Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

i found a set of vintage NOS maxima flatwound bass strings, the seller thinks the gauge is 40-100 (sleeves are unmarked) and they are for a 33 2/3 scale? these were in maxima packaging,but doesn't this sound similar to the rickenbacker red box strings? i won the auction,and they will be shipped from england this week. i figured if they fit on my 4000 , great,if not i may be able to use them on something else. the seller also had some other vintage maxima string sets (roundwound,nylon tapes). i am really curious about these-i have read here and elsewhere that thomastiks are similar,but i would be surprised if these older strings were based on a roundcore construction like the ti's.

.........crickets chirping...........and the strings come with a 1957 4000 attached! (sigh)....not!

Sorry Woody,

I don't know much about those strings, but wasn't Maxima the company that made them for RIC years ago?

Sounds like you made a nice snap, PLEASE let us know what they are like.

I'm after the black set of vintage the RIC outlet keeps listing, but I can't seem to land them.

I want them for my 4003FL AFG, those black strings would look killer!

Jason has a set on his 92FL, and they are killer.

thanks,tony. i saw those nylon strings,too,and thought,if i had a fretless rick i would get 'em! the maxima strings are coming from england via regular mail,so i will let ya know what i think when (or if) they get here! i do hope they are long enough to work on the 4000.

Woody, you do realize the 400x basses are a 33.25" scale? So these Maximas should fit fine. I have a set of NOS Rick flats (RICs were Maximas per JH) that I have on my 4003 and they are really great strings. Gauges seem the same IIRC. Slightly looser feel than a flat like the Chromes, but I really like the feel of them and the sound and tone are great.

john-thanks! i did realize maxima produced the original strings,and have memory of buying a set MANY years ago,and really liking them,so i am looking forward to getting these strings.i had a set of pyramids on my 4000,really liked the sound,but they pulled the bridge up. i installed a hipshot aluminum bridge,which i really like,and i think the maxima's are a smaller gauge than the pyamids anyway. my main concern now is not to put too much tension on the neck-afraid of pulling the set neck loose. i think if they work,i got a bargain-the strings were $52.00 shipped. IIRC,didn't the strings have the light purple silks,(as did the pyramids)?

Woody, a very good price. The Maximas will be a lot less tension than the Pyramids. And my Rick flats have the purple silk wraps.

excellent! well,now it's just waitin' to see when they get here......hope santa is involved in watching over the delivery...