Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Okay, I'm stirring up quite a personal pot of chili here but what strings/gauges are people using on S/5? I've become smitten once more by my S/5 after she took a backseat to my 4001's after being my main bass for 10yrs or so. To compound the matter, I'm returning to the electric bass after a 5yr hiatus. I decided to hang up the ricks and dive head first into the upright bass, (that hurt and RIC doesn't make one). So after 5yrs of nothing but upright I've become accustomed to some pretty fat strings. I remember having a set of strings back in the '90's with a B string "that's actual gauge (let's say .130) started after the string saddle, so the part that sat in the groove was quite thinner." What is the correct (and shorter) term for this type of string? What's working well string-wise in the realm of S/5?

Taper core.

I use the D'Addario EXL170-5 set. The string gauges are: .130 - .100 - .080 - .065 - .045
I've never tried a taper wound set on a Rick bass. You have to make sure the taper extends past the string saddles with the set that you choose.
I think taper wound strings would work well on a 4004.

rickenbrother wrote:I think taper wound strings would work well on a 4004.

Yes, but it would not work so great on a 4001 type of bridge as the saddles on those can not be raised individually, to compensate for the tapered string.

ricken5er wrote:I decided to hang up the ricks and dive head first into the upright bass, (that hurt and RIC doesn't make one).

Rickenbacker used to make one.

I use D'Addario flat wounds .132 - .100 - .080 - .065 - .045.

Love them. I want to try others but I can't justify spending cash on something that isn't broke/good enough/etc.

When my wacky project finally happens it will have these strings: Circle K .136 .102 .076 .057 .041.

cassius987 wrote:When my wacky project finally happens it will have these strings: Circle K .136 .102 .076 .057 .041.

I just ordered that same set (plus a .029 for the C) for my Carvin fretless 6-string.

Which project is that?

coolingitdown wrote:

cassius987 wrote:When my wacky project finally happens it will have these strings: Circle K .136 .102 .076 .057 .041.

I just ordered that same set (plus a .029 for the C) for my Carvin fretless 6-string.

Which project is that?

Probably a cross between a Gittler and a Wandre!

coolingitdown wrote:Which project is that?

I'll reveal it when it's done--a ways from now, to be certain.

I'm assuming it's Rick-related?

And I promise, no more questions after that one!

I like the D'Addario EXL220-5 125/95/75/60/40 on my S5.

coolingitdown wrote:I'm assuming it's Rick-related?

Yeah. I've been searching for the perfect 5er for a long time--I even have the benefit of Premier Bass Guitars being in driving distance--and finally came to a major conclusion about my search.

Within a year or so I will probably have something to show for this. I'm getting parts and funds allocated right now. So if you're curious you'll have to be really patient!

cassius987 wrote:

coolingitdown wrote:I'm assuming it's Rick-related?

Yeah. I've been searching for the perfect 5er for a long time--I even have the benefit of Premier Bass Guitars being in driving distance--and finally came to a major conclusion about my search.

Within a year or so I will probably have something to show for this. I'm getting parts and funds allocated right now. So if you're curious you'll have to be really patient!

Until then, we'll just have to consider it vaporware.

Well some of us will know that was the status of Starcraft 2 for nearly a decade... so until then...!