Olá Paul...
I live in Curitiba, in south.
I don't know Natal yet...I guess the city is VERY HOT, right?

I have a good friend (A designer) who lives and works in Curitiba, and is always encouraging me to visit.

Curitiba is the most advanced city in Brasil, from what I've seen. I love the pictures I've seen of your concert hall in the trees.

Natal is tropical and is a beach and tourism city.

Yes, I agree... You must visit south, is a wonderful place to live...VERY different of the "Media's Brazil".

+1 on the D'Addarios; I have a set on my late '75 4001 with no issues.