Quick String Tension Query

[spongebob]

Been using the Ric brand strings since I bought this 4003 last year (changed a couple of times). Good product, but I've always used D'addario nickels before, and have got a spare set in the drawer.

Only difference I can see is the gauges. Ric being 45/55/75/105, and the Daddario set 45/65/85/105.

Is there a big change on tension in that? Only concern as my neck is 100% perfect right now, and I don't want to upset it too much!

[RickyBubba]

my gut feeling says let it rip and find out. Unless something is really wonky, you can go back to the Ric strings if you need to with no issues.

[jayfbv]

I think the tension is dependent on the core diameter, not the finished string diameter....so kind of impossible to know unless the manufacturers spec it.

[ram]

I've used the EXL 170s for decades on my '74 4001... never had a problem. They are a little lighter - 100/80/65/45 but I think others use the heavier gauge strings with no issues. If yours is a newer 4003 I wouldn't worry at all.

[spongebob]

Cool!

Ordered a set today, which I'll fit as soon as they appear!

[antonius]

According to John Hall Rickenbacker strings have a tension of about 145 pounds. For a while I was using D'Addario EXL170BT (45-60-80-107), with a stated tension of 162.9 pounds. I would imagine that the D'Addario set you have has a higher tension than that, due to the heavier A and D strings, so you may need to adjust your setup slightly.

[cheyenne]

I've used D'addario XL-170's on every Rick I've owned with no problems, (165 lbs. tension) Started using them in the mid '80s and never, ever had a bad string.

I am anxious to try the new D'addario Flex steel set http://www.daddario.com/DADProductFamil ... a3050ce762 and see what they're all about. (156 lbs. tension) *click the link and then go to the "family tension chart"

[iiipopes]

I think the tension is dependent on the core diameter, not the finished string diameter....so kind of impossible to know unless the manufacturers spec it.

No. Tension at pitch is a function of scale length and mass of the string, not its diameter. All other things being equal, a flatwound string at a given diameter will have more tension than a round wound string, because there is more metal in the ribbon wrap, and less internal space between windings than a roundwound. That means more metal in the string, or more mass. Consult the D'Addario, GHS, and CircleK string tension guides you can get online in pdf form.

And yes, there will be a significant difference in the tension in the A and D strings. I used 45-65-85-105 Boomers on a 4001 I used to have back in '80's. It was definitely noticable compared to the stock gauges. The neck can still handle it, of course, with proper truss rod adjustments. Until recently, when I switched over to tapewounds for reasons beyond this thread, I had GHS Progressives 45-60-80-105 on my 4002 for more even tone, feel, response, and the lesser tension of the A & D strings.