Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've just fitted some Rickenbacker nickel roundwound strings (45-55-75-105) to my 1975 4001. The hight cost of them over here in the UK put me off them for years but I wanted to try something with more tension on the E string to minimize fret buzz there whilst not overstressing my quite sensitive thin neck. The lower gauge A and D strings offset the added pull of the heavy E string and so my neck seems happy enough (a 45-60-80-105 set of similar construction might have been just too much). But what really pleased me is the balance and feel of these strings. I wasn't sure about the 45-55-75-105 balance after using 40-60-80-100 (D'addario EXL and DR High Beam) for a while but my first impression is that it seems to suit and enhance the character of the Rickenbacker really well. I think the heavier E string and lighter A string gives the E a slight advantage over the A in terms of depth and thump and I like the sound of it. I've never had any weakness in the E string sound with other strings but this seems even better in that regard. But that's just my opinion based on my sound and playing style on my bass. I'd be interested to hear other people's impressions of these strings.

I also really like that string guage set on my 4003's - the 45/55/75/105 set seems to give me my favorite feel and sound. My 4003's are all modern (my oldest one is a 1994), so they have modern truss rods, etc., and neck tension isn't as primary a concern as it might be on a vintage 4001 like yours. I really do love the sound of roundwound 45/55/75/105's on them - have tried a lot of guages and brands (and stainless, nickel, coated, flats, etc.) and returned back to the original. I'm glad I tried all the options, but in this case, the standard fits me best.

I like the Rickenbacker branded strings, but yes they are expensive. Earlier this year, I found a great alternative - Curt Mangan "Pick of the Ricks" strings:
http://www.pickofthericks.com/products/ ... 2d105.html
(Don't know if they ship overseas or not).

String guage and brand are very much a personal choice - but like you, I feel most comfortable with 45/55/75/105 guage on my Rick bass, and I'm loving the Mangan strings (had them on for 2 months, and they still feel great and have lots of zing and snap).

What do you guys think of DR strings on rics? I've been using them for years on Fenders, and although pricey the hi-beams have always cut through the double guitar plus synth walls I frequently encounter. I think they run .045-.060-.085-.105. They also look to have more of an equal size difference than the ric strings.

Dean - thanks, I'll check those Curt Mangan strings out in the future. I didn't know about them. I do like 40-60-80-80 too but was just surprised by how good the 40-55-75-105 sounded on my bass. I haven't played with a fat E string for a long time so it's an enjoyable novelty for me

Adam - I love the sound and feel of DR strings. They are so responsive and rich in overtones - and very bright and growly if you like that. Not too far off Rotos for brightness. I also found them very pleasing with a more mellow eq setting and fingerstyle too. I preferred the steel Hi-Beam to the nickel Sunbeam, although they are fine strings too. The only downside to them for me was that the low tension meant I had to play very sensitively with a pick to avoid fret buzz on the E string. No such problem when playing with fingers though. Of course this is all down to personal setup and playing style and not a criticism of these strings. They last for ages too! definitely worth a try...

Not sure if it would be cheaper for you being in the U.K., but you can purchase the same set of strings directly from D'Addario as singles.

I don't care for the Ric strings because the string tension is way too low and, in turn, exacerbated my saddle click problem. I found I had to go to a higher tension set to avoid this issue. But, I'm glad they're working for your 4001.

Big fan of the RIC string myself. Just the right sound for me.

However, with seven basses, it gets a little pricey, so I'm always trying cheaper alternatives for when I'm touring. I've got a set of Ernie Balls I picked up for $10 to try next.

In the studio though, I use RIC strings. Accept no substitute.