Tuning a RIC BEAD.

willsellout · #1 02-02-2013, 11:16 AM

Have any of you done this? I want to be able to use my Ric in my current band, but I can't without at least a low C#. So I figured I'd just drop it to BEAD versus Drop C.

I'm planning on some Circle K strings, with a .130 B. I know I'll have to widen the nut slots, which is fine as I have the tools. I'll also be spending quite a bit of time setting it up again and dealing the dreaded intonation....

Any other advice from people who have done this? Did you get favorable results?

Thanks!

Dan

Folmeister · #2 02-02-2013, 12:05 PM

I have my 2008 4003 strung BEAD currently. I used a set of DR Sunbeam 5s. I was a little apprehensive when I did it, but I am pleased with the results. Oh, and I had one of the Hipshot replacement bridges installed. I wanted to avoid having to deal with the original bridge.

willsellout · #3 02-02-2013, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folmeister

I have my 2008 4003 strung BEAD currently. I used a set of DR Sunbeam 5s. I was a little apprehensive when I did it, but I am pleased with the results. Oh, and I had one of the Hipshot replacement bridges installed. I wanted to avoid having to deal with the original bridge.

Yeah I had one of the Hipshot bridges on my last Ric. I didn't have any real issues with it, but I definitely didn't like the saddles moving. I might be switching back to the Hipshot though. The Ric bridge is just such a pain, and it impedes my playing with a pick because of where I play. it slices up my palm.

**Ric5** · #4 02-02-2013, 12:28 PM

BEAD works fine on a Rick. Just remember BEAD is less tension on the neck than EADG is. So you will have to back off the truss rod a little.

**Ric5** · #5 02-02-2013, 12:40 PM

I like to convert my 4 string Ricks in 5 string basses ...

willsellout · #6 02-02-2013, 01:33 PM

What gauge and type of strings are you using, if you don't mind me asking?

gurensan · #7 02-02-2013, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric5

I like to convert my 4 string Ricks in 5 string basses ...

I always thought they were too narrow as a 4!

**Ric5** · #8 02-02-2013, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurensan

I always thought they were too narrow as a 4!

Many people think the Rickenbacker neck is too wide.

I use a carvin 5 strin nut. So they are the same width at the nut as a 5 string Carvin.

**Ric5** · #9 02-02-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willsellout

What gauge and type of strings are you using, if you don't mind me asking?

Usually .130 to .045

willsellout · #10 02-02-2013, 10:42 PM

Well I set it up BEAD today. had to file the nut a bit but I used .125, .105, .085, .065 strings.

It's not the best B string I've ever heard, but it sounds quite good. I'm letting it sit over night and I'll finish any setup stuff that it needs tomorrow.