How well do current 4003s do with high-tension flats?

[kenf]

I just sold off my 4001 - it never got play because I couldn't string it with my preferred strings, Fender 9050M flats. They were too heavy and too high tension to risk on a 4001.

I figured I would pick up a 4003 or a fiver some day, but now I'm wondering... can the current crop of bass necks handle my strings of choice? I would think yes, but it doesn't hurt to ask first!

[johnallg]

Yes. The new rod systems will handle those strings - I've had them on my 2004, though not for a long time. I went with Chromes for a while, and now have Rickenbacker (Maxima) NOS flats on it. I lucked into a set.

[kenf]

Thanks. I was going to hold out for a Ric fiver, but the inherent goodness of a 4003 four banger is hard to resist...

[cassius987]

I did a brief analysis of three sets of D'Addario Chromes versus the legendary TIJF344 flats, trying to look for the most even balance across all four strings--I think this helps make tone consistent and is probably better for the neck in the long run.

In short, this set ( http://www.juststrings.com/dad-ecb84.html ) was the most even tension of three sets of strings I analyzed for compatibility with the Ric stock nut (gauge of any string cannot go more than .005 above stock gauges .045, .055, .075, and .105). If anyone wants to see my data via an Excel spreadsheet, I'll e-mail it to you. Just PM me.

I will probably switch to that set eventually. Half the price of TIJF344s, nearly as evenly balanced (standard deviation is very close to the same and RSD is even closer), and the slight extra tension should keep my bass from underbowing as much with seasonal changes.

[kenf]

.040-.100? Those aren't bass strings!



Really, I'm so used to the .055-.105s that I have a hard time playing lighter strings.

[jps]

.040-.100? Those aren't bass strings!



Really, I'm so used to the .055-.105s that I have a hard time playing lighter strings.

You can get used to lighter strings, and your playing may be all the better for it, too.

[kenf]

After thirty years of playing, I'm not looking to change strings now!

[jps]

After thirty years of playing, I'm not looking to change strings now!

I did!

[Tarrbot]

Jeff, what did you change from and to? Why?

I'm always interested in people's thoughts on strings.

We could have a perpetual string topic and I'd be all over that.

[jps]

After seeing Tribal Tech the first time and getting to talk with Gary Willis and play his bass, I decided to try his method of playing lighter and let the amp do the work. This way you are not as tense and can play better, plus this allow for a greater range of dynamics without battling the instrument. Playing softer and having the amp up more also make the tone fatter. This comes down to playing with finesse vs. brute force, so to speak. It does take practice and discipline, but the results are well worth it. using low tension strings helps provide the suppleness from the bass to allow this to work. When I picked up Gary's bass I could barely play it as the strings were practically laying on his fretless fingerboard! If you have heard his playing you know just what a monster bassist he is, the power of his music belies how lightly he touches his bass.

Exhibit A:

[jps]

Exhibit B:

[jps]

We did this one with Rare Blend.

[jps]

Scott Kinsey gave me the sheet music for Nite Club!

[jps]

Exhibit C!!!

[kenf]

That's great - but I'm not looking to change my playing style. Really.