Best flatwounds for a Rickenbacker 4003?

[KoalaBass]

I am going to buy a rickenbacker 4003 in a month or so and I want to put flats on it. Any suggestions ?

 

[CnB77]

Thomastik if you want the Paul McCartney vibe
Or Pyramid, La Bella, Rotosound, D'Addario Chromes, GHS, etc etc soforth

 

[KoalaBass]

I got a set of TI on my jaguar bass, but the E string sounds too metallic for me. But if that's what will get me as close as possible to Macca's tone, I guess i'll have to try them on the rick someday...

 

[Fretlessbaby]

I put DR Legends (45-65-85-105) on mine and I love them!

 

[musicmaxbezanso]

Dunno specifically for the Rickenbacker, but the Sadowsky Black Label flats are great. They mellow out in no time and they're smooth as butter.

 

[OzzyGreg]

.
I have TIs on my 4001 and love 'em.
They aren't going anywhere in the forseeable future.

I like the low tension and the fact that they won't be putting too much strain on that skinny neck.
They also seem bring out the beautiful midrange tones of a Rickenbacker bass IMHO.

 

[Bassist4Eris]

I had Rotosound 77 Jazz Flats on my 4003 for a couple of years. I've never tried any other flats on that bass. The Rotos had a midrange punch that worked very well with that bass, IMHO, YMMV, etc.

I decided to put roundwounds on her again a few months ago. I've got DR Sunbeams on her, which sound great, but I've been thinking pretty seriously about going back to the Roto 77 Jazz flats.

 

[iiipopes]

As set forth above, if you want the Macca vibe, then T-I or Optima flats. Optima are the current version of the original Maxima flats that were OEM in the '60's.

If you want a more general purpose string, then the Fender 9050CL flats have more growl than Chromes, and are in 45-60-80-105, gauges that more approximate RIC OEM gauges.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I agree with iiipopes. The fender 9050cl sounded incredible on my 4003.

 

[Gorn]

This guy has labellas on his and it sounds fantastic

 

[jasper383]

This guy has labellas on his and it sounds fantastic

His YouTubes are awesome.

 

[Tom Howland]

.
I have TIs on my 4001 and love 'em.
They aren't going anywhere in the forseeable future.

I like the low tension and the fact that they won't be putting too much strain on that skinny neck.
They also seem bring out the beautiful midrange tones of a Rickenbacker bass IMHO.

Big +1
They fit perfect, sound wonderful.
TI-flats will be on my Ric for a long time.

 

[GM60466]

I like Rotosound flats

 

[KoalaBass]

I get my Rick on wednesday! Everything is ready, I choosed the Labella flats!

 

[Gorn]

This guy has labellas on his and it sounds fantastic

His YouTubes are awesome.

They're great. Every Beatles song I play I learned from him.

 

[u84six]

TIs on RIC using a pick = beauty.

 

[adivin]

TIs on RIC using a pick = beauty.

+1

 

[donn]

This guy has labellas on his and it sounds fantastic

Hm, 760FX extra light set ... I like that sound with a pick. My extra heavy set sounds kind of like a marimba with a pick. Hm.

 

[Root 5]

If it were me, I'd be looking towards GHS Precision flats - although they're kinda too long for a 4003. (Only available in Long +...)

I'd be satisfied with Pyramid Golds or Labella flats.

 

[bassdude51]

Go TI. Your neck and truss rod/rods will thank you!