Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My name is mark. i am new to this web site. so hello and happy easter to all. may i not offend anyone about the polictical correctness of my greeting. i dont wish to upset any muslim sysmpathizers or any religious fanatics who are not christian. thinking there rights are being denied them because of american tradition set forth and handed down by our founding fathers. not to be confused with stimulus hand outs of course!

This is not a web site for policical views but a rickenbacker source for information seekers. today i am one of those. my question is this: i ve owned my ric 4003 mg since jan of 2011 it is a 2010 model made around may-june-july of 2010. i bought it pre owned. ooops! hope i didnt offend anyones delicate sensitivities with this wording.... I have played it daily for over two years but only in lesson instruction and at home for practice and pleasure. i have taken out for a couple of open mike nights. 4 studio and two in home gatherings with other band members.

So have i beat these original rickenbacker bass strings to death yet? i have not changed them since i bought it. Also, what brand of bass string do you suggest as a replacement. ignorance is abounding here folks and my apologies in advance for my rookieness. i treat this bass as a loved child. my ric cloth dabs at her neck and throat each day i use her. one day i,d like a 4001c64. my ohsc came with a key and warranty card and the ric cloth. the instructions werent specific about string replacement. i dont think... so there it is. what to buy. where to buy.

Thank you and i appreciate any and all advice, criticism, knowledge about rickenbacker bass strings en reguards to this important matter.


Mark.

Welcome to the forum Mark!

Strings really only need to be replaced when YOU think the need replacing (or if they break). Strings generally lose brightness and get duller sounding with age and use. Some people like this sort of sound and keep them on for years. Others like a brighter sound and find they have to replace strings quite often. It's a personal preference.

The same with the type/brand of strings. Round wounds are generally brighter, flats duller. Different brands have different sounds and again, it's a personal preference as to what one likes. But that's part of the fun, trying new things to find what you like.

Myself? I really like Rotosound Swing Bass stainless round wounds. But, I've got some basses strung with flat wounds 'cause sometimes I like that sound. And others are strung with D'Addario XL nickle rounds 'cause sometimes I like their sound...

Welcome Mark.

As CJ says above, when to change strings is totally down to player preference and the sound you wish get from your bass. If you have never changed the strings before, and it's two years since you've heard the sound of new strings, then perhaps i can give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to give it a try.

New strings are considerably more trebly, "twangy", more top end and potential for a more growly sound than i would imagine your current strings have. It will be immediately noticeable when you change them out and you will either be happy with it, or not, depending on what you are looking for.

Regarding strings, you could do a straight swap and purchase the stock Rickenbacker strings. Nothing wrong with them, and i thought they sounded nice on my 2010 4003. There are a couple of catches if you change brand or type.

First, the stock strings are

E - 105
A - 75
D - 55
G - 45

The A and D strings are a little lighter than the average pre-made string sets. (Or you could say the E and G are a little heavy if you purchased a set that matched the A and D strings)

For example, here's a typical set of Rotosound Swing 66 string sizes.The steel set here is favoured by many as it's as used by Chris Squire if you are trying to achieve this type of sound.

E - 105
A - 85
D - 65
G - 45

You may need to file your nut a little to accommodate the heavier A and D strings, and in addition find the heavier strings a little harder to play at the start.

Secondly, the different gauge, and the change in material will likely mean that you will need to re-intonate all the strings on your bass. Something you may, or may not feel comfortable with.

With regard to string types, i ran with the above set for a long while on one of my earlier 4003's. At that time i played with a pick. When i changed to more of a fingerstyle, i decided that the steel strings were a bit too unforgiving for me and went to a Rotosound Nickel set, in the same sizes.

I run with D'Addario on my 5 string bass (Not a Ric ), as they had a set, In Nickel, with string gauges that i liked and i'm quite happy with them as well.

So, personal preference is the key to this. Make a decision on

a) String Type - Roundwound or Flatwound
b) String Gauge
c) String Material

All dependent on the sound you wish and your play style, then search string manufactures websites for something in your price range that meets your needs.

Hi Mark

I'm in a similar position to you as a bass & RIC newbie (long time g**tar player though ).
I've been experimenting with various string guages & styles on my 2011 4003, and I'm currently very impressed with some Thomastik Infeld Jazz flats. They're fairly light guage, and are wonderfully compliant and bendable and smooth to the touch. Tone is very much my thing - smooth, lots of mids considering they're a flatwound, and they still have that fantastic RIC clank/growl like rounds.

They're not teh cheapest string out there but i've been told they last for years - maybe worth picking up a used set to try em out.

cheers,

Pete

maplegloc64 wrote:My name is Mark. I am new to this web site. So hello and happy easter to all. may i not offend anyone about the polictical correctness of my greeting. i dont wish to upset any muslim sysmpathizers or any religious fanatics who are not christian. thinking there rights are being denied them because of american tradition set forth and handed down by our founding fathers. not to be confused with stimulus hand outs of course!

This is not a web site for policical views but a rickenbacker source for information seekers. today i am one of those. My question is this: I've owned my ric 4003 mg since Jan of 2011. It is a 2010 model made around May-June-July of 2010. I bought it pre owned. ooops! hope i didnt offend anyones delicate sensitivities with this wording.... I have played it daily for over two years but only in lesson instruction and at home for practice and pleasure. I have taken out for a couple of open mike nights. 4 studio and two in home gatherings with other band members.

So have I beat these original Rickenbacker bass strings to death yet? I have not changed them since I bought it. Also, what brand of bass string do you suggest as a replacement? Ignorance is abounding here folks and my apologies in advance for my rookieness. I treat this bass as a loved child. My ric cloth dabs at her neck and throat each day i use her. One day i'd like a 4001c64. My ohsc came with a key and warranty card and the ric cloth. the instructions werent specific about string replacement. I dont think... so there it is. what to buy. where to buy.

Thank you and I appreciate any and all advice, criticism, knowledge about rickenbacker bass strings en reguards to this important matter.


Mark.

OP: I fixed it for you. Welcome.