Strings on a 4003

[mdogs]

I recently, as in yesterday, picked up a Rick 4003S. It needs a little bit of work, namely it needs a good fret leveling as one of the previous owners did kind of a hack job trying to DYI it. I usually don't like threads where people ask for opinions on things that are so reliant on personal taste. But, I have a number of different sets of strings i could put on it and I thought it would be fun to take a poll and see what other people think.

I should have added, these are new sets that I already own, so it will definitely be one of these.

 

[BGroovy]

I actually like the Fender Flats. I kept them on a JMJ Mustang and was impressed.

For a 4003 it's flats all day for me, specifically Labella low tension or DR Legends

 

[lug]

I go with the brightest strings (D'Addario Pro Steels in my case) to lean into the "Rickiness" of the bass.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

I'm with BGgroovy on this one, although Lug has a good point.

 

[rmayer]

I voted for DR Nickel Low Riders, great strings. Although if you listed Sadowsky Blue Label Flats that would have been my first choice. I put that s**t on everything

 

[Gervais Cote]

I would put the most aggressive sounding s/s rounds on it and make it roaring and screaming !

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, I put Rickenbacker strings on mine.
Found them on Amazon.

 

[Grooveline]

Having a 4003s, I find mine to be naturally strong in the mid to high mids so I would go with strings that are the thickest/fatest in the lows and low mids that also have the brightest highs. I'm not familiar with most of the string options you listed but for me it would probably be the SS set or the Low Rider nickels. Mine currently is strung with the Dunlop Macus Miller SB stainless.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Any of the above that are stainless steel (or cobalt). That's how my ears are wired.

 

[hasbeen]

I'm in the "stainless round wound" boat with others. I'd go DR FB

 

[Gilmourisgod]

None of the Above, really, but any of the Nickel Rounds would be preferable. I have all my Ric clones strung with D'Addario EXL 220 Nickel Rounds, easier on the frets and fingers, and they sound great for a good long while.

 

[lowendblues]

DR highbeams work for me.

 

[ahbradot]

The original Rickenbacker strings for Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar directly from Rickenbacker's official boutique or authorized retailers. The factory standard strings for the 4003 are the Rickenbacker Round-Wound Bass String Set (part number 95511), with gauges 45w-55w-75w-105w.

Original Rickenbacker strings for a 4003, specifically the standard 45-105 gauge nickel-wound sets designed for 4001/4003 models. These are available directly from the Rickenbacker Boutique website or authorized dealers.
* String Type: Rickenbacker's standard nickel roundwound sets (.045, .055, .075, .105) are generally recommended to maintain the classic sound and tension.
* Availability: They are available through Rickenbacker's official Boutique for around $35 or via third-party sellers.
* Compatibility: The 4003 uses the same standard scale length as other 4003 models, making these factory strings the correct fit.

* RIC No. 95511 Standard Bass Nickel Round Wound 45w-55w-75w-105w

Rickenbarker
OFFICIAL FACTORY STORE

STRING SET BASS STD 45w 55w 75w 105w

Your Price: $35.00
STRING SET BASS STD 45w 55w 75w 105w
Part Number: 95511
Description
All basses that leave the RIC factory our outfitted with these. 45w 55w 75w 105w

 

[iiipopes]

None of the above. If you want the traditional 60's tone, the Optima RB set, the spiritual successor to the OEM Maximas. If you want Chris Squire grind, then Rotosound Swingbass light gauge. If you want all-round versatility, either the factory set or a SIT NPS rounds set, as Mr. JH recommends.

 

[mapleglo]

I have liked Rotosounds for many years but recently I have taken a liking to the D'Addario EXL 220 Nickel Rounds, like @Gilmourisgod has recommended. I have them on my main player and have really fallen for them. I've been playing them every day for 2 hours for months now and they are still going strong.

 

[Lo-E]

I string my 4003 with D’Addario EXL170BT - the balanced tension nickel rounds. I string my 4001F (fretless) with TI flats.

Without having any insight into what you play or how you like to sound, I can only go with my own preferences (and yes, I realize that’s what you’re asking us for). From your list I’d probably enjoy the Sadowsky nickel rounds the most and, perhaps the DR Pure Blues in second place.

 

[mdogs]

I string my 4003 with D’Addario EXL170BT - the balanced tension nickel rounds. I string my 4001F (fretless) with TI flats.

Without having any insight into what you play or how you like to sound, I can only go with my own preferences (and yes, I realize that’s what you’re asking us for). From your list I’d probably enjoy the Sadowsky nickel rounds the most and, perhaps the DR Pure Blues in second place.

Actually, all I was asking for was what you would pick from the list.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

So easy to be distracted.

 

[Relsom]

I like RIC factory strings on my 4003s. Sam Ash use to have the best prices on them at right at $25. Now it looks like the going rate at all the usual suspects is $35. But since they're not on the list, I voted Pure Blues.

 

[Cliff_Lightyear]

I got LaBella Olinto Signature Flats on my 4003W. I really enjoy them. In my opinion they combine the best of both worlds. Tension, feel and wamrth of flats but still mid rangey and bright like rounds.