Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all-

I've owned my '75 4001 since 1994- has had the same Fender Nickel roundwounds on it since then, yes, I feel that with strings, "deader is better".

Action is very acceptable, it is not high to my tastes and can clank when struck hard.

I want to swap the strings to Rotosound Swing bass, the 66's stainless rounds with the red silk wrapping.

So, in your experience, are they higher tension than Fender rounds? I have two sets, on one bass and also my Geddy Lee Jazz. They FEEL like they are more flexible and not as high tension, but I'm not sure.

I want to avoid readjusting the neck because one, Im scared to do so on a 4001 (not on other basses) and 2, I have never adjusted this bass, so Im guessing if I try to, the truss rods might be seized. I know the ground rules for ajusting these necks, move the neck and snug the nuts. Last owner of this bass didn't know the rules, and tried to just adjust the nuts. I think. There is an ever so slight cross hatch checking of the finish near the nut and binding, as if the fingerboard started to self eject.

Thanks

I do not know tension ratings, but from using both strings I'd venture the Fenders are higher tension. You will be in for a real surprise moving from 36 year old flats to Roto stainless steel rounds! Extreme ends of the tone spectrum. Also the Rotos will start to get dull after a couple days of playing them a lot. They lose the zing pretty quick, quickest of all rounds in my experience. Not to dissuade, but to inform.........

Thanks John- with the Roto's losing zing, for me that's not an issue. I have a 4 year old set on my Frickenbird and another old set on my Geddy. I'm not a fan of new string zing, really.

The strings on there are currently Fender Rounds which I put on it in 1994. The strings on the bass when I got it were rusty- I think the bass sat in a case for years.

Thanks for the help

I too went to the RS 66LC's (.40-.90). Best I have found as yet.

my 4001's neck likes the Roto 66LD's so far- in fact, there is less neck relief with them so Im inclined to think they are less tension than comparable Fender Rounds.