Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I currently have Ric strings on my 4003 that came with the bass when purchased.

I want to try some flatwound strings, but can't find any in 45-55-75-105 gauges.

I could use a different gauge, but if I were to use say ,45-65-80-105 or any guage larger that the Ric ones, the strings will not sit in the nut slot without being forced in or having to adjust the nut slot.....if I were to do this would it be a problem if I were to revert to a smaller gauge?

What gauge strings do you use and what do you do if you use a larger gauge...do you widen the nut slots where neccessary?

I do have a 4001 by the way, but I don't have any probs with gauges as the nut appears to be a custom made one with V shaped slots instead of rounded slots.

Thanks

www.juststrings.com sells flats in single strings so you can make your own custom set..i used a little sand paper to widen the nut slots on my new 4004..just go slow and do a little at a time until the string fits and be carefull not to file the nut to low or wide..you can also try www.allparts.com for some nut files but they are expensive.

Martin,
I recommend the T-I JF344 flats. 43-56-70-100.
http://pub206.ezboard.com/fthedudepitfrm18.showMessage?topicID=218.topic

When I bought a set of Dean Markley Med-Lite Rounds (45-65-80-105) to replace the factory strings on my '98 4003, I had to widen (not deepen) the A and D slots a fraction with sand paper wrapped around a ruler. As careful as what Tom said, it was an easy 5 minute job.

A few months later, I put the T-I JF 344 sets on her. Even though the T-I's have a smaller gauge than standard RIC strings, there's been no problem at all. Now both my '98 and '86 have them on. They are low tension, high output, bright sounding strings and last virtually forever. Big buck saver!

Tom..
I had a look at juststrings....good site and I managed to find some Ernie Ball single strings to match the Ric gauges.

Only trouble is postage to the UK is $35.00.
I'll still bear them in mind though so thanks for the info.

I think I'll go with you recommendation for the TI flats Paul.

Still quite difficult to find in the UK, but I found a European site that has them:
http://www.lordofthestrings.com/lots/RAPRD/11001621.html

They are a little bit pricier than US prices but not too bad.

Thanks for the input.

I've had good success with the TI Jazz flats on my Rick. They are low tension, and you will probably have to work with your truss rods to get the action you like, but they have worked well for me!

Martin, You in the UK like me?

www.stringsdirect.co.uk

best service/selection/prices ever, odd you have not heard of them

Owen,

Funny cos I just went to stringsdirect and I have visited the site before although I havn't purchased from there before.

I even have them listed in my favourites!

Sometimes you can look so hard for something and it's right under your nose.

Thanks for bringing them to my attention....I see they have the TI's in stock too......cheers Owen.

you can put pretty much any kind of string you want on a 4003 ... except for flatwounds ... the inversely proportional reflux of neck pressure tension and acoustically obtuse musical notes may cause you to want roundwound strings again ...

What Jeff said

But then again, the tone and playability and big smiles of your band mates might prompt you think: Why didn't I do this ten years ago?, it sounds like a bass now! And wow these things actually cut through the mix better than round wounds, they actually occupy their own sonic space under the guitars, I don't have to compete anymore.
Pyramids, TI's and even Fenders flats were made for 4003's. Join the new class of bass players: The ones who actually play bass! It's a new revolution in bass playing.

Bob - i use swing bass strings, but i hate Chris Squire and Geddy Lee's playing, i play a solid bass!! I have a proper band demp now, i will upload it so all you people can hear it

No need to get defensive now Owen, haha! I've heard your playing and I must say you make those Rots sound good, (now that's a feat!) and your playing is very solid. I have some rounds on one of my basses, maybe two, here in Lima I have Fenders on one and Rics on the other. And my 81 4003 which is actually finally going to arrive next week will either have TI's or Pyramids, I think that is what it has on it now, if so, I'll just leave them on.

LOL, What you heard was not Actually with Roties tho, those were Fender nickels (i think), and a P Bass with too much compression.

Oddly, the "extra Harsh" Swing bass seem to have more bottom than those nickels did

Whats that a new series? the Rots RS66EH? haha!
they come in:
brash
harsh
extra harsh,
grating
extremely grating
makes your ear drums bleed
and get off that stage!