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50-70-90-110 strinngs d tuning rick scale

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Pitsaras, Jul 6, 2013.

  1. Jul 6, 2013 #1
    Pitsaras

    Pitsaras Guest

    Dec 26, 2011
    i have a custom bass with the rickenbacker scale and i want to use it for a project in d standard tuning. will the 50-110 strings be hard to play? i have a 34 scale bass with 45-105 strings that copes pretty well with the d tuning. will the slightly shorter scale of this bass make te 50 - 110 strings easier to play?? thank you in advance
     
  2. Jul 6, 2013 #2
    SLaPiNFuNK

    SLaPiNFuNK Inactive Commercial User

    Jul 28, 2006
    LA California
    The Brains: FretNation.com
    If the instrument has a shorter scale length, the tension of 50-110 will actually be like 45-105 in a longer scale.

    This will of course depend on string construction... If they are both AAA Rounds but just different scale then my statement above will be true... If one is AAA Rounds and the other is ZZZ Flats, then it does not apply.
     
  3. Jul 6, 2013 #3
    Pitsaras

    Pitsaras Guest

    Dec 26, 2011
    the 34 scale bass has 45-105 rotosounds and i am thinking the same strings 50-110 for the shorter scale. which means all roundwound strings. it is the same thing in the end? 45-105 on a 34 scaleand 50-110 on the rick scale?
     
  4. Jul 6, 2013 #4
    SLaPiNFuNK

    SLaPiNFuNK Inactive Commercial User

    Jul 28, 2006
    LA California
    The Brains: FretNation.com
    45-105 at 34" scale is lower tension than 50-110 at 33.5" scale (I think that I Rickenbacker scale).
     
  5. Jul 6, 2013 #5
    Pitsaras

    Pitsaras Guest

    Dec 26, 2011
    i will try the 50s thanks a lot ;)
     
  6. Jul 6, 2013 #6
    iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    Rickenbacker scale is 33 1/4. But I agree with the 50 and the 110, but I'd do 65 and 85 for the middle strings, as they are more in line with traditional RIC gauges OEM for standard tuning. Not because of the tension, but because of the tonality.

    I'd do 50-65-85-110.
     
  7. Jul 7, 2013 #7
    Ric5

    Ric5 Inactive

    Jan 29, 2008
    Colorado
    I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
    I have done that with a 73 4001. The problem was the neck was set up perfectly flat and the D standard tuning even with the heavier strings was less tension on the neck and it needed a new setup. The D standard will probably work better on a newer 4003 because the new truss rods are easier to adjust.
     
  8. Jul 7, 2013 #8
    Ric5

    Ric5 Inactive

    Jan 29, 2008
    Colorado
    I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
    33 1/4" you were close ...
     
  9. Jul 7, 2013 #9
    Pitsaras

    Pitsaras Guest

    Dec 26, 2011
    i have a bass with the rick scale a custom one with single stainless steel trussrod. the original thought was that the 50 strings would have a little more tension than the 45 strings on a 34 scale bass? which one is more tension?
     
  10. Jul 9, 2013 #10
    Ric5

    Ric5 Inactive

    Jan 29, 2008
    Colorado
    I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
    It will depend on the strings ... The strings I used (sorry I don't remember the brand) it was less tension. Either way it is a small difference. The only reason it was an issue for me is I did it on a 73 4001 with the old truss rod system adjustment is a pain. The new 4003 is pretty simple. Also with a 4001/4003 you can simply detune 105-45 strings to DGCf and just do a setup on the bass. This is similar to putting 95-40 strings on your bass and tuning it EADG. Some players will like the funkier and more slinky feel of a lighter / looser string.

    D standard is a tuning that I think 4 string players should consider.