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Rickenbacker String Volume

D

darth by tor

Nov 9, 2005
21
0
56
NYC
#1
Hi all!

Probably an obvious answer to this one but I recently started playing my 4003 Ric again and I noticed that the bottom E is usually loud compared to the rest of the strings, Is this something that a simple set up would cure?
 
#2
darth by tor said:
Hi all!

Probably an obvious answer to this one but I recently started playing my 4003 Ric again and I noticed that the bottom E is usually loud compared to the rest of the strings, Is this something that a simple set up would cure?
Click to expand...

I also have a 4003...never noticed the "e" as the loudest...have noticed the "a" being a bit outspoken...check your strings...play with the reccomended guage...extra lights...check your intonation and bridge...then go to the amp and eq it.
 
#6
I think my DR Sunbeams, in 45/56/85/105 sound better than the factory strings....they were a custom size, not extra lights..

....the G and E are normal, it's the A and D strings that are different... 45/55/75/105 ....the Sunbeams don't have too much tension at all...but many people are perfectly happy using tighter strings on their 4003's(Lowriders), and the thicker strings tend to even out the E strings authority over the A, and D
 
#7
I currently have the Rick nickel strings on mine (45, 55, 75, 105) and if anything I'd like to beef the bottom E up just a little. Got a set of Rotosound Swing bass (steel) to try on it next, just as an experiment - cos I'm after a bit more "zing" as well.
 
#9
I bought a 4001 a few months ago and the G string was really loud, and the E was not. (the sax player in the band raised hell about it)... so I turned the screws on the frame around the bridge pickup and changed the distance between the pickup pole and the string. That did the trick!

BTW I use LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass strings and love them.

Rickenbacker International has a forum on their website that you might look up, there is a lot of good information and advice about Rickenbackers. And John Hall, owner of Rickenbacker even responds to posts.... its a nice forum.
 
#11
thedonutman said:
doesnt a compressor level out all the notes? or is that a psycological effect that i get when my g string isnt actually getting any louder? :hmm:
Click to expand...

Please, PLEASE.....stay away from compressors. Adjust your pickup and bridge......compressors LIMIT your dynamics!!
 
#12
This is my biggest pet peeve about basses. I've fiddled with pick ups, string heights, bridges, and compressors forever all just to make it so the sound doesn't drop out when I go to the G and D strings. Sometimes the problem lies with the amp and cabinet though.

Don't knock a good compressor. The cheap ones (3630 et al) will sound terrible, but stuff like Fatboy and Distressor are great.
 

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