Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've been trying to pick a set of flats for my fretted 4003 and have been searching the forum for information. I am still confused about a couple of things. It seems that for flats with a more bright character, the leading choices are La Bella Deep Talkin Flats (either 39-96 or 43-104) and DA Chromes (either 40-95, 40-100, or 45-100).

Of these string sets, which one has either a lower or comparable string tension to the stock Ric strings (45-105)?

Also, are there any other flats that I should consider?

I am leaning towards the La Bella DTFs (43-104) at the moment.

Thanks!

I can't speak to the relative tension between the La Bella's and the DA Chromes, but having played bass for 30 years and having discovered the La Bella DTF's about 10 years ago, they are my #1 string of choice by a landslide. Just love 'em. I use the 760FS set on four of my seven electric basses @ 0.045/0.065/0.085/0.105 and they seem snug and responsive but not too tight. So, the 43-104 set you mentioned should be pretty comfortable. The lighter one than that seems a bit too light for good low end in my book.

DTFs and Chromes are similar in tension. I think the Chromes win out, just barely.

I prefer the DTFs for their tone and feel by a pretty wide margin, though Chromes are no slouches either.

Consider TI Jazz Flats, they sound great on my 4005WB and did, too, when I had a set on my 4003JPSVP. These are much lower tension and do take a lighter touch, a good thing really.