Strings for Detuning on a Rickenbacker

[LCAirPasta]

I just joined a band that plays a lot of down tuned metal (mostly C# Standard and Drop B) and I was just wondering what the best strings for metal were?

Just kidding, here's my real question- I'm planning on using a Rickenbacker 4003 for this project, but I like having higher tensions. I was thinking of going on Stringjoy and making a custom set with the lowest string at .130 gauge, but I'm worried it wont fit the nut (or even the bridge???) on my Rick. Anybody have any experience with thicker gauges on ricks? Thanks!

 

[lz4005]

I was thinking of going on Stringjoy and making a custom set with the lowest string at .130 gauge, but I'm worried it wont fit the nut (or even the bridge???) on my Rick.

You'll have to file the nut to fit a .130 in an E slot.

 

[LCAirPasta]

You'll have to file the nut to fit a .130 in an E slot.

I figured as much. If I do that, will I still be able to use smaller strings if I decide to put regular sized strings back on the bass? Or will they moved around too much?

 

[lz4005]

will I still be able to use smaller strings if I decide to put regular sized strings back on the bass?

Probably.