Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Bought a 4003 brand new in may and I just changed the string for the first time, I couldn't find any Ric strings so I took GHS, 45-55-75-105 according to the Ric manual. Does anyone know if Ric's are any different and why this weird set of gauges?
Also, now there's fret buzz on every string!!!!
I'd like to set it up in a store but have to be sure which set of string to use. Thanks a lot for any help!

Doesn't look like anyone has gotten back to you. We were just chatting about strings in the bass forum. For a 4003 you can't go wrong with D'Addario Slowound strings. They sound great, decent price ($20-$30), they last a long time, and no fret buzz. If you are getting fret buzz it may not be the strings. You may need to make other adjustments.

Yeah, sounds like the bass just needs a good set-up job. I would check around for a good tech.

Marc,
Maybe the GHS set has lower tension than the RIC strings so that your neck doesn't have enough relief/bow (too straight) and even has a backbow. Just remove the TRC carefully without loosening the strings and loosen the truss rod nuts for a 1/16 counter-clockwise turn with a 1/4" hex socket driver, tune back to pitch, wait for 10-20 minutes, fine tune again and see if the buzz goes away. To check neck relief, press the E string at both the 1st and last frets, in playing position, and there should be space the thickness of a business card or even less between the string and the 8th fret. The space between the G string and the 8th fret can be even less.

An almost dead straight neck is actually recommended for RIC basses.

If there's still fret buzz when you have correct relief, try raising the bridge a little.

Once you get the proper relief and comfortable action, check and adjust intonation to round out the setup procedure. Save the money for hiring the tech (how much does it cost in the US, by the way?) and buy yourself other stuffs instead. Trust me, you can make it!

"I couldn't find any Ric strings."

you know they sell the strings at the rickenbacker site...what better place to get original equipment

"Does anyone know if Ric's are any different and why this weird set of gauges? "

yes they are and thats what makes them Ric`s...

I just put RotoSound RS66 medium gauge strings on my new 4003MG. Now it has the Squire growl, at least in my opinion.
I haven't noticed any problems with the neck yet...

You wont have any problems Daniel, Those Rotosounds are just normal Roundwound Strings and are fine on any bass (except maybe some of the real old ricks)

Ric strings seem to be a lighter gauge ... 45/55/75/105/115 ... for a five string set ... I usually get 45/65/80/105/125 ... or even 130 on the B ... but I recently got a 4003s5 with Ric strings ... they are looser and sound good ... yes you will sometimes get more buzz with thinner strings ... if you change string types you may may to adjust the bridge and/or the truss rod ... generally a thinner string produces less tension on the neck than a heavy string ... unless they use a different core material ...

I usually buy my strings in bulk for under $10 a set ... copley, music yo, rotosound, whatever is available for that price ...