Identifying Old Strings

[Xwolf Okami]

Hey, TalkBass!

I was thinking of replacing the strings on my bass: a '77 Rickenbacker 4001. I got her secondhand through Elderly, so the strings were already equipped. There were no clues left behind by the original owner (I checked the case). I was wondering if you could help me figure out which strings are on her.

Headstock:



Bridge/Beads:




As you can see, they have no silks.

The strings are of a very light gauge; the E string only clocks in around .095. They are also quite slippery and have a distinctive smell. They reek of the pink disinfectant used to clean wind instrument mouthpieces, however, I think this may be from her being a case-queen. The strings show no visible signs of rusting.

EDIT: I guess I should let you all know they're flatwounds.

If you require any more specific shots, let me know and I'd be happy to get some. If they are discontinued, or you are unable to figure it out, I was thinking of picking up some LaBella's Deep Talkin' Flats instead.

[jasper383]

They are flats?

I know of no current flats that don't have silks.

[jpfbass]

They look like flats, so they're still good to play as flats never really "expire". If your planning on replacing these with the same make, I see no real reason cause the ones you have on now will still play fine even if they're from 77.

[Xwolf Okami]

To clarify, yes, they are flats.

I know that flats "don't expire", but the E, and to a lesser extent, A strings are very hard to get a good tone from. They tend to sound more "warble-y" (not quite the sound I'm thinking of, but close) when played.