Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all,
So after 2 years of owning Rickenbackers I'm finally changing strings for the first time. I'm changing them on my most recent purchase (1995 4003) because the string tension is super high and I prefer more slack (this bass was used so I have no idea what brand/size strings are on there), I think it will help the action a bit too. I looked into the Rick strings but PotR is out of stock and I'm not paying $35 + $14(!!!!!) shipping from the Rick Boutique.

So here's the question:
I ordered Dean Markley Blue Steel Light strings (it's the type Lemmy played). They're .45 .60 .80 .100
Factory Rick is .45 .55 .75 .105 as most of you know.
You think the lighter Low E will make up for the added tension of the A & D being heavier?

I've changed strings a million times so I'm not a novice, I've just never had a bass as...particular...as a Rick. Am I over thinking this?

Thanks!

rickenbastard wrote:...I'm not paying $35 + $14(!!!!!)...

Well, then disregard my suggestion.

Try some Dunlop Superbrights.

Bass strings online have them on sale right now. Great strings, bright, lower tension. http://www.bassstringsonline.com/Dunlop ... _2160.html

I already bought the Blue Steels just wondering if the thicker mid-gauges will be an issue

The thicker strings will be fine. A lot of Ric owners use standard 45-105 sets.

Badanovski wrote:The thicker strings will be fine. A lot of Ric owners use standard 45-105 sets.

I've never played a 100 E string...I hope I don't break it!

Try DR Hi-Beams. Standard gauge but with the feel of a lower tension. Last well, not as tiring as Rotos to play.

I use these on my Epiphone Ripper (34" scale) and they feel great. Since Rickenbackers are slightly shorter scale, they definitely feel lighter than on the Ripper. The slightly higher tension on the Ripper is appropriate, that's a more modern sounding bass anyway with active stuff in it. These DRs have a great tone, I can dial in growl or thump and I am happy with how they work with all styles - fingers, thumb, pick and even a bit of slap.

Edit: To my fingers they are balanced nicely.

rickenbastard wrote:

Badanovski wrote:I've never played a 100 E string...I hope I don't break it!

It won't break unless you are Arrrrrnuld, so someone like that. I have had the same set of TI Jazz Rounds on my 4001 since 2008, with lots of playing time on them, and the strings are just fine (.043, .051, .068, .089).

rickenbastard wrote:

Badanovski wrote:The thicker strings will be fine. A lot of Ric owners use standard 45-105 sets.

I've never played a 100 E string...I hope I don't break it!

40-100 is pretty much my go-to gauge,especially for flatwounds. For roundwounds,i like 45-100.

rickenbastard wrote:I already bought the Blue Steels just wondering if the thicker mid-gauges will be an issue

It will be fine. The string gauges on that set run the same as the D'Addario XL-170 and EPS-170 sets that some of us use.

I used to use that gauge of strings on the 4005WB to no ill effect.