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4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:01 pm
by cheyenne
I'm getting quite used to the spacing on my S-5 when playing with a pick.
I need to find a good sounding "B" string though. It may be kind of tough with the 33.25" scale length. Although Jeff Rath seems to do OK with his.
All the good sounding low B's I've played have been on at least 34" scale, usually 35".
Do to lack of selection at the local store,, I overpaid for a set of Dean Markley Blue Steels that I have on now. The strings have nice growl,, but the B lacks definition, and the overall feel of the strings seems somewhat "rubbery". Im looking for something with a little more tension, and a tighter sounding B. I like D'addario, but have never cared for the 5 string set. I'm thinking DR highbeams maybe.. Suggestions.????
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:05 pm
by incubus2432
Probably not much help if you don't like flats but I've been a fan of the 5 string D'Addario Chromes set. They sounded great on my BEAD strung Laredo.
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:09 pm
by jwr2
D'addario rounds work great on Ric 5 string basses ... pick the gauge you are most comfortable and string up your bass ...
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:09 pm
by aceonbass
I like D'Addario EXP170-5's(they're supposed to last longer than the EXL170-5's). The gauges either way are .045/.065/.080/.100/.130.
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:16 pm
by rickfan60
aceonbass wrote:I like D'Addario EXP170-5's(they're supposed to last longer than the EXL170-5's). The gauges either way are .045/.065/.080/.100/.130.
The DRs I use are the same gauges. They fit nicely.
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:29 pm
by cheyenne
Does anyone use a lighter B?
When you look at the guages ,, .45 .65 .80 .100, the jump to .130 seems a bit much. It seems that .120 should be the next logical step to me. Or am I nuts?
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:19 pm
by ram
split the difference with the D'Addarios EXL220-5 125/95/75/60/40. I like them on my 4003s5!
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:35 pm
by aceonbass
If you go to D'Addario's website, you can look at the tension for each of the strings. The gauges make more sence when you see how they try to match the tensions. Although a .125 B sounds good, .095 seems a bit light on the E. That's what the fundamental E is on my 4008 when paired with a .045 E.
By the way, I have 3 NOS B strings from Rickenbacker's 4003/S string set if anyone's interested. These are .115 .
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:25 pm
by jwr2
DR makes good strings ... I would rate D'Addario strings a litlle better ...
I like a .128 B and a .105 E
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:18 pm
by ram
I did try a couple of the Ric sets (115 for the B) but just needed a little more meat, so the EXL220-5 work for me. The 130 B was just a little too much... sounds like a Goldie Locks story..
Re: 4003S-5 string guage suggestions
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:19 am
by cheyenne
I see that you can get individual strings at http://www.juststrings.com
I do really like D'Addario. I think I'll experiment for a while. Thanks for all the opinions. 
One more thing, has anyone strung their 5 for a high "C"?