String recommendations for Ric 360

[1OUfan]

I'm sure that this has been covered sometime in the past, but I just recently joined tjhe forum and so I'll ask anyway: I just bought my first electric (Ric 360) after 40 years of playing acoustics and I need some help in picking the proper strings.
I plan mostly to play rhythm behind a good lead player, a keyboardist, a bass man and drummer. The music will basically be 60's and 70's i.e. Searchers, Spencer Davis, Animals, Van Morrison etc. Is there a general consensus on the best string type, gauge etc. for Rics? I'm sure there is a plethora of opinions, but I'd like to hear some of them.
Thanks---
Bob

[lennon211]

I think that most will tell you that the standard 10-guage compressed wound set from Ric is one of the best basic sets for your guitar. You can't really go wrong with them as they are what the company uses. If you're not satisfied with those, that's where it starts to get very subjective, but for basic, good strings, go with the standard Ric set. It's available from their website in the Boutique section.

[Scastles]

+1. 10 gauge and give the RIC strings a try. Think you'll like 'em.

[steverok]

The RIC strings are great, but for someone who has played acoustic for 40 years, I would think they'd seem a little flimsy for you. The bass string is only like a 42 or something like that. Give D'Addario 11s a try, possible with the wound G string (EXL115 or EXL115W). I also think Thomastik-Infield flat wounds (12 to 52 gauge) sound pretty sweet on a 360. I wish RIC made a higher gauge of those compressed wound rounds, because they really are good strings. Have fun exploring !

[sloop_john_b]

If you're playing strictly rhythm, i'd go with a heavier set with a wound G. Tuning stability will improve and tone will be meatier.

[steverok]

These are good for round wound strings :

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-exl115.html,

or, if you want a wound G, which I recommend (as did John B) for rhythm people from the acoustic world :

http://www.juststrings.com/dad-exl115w.html

I recommend you try these flat wound strings, they are wonderful on a 360 :

http://www.juststrings.com/toi-js112.html

They provide a smooth, chiming sound, and turn your 360 into a singing angel. The bass strings sound like a stand-up bass, and the overtones are smoothed over. Also, the guitar will play in tune perfectly, even on the low E, and stay in tune forever. You also get zero string noise, as in the case of the RIC strings, minimal fret buzz due to the increased tension, and they last about a year. Something to consider, if you want a little less rock, and a little more beauty in the sound, but they will rock if needed.

[1965]

If you're playing rhythm, I'd recommend TI Flats. Probably 11's. Well worth the price, and really chime on Rickenbackers

[ramonesfreak]

ive been using D Addario 10 gauge Chrome Flat Wound strings the past month. love em. cant bend em more than a half step but they sound good, feel good and stay in tune amazingly. had poor luck with round wound strings staying in tune and hated pyramid flat wounds.

[tennis_nick]

I'd recommend a slightly heavier gauge (at least 11's). Being mostly an acoustic player, you may have the tendency to squeeze the neck. result : way out of tune chords.

A light touch, and slightly heavier strings should help you ease into the world of electrics.

[steverok]

ive been using D Addario 10 gauge Chrome Flat Wound strings the past month. love em. cant bend em more than a half step but they sound good, feel good and stay in tune amazingly. had poor luck with round wound strings staying in tune and hated pyramid flat wounds.

How does the sound of the D'addario chromes differ from the Pyramids, which I presume are nickel ?

[1965]

...cant bend em more than a half step...

That's pretty much the verdict on all flats

[ramonesfreak]

cant say i didnt like the sound of the pyramids...there was something about the feel that i didnt care for, and i couldnt keep em in tune... however, i only tried 1 set, and its possible they were stale when i bought em. most people like em alot so....maybe my opinion is not relevant. but, strings either impress me immediately or they dont. the chromes so far, have me sold. now, also tried a set of rickenbacker 12 string, 10 gauge, round wounds (i go back and forth between string my Rick as a 6 or 12)...i hated them more than any string i ever played. my fingers stuck to them like glue, like sand paper. i pulled em off after 48 hours. again, people like em. the only way to figure it out is to buy a lot of different strings and try em. also, i dont play a 360, i play a 330..not sure that makes a difference as far as string choice is concerned. for the price, the chromes are a nice deal and worth a try. i simply bought em because they were the only flats that the store had.

[ramonesfreak]

and to the poster, im not sure that playing acoustic should dictate the string you choose for the electric. i play acoustic too. always use martin marque mediums..always..on the acoustic. but, ive got 7 electrics, all with different strings. some flats, some rounds, some 12, some 10 some 9 gauge etc.... i match the string to the guitar and the style of my playing that the guitar inspires. on my strat for example, i usually use 10, round wounds, but if in the mood, ill put on 9s for a month or so. on the rick, i like flats, 10 gauge because it seems to bring out a really cool tone and vibration, on my PRS i like 9 gauge because its a bit of a shredder guitar etc and the neck inspires huge bends... i find that the acoustic and electric are two totally different instruments that demand a different technique alltogether.

[scott_s]

I use D'Addario EJ21 (0.012-0.052) on mine. Feels and sounds great!

- Scott

[iceekid]

After reading this post I decided to give the TI 12-gauge a shot. Been a few days and I am really liking them. After 10 years of having my 360 one would think I have found my sound...nope!...but im getting closer now. I think I might be happier with the 11-gauge. Thanks for turning me on to these strings!