Flatwounds for Rickenbacker

david.h · #1 12-11-2009, 05:47 PM

I have a Rickenbacker 4003 that's only a few months old. It still has the original strings on it, and I want to switch to La Bella flatwounds. I don't know what size the original strings are, but I'm worried that if I get some big flatwounds, they won't fit in the nut. Does anyone know what size flatwounds WILL fit? Or should I just get a new nut to accommodate bigger strings?

Also, La Bella makes their strings in standard long scale. Does that mean standard Fender 34 inch? The scale length of a Ric is 34 1/4. Will they fit?

RickenBoogie · #2 12-11-2009, 06:30 PM

The scale legnth is fine. Ric strings are 45-55-75-105 stock. I've had great luck with Roto 77 Jazz flats on my Rics. Just a thought.

jasper383 · #3 12-11-2009, 07:43 PM

I would think the 760FL set would be great on a 4003. I only ever had rounds on my 4003 when I had it, and kick myself for not fully exploring all the flat options out there.

**Captain Bob** · #4 12-11-2009, 09:34 PM

I believe the scale length of your Ric is 33 1/4. At least the five 4001's I once owned in the 70's were that scale length. So yes, you need 34" scale string sets. Regarding your nut, if it hasn't been dressed (the factory will cut them high) you may wish to have a tech dress it for you. By your statement above, I'm assuming you don't have nut files and the training to do it yourself.

Regarding 'Flats', I would suggest Thomastik Infeld JF344 strings.
You can search vendors out on the web such as <www.juststrings.com> or <www.stringsandbeyond.com>.
This brand closely replicates the old (and no longer made) German 'Maxima' flatwounds that Rics came factory equipped with in the 60's/70's.

If you should purchase a set, be sure to use paper towels and lighter fluid - such as Rosenal (naptha) - to wipe them clean prior to placing them on your bass. I don't think you'll be disappointed with these strings and you will be pleasantly suprised. They will last you a long while.
Cheers...

lmfreeman9 · #5 12-12-2009, 06:05 AM

Thanks for the lighter fluid tip Bob. I will try them on my next set of Pyramids.

**Captain Bob** · #6 12-12-2009, 07:31 AM

Yes, Pyramid flats require this as well. Both, the TI and PYR roundwounds, do not need cleaning prior to installling.
I just wet a paper towel, grasp the string, and pull it through the 'finger gripped' towel.
I continue to do this until the black/gray deposits are no longer transferring to the paper towel.

Moreover, every now and then, I'll carefully clean them in similar fashion after they have been installed, being careful not to transfer too much naptha onto the rosewood (david h - not a concern on the sealed 4003 neck, but it will remove any wax/polish you may have placed on the 'Conversion Varnish' Ric finish) since it may remove both my 'Howard's Orange oil cleaner and Feed and Wax' wood preserver treatment both of which, I apply sparingly once or twice a year.

FromBeyond · #7 12-12-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Bob

Yes, Pyramid flats require this as well. Both, the TI and PYR roundwounds, do not need cleaning prior to installling.
I just wet a paper towel, grasp the string, and pull it through the 'finger gripped' towel.
I continue to do this until the black/gray deposits are no longer transferring to the paper towel.

Moreover, every now and then, I'll carefully clean them in similar fashion after they have been installed, being careful not to transfer too much naptha onto the rosewood (david h - not a concern on the sealed 4003 neck, but it will remove any wax/polish you may have placed on the 'Conversion Varnish' Ric finish) since it may remove both my 'Howard's Orange oil cleaner and Feed and Wax' wood preserver treatment both of which, I apply sparingly once or twice a year.

Slightly offtopic perhaps, but why is it needed to clean strings before putting them on? I've only changed strings once so far, so i guess it would be nice to know for the future

**Captain Bob** · #8 12-12-2009, 08:20 AM

Depends on the strings. The Austrian TI and German PYR flatwound strings mentioned are pure nickel that are coated with a polishing compound/preservative. It will turn your fingers black for a while.

I'm not sure about affecting sound, since I have always wiped them after being instructed to do so years ago. The old Rickenbacker Maxima flats were similar, but in those day's, it wasn't long until I went to RS 66's. I would assume this compound would deaden the string a bit. PYR flats are much more 'thumpy' than the TI's as it is. It takes a fair amount of cleaning to get the stuff off. But, the string quality makes it worth the extra effort.

Edit: The PYR and TI flats are pure nickel inner and outer wire wraps and hand ground and hand polished. They simply don't properly clean them afterwards. Some sets are 'dirtier' than others. The rounds of course, are not ground or polished.

FromBeyond · #9 12-12-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Bob

Depends on the strings. The Austrian TI and German PYR flatwound strings mentioned are pure nickel that are coated with a polishing compound/preservative. It will turn your fingers black for a while.

I'm not sure about affecting sound, since I have always wiped them after being instructed to do so years ago. The old Rickenbacker Maxima flats were similar, but in those day's, it wasn't long until I went to RS 66's. I would assume this compound would deaden the string a bit. PYR flats are much more 'thumpy' than the TI's as it is. It takes a fair amount of cleaning to get the stuff off. But, the string quality makes it worth the extra effort.

Riiight...i have an old acoustic guitar with nickel strings and my fingers would always smell funny/have black smudges on them after i fooled around with it for a while...thanks for clarifying this for me!
/Thread hijack off

krovx · #10 09-11-2010, 05:57 PM

Wondering if anyone has or knows of some clips of 4003s with flatwounds...debating about trying them myself.

mulambo · #11 09-12-2010, 04:24 AM

brother, i made this video some time ago, with my 4001S, with chromes, 040/095. will look for some recording of him in my laptop, and can post here soon. hope it helps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AwyqWopkYM

mulambo · #12 09-12-2010, 04:33 AM

here it is. 70 seconds of a bass line. thats the sound i like on my Rick.

krovx · #13 09-12-2010, 10:14 AM

Thanks for the samples mulambo!

I just got a pair of TI Flats that I am going to throw on and try. A Ric just sounds so cool with flats.