Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hey everyone! Just to start off i'd like to say its my first time posting anything on this forum, so I hope I did this right ! Anyways, I was wondering if the LaBella 760FS set would be fine for my 2009 RIC 4003. I don't mind having to adjust the truss rods, but I am worried about bridge lift. Is that possible? The thing is is that I like crazy high tension strings, and a really low-endy tone, but I read ricks don't like that anyways, if they work let me know, and if they don't can you give me another recommendation? P.s. I find that Pyramids sound beautiful, but they are too light gauge for me, and that TI's are so floppy, they feel like rubber bands.

I use this LaBella 760FS set on a '05 4003. Had to adjust trussrods a bit, but no problems with taillift (so far!).

I had Fender 9050 ML's on my 1975 4001 for a decade with no issues. Yeah, I should have straightened the neck - there was a bit too much relief, but it was not that bad. The bridge did not lift, the repaired fingerboard separation was fine.

I don't think you will have any problems with a more modern 4003. Like Peter says, you might want to adjust the truss rods if you intend to keep them on long term.

Beautiful! thanks guys, I really appreciate it!

The new LaBella "Low Tension Flats" are dark in tone, but have a great feel.
The LaBella's feel a little tighter, but apparently are a little lower in tension than the Thomastics.

You might consider the Optima 4099s. Dark tone but nice feel.

chefothefuture wrote:The new LaBella "Low Tension Flats" are dark in tone, but have a great feel.
The LaBella's feel a little tighter, but apparently are a little lower in tension than the Thomastics.

You might consider the Optima 4099s. Dark tone but nice feel.

Hmmmmmmm.... Interesting. I might give the optimas a shot. Wherewouod one find a set?

4003Hippy wrote:

chefothefuture wrote:The new LaBella "Low Tension Flats" are dark in tone, but have a great feel.
The LaBella's feel a little tighter, but apparently are a little lower in tension than the Thomastics.

You might consider the Optima 4099s. Dark tone but nice feel.

Hmmmmmmm.... Interesting. I might give the optimas a shot. Wherewouod one find a set?

I don't know if Elderly still stocks them, but you might give them a try.
The US distributor sometimes sells on Ebay, so you might check there.
Optima Chromes, Flatwound 4099.

As I said, the Optimas tend to be pretty dark sounding, but have a soft feel, similar, but not exactly like vintage Maximas (The Maximas are brighter).
They are higher tension than the TI's but not as high as the LaBella 760s.

DR Legends are also interesting, they feel "thick" but gauge wise. Kinda hard to describe.
I didn't care for them, but I prefer a softer feel.

Ok! That sounds great. As I said earlier I love dark and mellow flats, and actually like my strings to be as stiff as possible without being harmful to the instrument. Interesting that you also mentioned DR flats as I was considering those too. What are they like tone-wise? I hear they are very slippery too and I like that. I really appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Eli

4003Hippy wrote:Ok! That sounds great. As I said earlier I love dark and mellow flats, and actually like my strings to be as stiff as possible without being harmful to the instrument. Interesting that you also mentioned DR flats as I was considering those too. What are they like tone-wise? I hear they are very slippery too and I like that. I really appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Eli

The DRs were a little more metallic sounding than the Optimas, but not as metallic as the D'Addarios can be.
Like I also said, they felt stiffer than the Optimas.

It might be worth it to experiment and just see how each set works on your bass.
Tension is a concern for me because I don't have a Rick newer than 1971.
I also love the original Maximas, so I'm looking for strings that approximate their particular peculiar feel and tone.

chefothefuture wrote:

4003Hippy wrote:Ok! That sounds great. As I said earlier I love dark and mellow flats, and actually like my strings to be as stiff as possible without being harmful to the instrument. Interesting that you also mentioned DR flats as I was considering those too. What are they like tone-wise? I hear they are very slippery too and I like that. I really appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Eli

The DRs were a little more metallic sounding than the Optimas, but not as metallic as the D'Addarios can be.
Like I also said, they felt stiffer than the Optimas.

It might be worth it to experiment and just see how each set works on your bass.
Tension is a concern for me because I don't have a Rick newer than 1971.
I also love the original Maximas, so I'm looking for strings that approximate their particular peculiar feel and tone.

Ok... I think i'll probably go optima, I could probably handle the lower tension than I am used to as long as they are as warm sounding as you say they are. If the DR's are metallic I don't really want to get involved with them. I really appreciate your help!
Thanks,
Eli