Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi Guys,
I finally got the Roto Sound 88LD strings (Black, tapewound 65-115).
The problem is that they (obviously) don't fit the "ditches" in the nut.

What is the safest way of widening these ditches without harming my fretless?
Should I just take it to the local luthier and get it over with?

Thanks!

Whew.....do you really want those on there, Gil...? Boy, those are huge strings......to me, anyway..I use light gauge all the time..

If you ever plan on returning to proper strings I would have a new nut made instead of filing the ditches slots, this way you can put the original nut back on, and then after you have replaced the tailpiece that now looks like this:L, you'll be back in business!

Please define proper.
I had the original roundwound strings on this bass and they ate into my fretboard.
My request was simple - I wanted black flatwound or tapewound strings, the only set I found was this one which seem to be pretty light in terms of tension (being tapewound... I guess the tape adds some thickness), I don't expect my tail to lift...

Anyways - my local luthier fixed it for me and now everything is okay.

gibsonlp wrote:Please define proper.
I had the original roundwound strings on this bass and they ate into my fretboard.
My request was simple - I wanted black flatwound or tapewound strings, the only set I found was this one which seem to be pretty light in terms of tension (being tapewound... I guess the tape adds some thickness), I don't expect my tail to lift...

Anyways - my local luthier fixed it for me and now everything is okay.

Gil: Well, if you want the black tape-wound style, those might be the only choice...I dunno if Labella makes a lighter set or not. Are the TI Jazz Flats too light for your taste..?

gibsonlp wrote:Please define proper.

The usual suspects: 40-96, 45-105, that range. I had those La Bellas on my fretless Zon for a while about 8 or 9 years ago, they sounded great but I do not recall the tension/feel of them. You are right, they are larger due to the tape, which does not add to the overall tension, AFAIK.

Thanks guys,
I don't care what type of string is it as long as it won't eat through my fretboard...
I still don't understand how come the stock strings were not fretless friendly...

John - when you say too light, you mean in terms of thickness or tension?
I actually don't care THAT much about the string's thickness, I normally play 40-95 on my 4001 and 45-105 on my 4003, I love them both, I just can't use them on my fretless...
Isn't TI jazz flats a bit rubber-like in terms of feeling?

The TI Jazz Flats may feel that way at first but once you get used to them you won't look back. My vote is for the TIs.

Gil, I have heard that Pyramid makes a tape-wound set in a .45-.100 gauge range....might be worth looking into.