Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I got my '83 4001 a few years ago. Right off, I put on DR Sumbeams to guard against goofing the neck. Good strings, but a little on the rubbery side due to their low tension. Now, I'm thinking of moving over to a regular set of DR roundwounds. Any thoughts? If I do switch over, any suggestions on guage? Thanks!

Lee,

I use the 45-105's DR HIGH BEAMS on my late 70's early 80's 4001's with NO PROBLEMS at all.

Great strings.

LOVE the High Beams!! My favorite strings.

Hmm, their website says bright sound. I wonder how bright? I play mostly retro-rock, etc. and I'm a little worried about the funk-sound factor.

This is amazing - I just logged in to post about getting a set of DR Sunbeams 40-100 for a 73' 4001 and saw this thread...
I am a little worried to use Lo Riders (that I love on my V63's).
What do you guys say?

DR makes good strings ...

I use High Beams on almost all of my basses. Prior to that I used Rotos. The DRs feel a lot like Rotos but are smoother (easier on the frets), last longer, and ring true. I have never had a false DR but PLENTY of false Rotos.

I am a DR man just never used the Sunbeams and never used 40-100, always heavier (usually 45-105). What is the suggested gauge for the older 4001's?

Good question marc! I'd like to get up to 105, but I'm wondering if it'd just be more safe to stick w/ 100 on the low side. The last thing I need to to bend up the neck!

hi mark-i have the sunbeam 40-100 set on my set-neck 4000,and they sound excellent. i have always used heavier sets in the past,but am really liking the playability of the lighter set. i also have a lite set unknown steel rw on my 4004. again,really like the sound of them,although you do have to adjust your playing,and keep a light touch. i have 45-105 lowriders on my danelectro hodad-they seem to be pretty low-tension feeling.

rickfan60 wrote:I use High Beams on almost all of my basses. Prior to that I used Rotos. The DRs feel a lot like Rotos but are smoother (easier on the frets), last longer, and ring true. I have never had a false DR but PLENTY of false Rotos.

+1

Same here, never had a bad DR string and they last forever. Cheaper, last longer, lower tension, don't eat fingers or frets! A win/win in my book!

Yup, high beams on all of my Rics for the last six years...

i've been using the DR Black Beauties on all of my Rics since day 1 (May 2000).

phlemmy wrote:i've been using the DR Black Beauties on all of my Rics since day 1 (May 2000).

How come I don't find it surprising???

I used black beauties on my Les Paul, They sounded really nice and the color is just fantastic.