Scale length for 4003s bass

[Donavan12]

Im looking to replace the strings on my ric
I’m looking at getting nickels in a 45-100 gauge but wondering if I should buy medium scale or long scale
I don’t want the windings to taper off before the nut slot since I’ve had issues with that on other basses(oops! Wrong scale length lol,)
Let me know thanks!

 

[michael_t]

What's the distance from where the E string ball end is seated to the tuner side of the nut? That would be the minimum winding length needed, which will determine which "scale length" of strings you will need.

 

[michael_t]

Most "medium scale" strings are 34"-34.5" in winding length (ball end to taper), except for "medium scale" by GHS (35.5" winding) and "short scale" by TI (35.5").

"Long scale" by most manufacturers are 37"-37.5" in winding length, except for DR (37.75") and Ken Smith (38").

 

[jeff62]

Ric’s use normal long scale strings. Same strings you use on your 34” scale basses. And yes, I have multiple Ric’s and can verify this is correct.

 

[GIBrat51]

Ric’s use normal long scale strings. Same strings you use on your 34” scale basses. And yes, I have multiple Ric’s and can verify this is correct.

^^THIS^^ Same here. Long scale Optima 4440 RB (Rickenbacker Bass) Flats on my '01 4003; Long scale Dogal JC106A "Jaco" CarbonSteel Flats on my '73 4001. Rick's 33.25" scale is not that much shorter than "normal" 34" scale long scale basses...
That said? There are probably a few "Medium Scale" strings that might fit a 4003 Rick. GHS's might; and, it wouldn't surprise me at all if TI's "short scale" JF/JR 324's will fit, too. They fit my 30.5" scale Gretsch Broadkaster perfectly, and that bass is huge. Until I put a set of TI JR324 Jazz Rounds on it a couple of years ago? It wore a lot of different long sale strings - like they were made for it.
But, yeah; Rick's 4000 series basses have always worn long scale strings...