Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Well, this is actually a strange story.
As some of you may remember, last year I sold my WHT 4003. I had experienced some neck stability problems with it.
I had no news from the buyer for about one year, and yesterday he wrote me to tell me he wanted to sell it, and he asked me if I could be interested. He joined a picture, and apparently (I am waiting for his reply), the neck, or at least the fretboard, has been replaced. Now this 4003 has a 4003/S-style neck, with dot inlay fingerboard.
Supposingly he did replace the neck, I could be interested by buying it back. This would allow me to have 2 Ricks : one mounted with rounds, one mounted with flats.
My question is simple : what kind of flats can I mount on a 4003 without taking the risk of neck unstability ?
Thanks in advance,
Cheers,
JL

Jean: From my experience and research I see no limitations with regard to the make of flat wound strings that you can use on your 4003. I have used several types and, in the end, have settled with Pyramid Flats. Thomastik Infelds are also fine strings and will have less tension than the Pyramids.

Of course, each instrument has its own unique characteristics and noted "wear and tear" factors certainly have to be considered when chosing strings of higher tension.

The Model 4003 was designed to handle all types of strings, however, no instrument is designed to handle unreasonable demands expectations of some owners. So while there is no 100% guarantee for anything, I can't imagine why flat wound strings would be harmful for a sound 4003.

IMHO, any flats are ok - apart from the Fenders. Even the 45 (or is it 50) to 105 set puts too much strain on a Fender P or J bass - i imagine it would stress a 4003 even more.

I had a set of fender flats on a p bass and it near maxed out the rods.

The necks on a 4003 are thinner and more compact than most fenders - so are probably weaker even with the modern truss rods (i could be wrong there tho)

Jean - replaced the neck on a Rick? hmm that would involve refinishing the bass at least. Sounds a bit dodgy to me!

I have Fender med. lights on a 78 4001 and they are fine, they are tight though, but the neck is handling it fine They are .100 through .045 I think. I wouldn't put the mediums on it though.
I have TI flats on another one and they are as Peter says much lighter and also sound brighter. I have Pyramids on a 4003. I have used all sorts of strings on 4003's with no problems. If you like light guage strings the TI Jazz flats are great sounding and playing strings, if you like heavier strings The Pyramids are nice too. I even like the Fenders for that old fashioned thumpy sound. I don't think the new Fender basses are as good as the old ones. I think the new Rics are an all around much better bass, including the necks.