Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking to try some different strings..

Research on the forum has highlighted the D'addario EXL-170's, which seemingly come fitted to some new Rics.

However, I've always used a 105 gauge E string, whereas the 170's are 100.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't Rics come fitted with 45-105? If so, does the 100 gauge E suit the sound of the Ric better? I suppose I'm worried about it sounding a little thin!

Sorry to add to the string debate, but I've just gotta ask!

I use .085-.090 (depending upon whether I'm using a 4 or 5 string set) and have no thinness issues on the E string.

I've been using the D'Addario EXL-170 and stainless steel sets of the same gauge for about the past 28 years. It's set that I like best at a reasonable price. I've never found the .100" E string to sound thin. Before that, I always used the Rotosound Swing Bass set which had a .105" E string. When I switched to the D'Addario sets, I was much more satisfied with their tone, especially the E string.

I'm in the same boat as Joey... decades of 170's and no complaints. E, A, D & G all sound great! I have tried heavier and lighter strings over the years but the XL170s is what sound/feel the best to me.

I use DR Hi-Beam 40-60-80-100 and the E string sounds plenty thick enough for me, with a nice balance between all four strings. Completely different brand of string I know but just adding my opinion on .100 E stings... I'm sure there will be subtle differences between guages and for sure personal taste and subjective perceptions will come into it. But it can't hurt to try something different...

I always used 40-100 sets until recently switching to 45-105s on some of my basses. I like the stiffer feel of the heavier strings and find them easier to control. In my experience, both sets work fine on Ricks.

I prefer a .100 E to .105.... The .105 feels a bit too stiff, and sounds a little tubby and not as well defined to me.

Mossman wrote:I prefer a .100 E to .105.... The .105 feels a bit too stiff, and sounds a little tubby and not as well defined to me.

+1

For what it's worth, I'm using Rotosound Swing Bass in 43-65-80-110, and I like them a lot.

Becky wrote:For what it's worth, I'm using Rotosound Swing Bass in 43-65-80-110, and I like them a lot.

That's the BS signature set, right, Becky?

I switched over to 100's for my E string and I'm really glad I did. Whether TIs, D'Addarios, or DRs, I always go for (at maximum) 100-gauge E strings. Occasionally I hop down to 95 with my DR Nickel Sunbeams. I like the change in tone--seems a bit cleaner and more focused to me.

DR stainless Lowriders 40-100 . Wicked mean E string. Love it !

Super Slinkies, 45-65-80-100...the best.

using dr sunbeams 40-100 set...love em,i might like to get a 45-100 set,but overall i like the 100 for the e. i used a ghs progressive set with a 103 e on the 4002 which worked really well. i've got 40-100 ghs flats on my dano.

Just have 3 Ricks, one with a .095, one with a .100, and one with a .105!

I use and prefer the .100 for all the same reasons as stated.