Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I would like to use D'Addario strings on my Rick, but they don't make string "sets" that match the factory string gauges. (Nobody else seems to either). Is it a big problem for the neck, etc. to go to a more "standard" medium string set like: 045 065 080 105? Or would it be better to go light as: 040 060 080 100?

I've used D'Addario XL-170's on all my Ricks for years with absolutely no problems. My string of choice.

Hi Richard, welcome to the Forum.

I'd go lighter if it was me, you may have to tweak the nut just a little to accomodate the 60 and 80, but other than that they should work just fine.

I prefer 105's

Elites Player (nickle) 45 65 85 105 no problems.

No, it's no problem at all to use any standard string gauge on a 4003. The D'addario XL165 (045-105), my first choice in rounds, actually are slightly lower tension than the factory set. The last time I did this, I already had the relief way low on the Ric strings and I actually had to loosen the truss rods about 1/6 turn after putting on the XL165s.

But if it's a new bass, you may have to enlarge the nut slots evry slightly.

Thanks for all of the replies. Gives me confidence to try some different string sets. I think I will try the XL 165 set first.

I have only been playing bass (and taking lessons) for about two months. Played clarinet and saxes for about 20 years and it seems that bass strings are like reeds -- you are always searching for a certain sound. What I am after is a very smooth and "centered" tone. The Rickenbacker bass seems to be the best for this.

Welcome former sax player!

"What I am after is a very smooth and "centered" tone"

If that is the kind of sound you are looking for you may want to try flatwound strings. I use D'Addario Chromes in a 40-55-75-95 set that is nice and easy on the neck and gives me a nice variety of tones from grindy to dubby.

The 4003 neck is designed to take a wide variety of strings. Matching the factory strings is not a requirement. I like 40-100 sets but I have used 45-100 and 45-105 sets as well.

Just as a reference for the variety of strings that can be used I have 60-125 strings on my 4003 tuned BEAD and it has been like this for close to two years with not a single issue.

Brian,
Thanks for the info on the BEAD tuning, I was considering trying this with my 4003. I'm assuming that you had to widen the nut slots to accomodate.

What are you using for strings ??

I tend to break strings on a regular basis so I go with GHS Boomers since the have a nice bright tone when they are fresh and I swap them out before they sound like mud anyway.....and they are pretty cheap. I just get 5-string sets.
Yes, I had to widen the nut slots a tad.
Since I have problems playing Ric 5 strings due to the tight string spacing this was a good alternative for me.

I appreciate the update Brian .....

So I have a question: Brian's 4003 is strung BEAD with 60-125 strings. Is that going to be more or less tension than your average medium roundwound 45-105 tuned EADG?

I used to have one of my 4001s strung BEAD with a similar gauge and I didn't have any neck problems either.

In general, the BEAD set will have the same or lower tension than EADG. That's because a typical 125 tuned to B is lower tension than a typical 045 tuned to G.

Here are some examples using D'addario XLs:
EADG 040-060-080-100: 155.1 lbs.
EADG 045-065-080-100: 172.6 lbs.
EADG 045-065-085-105: 182.8 lbs.
BEAD 060-080-100-125: 152.8 lbs.
BEAD 060-085-105-125: 163.0 lbs.

D'addario has a complete chart in .pdf on their site with tension for every single string, and over an octave range of tunings. There's some good info on pages 3 and 4, and the bass strings start on page 9: http://www.daddariostrings.com/Resources/JDCDAD/images/tension_chart.pdf