Flats for my new Ric

[DRafalske]

I should be picking up a brand spankin' new Rick 4003 tomorrow afternoon. I plan to immediately switch out the factory strings for flats. They sound great with flats or rounds, but I highly prefer the feel of flats. I use Chromes (.45-.100) on my PBass and love them, but a lot of guys don't like them as much on Rics (or so I've read). The jury is still out on the new Fender flats (are they really re-badged Chromes?), and from what I've read I don't think I'll like TI's.
I have a heavy touch on my fretting hand. I like the tight feel of higher tension strings and typically set my action a hair on the high side.
I have a spare set of Chromes I'll probably throw on to see how they sound, but what else should I consider? I'd like them to still have some "zing" - hence my fondness for Chromes.
Thanks in advance!
Dave

[king_biscuit]

Well everyone is going to tell you what their favorite flats are so I'll start: GHS Precisions! They are not zingy, but they have perfect tension, they are not sticky, and they have a perfect thump to note ratio

[jgroh]

I think you should stick with the Chromes on the Ric.

[rekesbass]

if you still want some zing,I would go with chromes..chromes are a flat for guys who don't normally use them or still want some brightness..I tried some on my jazz and I liked them and I'm seriously considering some on my 4003(although I'm a little scared,I've always used rounds on my Rics)but,I still want that Ric grind and if I'm not happy I could always put them on another bass..I would try chromes first..

[Low End Lover]

Fender 9050CL set. Excellent balance and sound. Will be available in February. I have sets on both my 2010 4003 and 2008 4003FL and I think they're great.

[billoetjen]

Lucky bleeder!

The 4003 is at the top of the evolutionary pyramid, if you ask me, and the newest ones at the top of that. I'm so much a flatwound guy that I swapped put on LaBella DTB without playing a single note with the stock rounds. 760FL or FS, can't remember which, but the set that's closest to the stock dimensions. Very pleased and have no thoughts about switching. Can't go very wrong with Chromes, either.
Have fun!

[88ric2030]

I have Chromes on my 4001 and they sound great, and are very versatile. I usually dial the tone knob way back to go for a more McCartney type Ric sound, but if I go to a jam with some friends who might want to bust out "2112", I can open up the tone and still have enough zing for a Geddy Ric sound. I've considered switching to GHS Precision Flats because I think they are more suitable for the sound I want now. I have them on my Squier Bronco which I record with a lot, using a pick, and it's a great vintage thump. I think a Ric would sound great with them, but wouldn't be quite as versatile. But hey, that's why I have a lot of basses, and more than one Ric.

[jasper383]

Zing?

Chromes, the new Fender flats, or Sadowsky flats.

[DRafalske]

Yeah, so I got the new Ric last night (there's an NBD thread in the basses forum if you want to see a pic). Got home and immediately threw on that set of Chromes I had layin' around. They sound great. Totally happy with them. I probably try the new Fender flats when they come out just because they're less expensive, but totally dig the Chromes on the Ric.
Thanks for the responses guys!

D

[Phalex]

A word of caution. Flats can have some pretty high tension. Ric bridges are susceptible to the Dreaded Tail Piece Lift. My Ric has a mild case of The Dreaded Tail Piece Lift and it doesn't effect playability at all, but I've seen photos of some pretty severe cases. Just be mindful of the position of the bridge closest to the strap button in relation to its lying flat against the body. I've got a credit cards worth of gap. Not a big deal, but it can be.

FYI, YMMV, etc etc

[MN_Bass]

I've had good luck with TIs on Rics.

[patton63]

Good luck with the new Ric. Like you, I have a P that is strung with Chromes. When my wife game me a Ric for our anniversary last year, I put on some Roto 77s - wanted to try something different. I love the sound.

[Drifta]

i'd consider labella tapewounds as well as flats. Flats player here and theyre my second favorite string next to TI Flats. those are my two recommendations.

[Kromwarp]

Rotosounds