Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Took delivery a couple of weeks back of a 2013 FG 4003.

Having it new, it's obviously got the Ric stock strings on there. They do play well, and sound as good as anything else I've had on older, or 'used' basses.

I'm aware that the string gauges are slightly different when compared to say, a set of D'addario Nickels (which I used to always fit).

I was just wondering why they manufacture at a different gauge? is there any reason for this - tone, etc.?

Over here they are available for about £6 more than your usual Da'ddario's, Ernie Ball's, etc.

I was considering sticking with them in the future - if there is any major reason for doing so? Do Ric strings go with a Ric instrument better than any other?

spongebob wrote:I was just wondering why they manufacture at a different gauge? is there any reason for this - tone, etc.?

I assume it's because they are better balanced for string to string tension than most other manufacturers standard string sets.
The RIC strings are very good. If you decide to stick with them, then you greatly reduce your chances of having to do future setups, intonation adjustments, etc.

I'm using Ric strings on my 1975 4001 and I think they are great and bring the best out of the instrument. I like D'Addario nickel XL strings a lot too and was using their 45,60,80,107 balanced set until recently, but decided that lower tension was probably better for my bass, given that it has had problems in the past, and so went back to the Ric strings. For me what is good about these strings (and the balanced D'Addarios) is that because the A and D strings are thinner, the overall tension of the set is kept down, whilst still giving you a thick, and therefore higher tension, E string, which for me is needed to stop the E string rattling against the frets further up the neck when I'm playing with a pick on the lower frets. The E string usually has the lowest tension in a set and this combination of gauges balances that out somewhat. On a Rickenbacker the E string can be slightly floppier too because of the slightly shorter scale length and so, for me at least, the E string needs to have more tension.

antonius wrote: I like D'Addario nickel XL strings a lot too

Think I'm right ion saying that Ric strings are made by D'Addario anyhow. (It's no big secret!)

Ric gauges are .045 .055 .075 .105

The D'addario XL set is : .045 .065 .080 .100

So not a lot of difference.

At strings direct, a set of XLs is about £18, but buying the individual stings in the correct gauges is only £19, so I'll give that a go next time I restring. That said - I do like the regular XLs on my 4003 basses. I've got a set of correct gauge (with coloured ball ends) on my 4004, which apparently were being sold cheap, here on the forum! Does anybody know who had (has?) these? Ric strings are priced at £35.75 from the UK supplier.

Guy

http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/Products ... lause=all/

Guy,

I got my Ric strings for £23.99 (and I think it was free shipping). Still more expensive than D'Addarios, but nearer their price.

http://www.therickenbackershop.com/spar ... gs-15.html

I don't know if Ric strings are made by D'Addario or not (I read somewhere of speculation that they were made by SIT, but who knows?). But they sound totally different to me. D'Addario XL are stiffer and, whilst nice and bright, seem to have more low end thump and less harmonic content, whereas Ric strings seem somehow more refined and smooth in the midrange, with more harmonic content, but still with plenty brightness and growl. Both good strings but definitely not the same.

For D'Addario I would definitely recommend the EXL170BT strings. 45, 60, 80, 107. The balanced tension thing works for me. You can get them really cheap too (only £15.50, and that includes postage):

http://www.soundunlimited.co.uk/product ... ght_45_107

RIC strings are made by various manufacturers, to RIC specifications. D'Addario is one such manufacturer. Now, even though the strings might be made by D'Addario, they are made to RIC specs, and so are not exactly the same as what D'Addario might offer...