I've only ever played 45-105 guage strings on my Rickenbackers, but have often wondered about other guages (+ mixed-guage strings like the Rotosound Billy Sheehan's).

I'm usually running red-label Warwicks (cheap), but sometimes string up with Rotosound swings.

What do you lot use on your Rics, and how does it sound?

This is a question that gets asked a lot.
I use a slightly lighter string on my Rick,
the 40-100 set works best for me. I use
the Rotosound SM66 "Swingmaster" set. They
work great.


Slug.

I use 45-105. Used Rotos but got some DR highbeams on it now. I was told lighter the better on Rics? The necks like to warp with larger gauges? That's what I heard.

I think that was true for earlier Rics without the improved truss rods.

I've thought about lighter guage to get a bit more bite, or maybe heavier to get a bit more thud. I guess I should move butt and get a couple of different sets and try 'em out, eh? ;)

I like the TI jazz flats on my 61 4000 rickenbacker!

These deliver a nice clean thump!

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/Fool/bis.gif
Treena

Gotta be roundwounds for me...flats don't have nearly enough bite I find.

What guage flats are you using?

Originally posted by Treena Foster
I like the TI jazz flats on my 61 4000 rickenbacker!

These deliver a nice clean thump!

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/Fool/bis.gif
Treena

I'm scared to put flats on my 4000 for some reason, I like the cut of the roundwounds. What do or would you use as far as roundwounds on your 4000?

The 4000 series was originally designed for
flatwounds (so says the factory) It's not really
a matter of string type; the more important
things are string guage and tension. The older
(pre '84) Ricks use the older truss rod design
and thinner neck, and were more prone to problems. Although I've had no problems with
my '77 using regular gauge strings, I find that
my bass plays and sounds better with slightly lighter strings. This is more pronounced with
roundwounds; the lighter gauge adds more snap,
grind, and sting. The Thomastiks are great flatwounds, and I do use them from time to time,
but I don't think they make a stainless roundwound, and I only play stainless rounds.
I use the 40-100 Rotosound "Swingmaster" rounds which
work purrrfect on my 4001; they also make a flatwound in that gauge and I use those too,
They are a nice change of pace from the rounds
and Thomastik flats; they're a LOT brighter and
stiffer than the soft, buttery Thomastiks if
bright flats are your bag. Your best bet would
be to try as many sets and gauges as possible
to see what best fits your sound and style of
music; it's experimentation really, and takes
a bit of time to find out what you like best.

Cheers,
Slug

Originally posted by RicPlaya


I'm scared to put flats on my 4000 for some reason, I like the cut of the roundwounds. What do or would you use as far as roundwounds on your 4000?

The TI power bass series will work as far as a round wound strings. I have used these also.

The guage
.032
.047
.068
.080
.107

and

jazz bass flats are....

.043
.056
.070
.100

With TI's you can custom order your own sets.. if you prefer!

Tension it a factor!

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/Fool/wink.gif
Treena

Originally posted by Treena Foster


The TI power bass series will work as far as a round wound strings. I have used these also.

The guage
.032
.047
.068
.080
.107

and

jazz bass flats are....

.043
.056
.070
.100

With TI's you can custom order your own sets.. if you prefer!

Tension it a factor!

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/Fool/wink.gif
Treena
Thanks a lot Treena, I have been looking for input on that for a while now!

this topic is a year old, but i have a similar question. i want to get strings that are as close to the strings that come standard on my fairly new 4003. i think ill get the TI power bass series... but what gauge should i get? or, what gauge is the closest to what comes standard on my ric? the strings on my ric are just right, and i just need a replacement A string for a show in 2 days (after that im ordering ric strings).

thanks a ton

The 4003's have an improved truss rod system and a beefier
neck, so they're more forgiving than the 4001 when it comes
to string guage and tension. You might try the TI powerbass;
The regular guage should work fine..
I really like the 40-100 guage Rotos on a Rickenbacker. The Rotosounds in this guage are great for getting the Geddy/Squire tone. You might even try the TI flats if bright
stainless rounds aren't your thing. Rickenbacker strings
are also available, you just have to call around or have
them ordered. Try one of our TB vendors!

Slug