Factory strings for 4003 Fretless

robcollins · Post by **robcollins** » Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:28 am

I currently have a 4003 fretless on order and I am curious to know what strings type & gauge) are put on it at the factory.

I did email Rickenbacker some time ago but they have not replied.

By the way, how long have any of you had to wait for a 4003fl?

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:57 am

Welcome aboard, Robert.
My '72 4001 FL wears a set of Rickenbacker Nylon Tapewound strings (item #: S 899, gauge: 45-56-77-103) which I believe are standard on the 4003 FL models. They are find sounding, smooth feeling strings with a twang. I like them a lot. RIC also offer a lighter E gauge set, # S 888, 45-65-75-95, but I've never seen or used them.

Here's my '72.

By the way, which finish did you order?
The waiting period is anywhere between 3 and 9 months. Did you order through a dealer in England?

robcollins · Post by **robcollins** » Sun Feb 01, 2004 10:38 am

nice bass!

I went for mapleglo , to match my 360/12 .
Yes, I did order from a dealer in England (Peter Cookes Guitar World in London) I was told it would be around 12 months delivery time.
I ordered it blind as I have never seen or played a Rick fretless (or fretted for that matter)and I am counting the days (and months) until I get it.

About those strings - athough I can get Rickenbacker strings for my 360, I have never seen Rick bass strings in the UK.

rickde · Post by **rickde** » Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:43 am

If you go to The Bass Cellar on Denmark Street in London you can play a Mapleglo 4003FL. I was just there last weekend and they have one hanging on the wall. They also have a couple 4003 basses.