Looking for an opinion on strings for a Rick

[dbull]

OK. I've now decided to replace the strings on my Rick, but here's the thing. The Rick has a little more slappy treble attack than I like on the low end and less of a mellow strong low end (yes, I know you buy a Rick to get that sound, but it is just a bit much for me, and it gets a bit muddy). So I am looking for strings that might mellow the old boy's e string out a little bit. I'm thinking that nickel roundwound may be the way to go, but I am a total newbie on this (Previously with my Jazz bass, I just went to the local guitar shop and said--"put on new strings"). Any advice on specific strings would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[dbull]

As an addendum, I called my local shop, and they have the following nickel strings:

Diadora
Fender
EB
Olympic

Any opinions on these?

 

[john_g]

You can also order online so I wouldnt be limited to just what the local shop has. I have DR's HiBeams on my Ric and I love them. IMO, they have a nice even tone and for lack of a better term, understated growl to them (not too much but just enough). I have also had Daddario Chromes Flatwounds on it as well and if you want to tame the treble, buy a set of those. Still bright enough but smooth on the treble end.

 

[dbull]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you find that the Flatwounds work for Rock?

 

[nicfargo]

Nickel are a little more mellow then the (assuming) steel strings on it now. I'd probably go Diadora Nickel strings if it were me...I've always had good luck with them and they always seem to sound excellent. If you want a real old school sound (McCartney-Beatles) put flats on it.

 

[Pilgrim]

Flats are good for what ails ya. Go to Juststrings.com and go for Labella Deep Talkin' flats.

 

[RickenBoogie]

For flats, I really like the Roto 77 Jazz flats. I've used those on an older 4001, and not only do they sound great, they last forever. But currently, I'm using the nickel rounds from the Ric factory on my 4003. They're bright, but not overly. Lottsa punch. They tend to last longer than Roto 66 SwingBass strings, too.

 

[deliciouspesto]

I would definitely check out flats for ricks, they go very well together. What model and age is yours? That can help us to determine a suitable string. If the bass is an old 4001, our recommendations will change slightly.

 

[john_g]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you find that the Flatwounds work for Rock?

Yes, flatwounds work for rock. I only tried flats for the first time a few months ago and I was expecting something different (I guess. IMHO, they just tamed the treble and took care of the zingy overtones rounds give you. I still love my rounds but flats are definitely cool, especially on a Ric.

 

[dbull]

Thanks guys. I went with Fender nickel roundwounds. It really made a big difference.