Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Does anyone know who makes Rickenbacker strings? I'm assuming they are probably white labeled from some company but anyone know which?

Lately, I think RIC has been using D'Addario's. (from what I've read here).

Chris Clayton at http://www.pickofthericks.com offers a set from a maker that utilizes Rickenbackers custom guage. I've been thinking of trying these.

D'Addario XL-170's are a great choice for a 4003 though.

EDIT. * I apologize if your a guitar player,, I was thinking bass strings when I replied.

Chris does have custom strings made by Kurt Mangan under the POTR label. I haven't used them but I've heard good things from players who have. As for factory strings, to the best of my knowledge, the later 2008 models were leaving the factory with D'Addarios. I know for sure my 4004 did. John Hall has mentioned D'Addarios a few times over on the factory forum and he seems pretty happy with their quality. I use them on my 650 and 4004 and I'm very happy. However, just to be safe, I'm sticking with Ric strings for my 370/12.

I'm not sure who makes them for Rickenbacker , but I have read that they are made to RIC specifications , and are not the manufacturer's stock string in a Rick wrapper. I have used the Curt Mangans from POTR and I especially like the Pure Nickel Wrap 12 string set on my 360/12. Have a very nice feel and vintage tone IMHO.

YukonCor55 wrote:...However, just to be safe, I'm sticking with Ric strings for my 370/12.

Ah yes, I was wondering about that. Maybe I will too. Although I am curious about that set from POTR.
JimK

RIC is very hush-hush about who makes their strings. The most commonly mentioned possibilities are D'Addario, GHS and SIT.

I think someone posted here about seeing colored ends on a new one. I can't remember exactly though.

I have been enjoying TI flats when it's 7am on Saturday and I feel like changing a whole set. Other than that, I only change strings when they really need it, usually the plain strings, using single strings, not sets.

Yeah, I got colored ends on my new 4004Cii. When all the comments started to say this meant they were D'Addario's, John Hall said something about making it easier to select the right string gauges in the factory or something like that. He didn't confirm or deny anyone's suspicions.

Of course, it's possible that RIC uses strings from various vendors/manufacturers from time to time. It's a pretty common practice in most industries. You set up specifications for what you want, get bids from a number of vendors and then use the ones that meet the spec and pricing you want.

And then, all of those different brands of strings out there aren't necessarily made in different factories. I'm not sure just how many string factories there are, but it's far less than the number of brands. So, you can likely buy several different brands that were all made by the same manufacturer/factory. Does this mean they are all alike? No. The different brands will do the same thing, specify what they want and use a manufacturer that makes the strings the way they want them.

Almost 3 years ago:

Hey! That's my bass...

jingle_jangle wrote:Hey! That's my bass...

That JG 4003 is identical to mine.............hmmm Oh it's not JG.............after closer inspection I see it's an anniversary model.

Yes, Brian. That photo was taken during one of the 75th Anniversary factory tours in August, 2006. The prototype 75th bass was stationed in one of the racks in the assembly area. This bass has a number of unique characteristics which distinguish it from the other 75th instruments. I acquired it on September 26, 2006, and it's been in my music room since.

Paul, I didn't get a chance to try that one, but the color is a knockout. Caught my eye right off.

Your collection is so beautiful I'm scared to touch any of 'em

jingle_jangle wrote:I acquired it on September 26, 2006

That was a strange day for me...

JakeK wrote:

jingle_jangle wrote:I acquired it on September 26, 2006

That was a strange day for me...

Let me guess, you're going to "string" us along...