• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

The Rickenbacker Club Part Nine

Status
Not open for further replies.
#341
Spectrum said:
Tail lift shouldn't be a problem with newer Rics, as far as I've read here. I have a 2011 4003 and the tail isn't lifting. I'm using Ric factory roundwounds on it.

There is a small gap between the end of the tail and the body, which I believe is normal, as the body is not a perfectly flat surface, or so it's been said here.

If you really want to do something about it you can drill two new holes in the back corners and screw it down. Some people do that, but if I were you I would wait and see if you have a problem, first. Most of us don't.

As for flats, can't help you there. I'm a rounds-only guy. Somebody, maybe it was Ric5, once said that putting flats on a Geddy Jazz Bass is like putting snow tires on a Corvette. I feel the same way about my Ric, but if I were playing Beatles covers I would reconsider my opinion.
Click to expand...


Thanks!

I was really just worried about the tail because I've heard a few people complaining that they get tail lift on newer Ricks within 3-5 months. If it happens I'll just take it to the local guitar tech.

I didn't like the Rickenbacker strings that were on it when I tested it. I've been using flats for almost the entire time I've played bass. I might check out some Rounds, but I heard you have to be careful with higher tension strings (I'll try to find some low-tension ones)
 
#342
I put Ernie Ball Flats(Group IV) on my 2012 4003. I like them very much. I can get trebley, growly, tones from them as well as boomy thumpy tones.. The tension and feel is very close to the stock strings. I had tried the TI JF344's and they were just a bit too floppy for me. I would love to try some Steve Harris sig. flats on it.
 
#343
+1 don't worry about tail-lift- that's not nearly as bad as it's made out to be here on TB. Also be aware, flats in and of themselves are not necessarily lower tension than rounds, so if that's your only reason, again, don't worry. I like Roto 77 Jazz Flats a lot, because they have more punch than many other brands, but a modern Ric neck will handle just about any type of strings you want to use.
 
#344
RickenBoogie said:
+1 don't worry about tail-lift- that's not nearly as bad as it's made out to be here on TB. Also be aware, flats in and of themselves are not necessarily lower tension than rounds, so if that's your only reason, again, don't worry. I like Roto 77 Jazz Flats a lot, because they have more punch than many other brands, but a modern Ric neck will handle just about any type of strings you want to use.
Click to expand...

I actually wanted to know about flats because I use them as my main string type.

But I read an article somewhere that high tension strings can cause neck bowing on Ric 4003 basses, but maybe it wasn't true. I'm not sure.
 
#345
RandomBox said:
I actually wanted to know about flats because I use them as my main string type.

But I read an article somewhere that high tension strings can cause neck bowing on Ric 4003 basses, but maybe it wasn't true. I'm not sure.
Click to expand...

High tension strings can cause bowing on any neck ... that is why there are truss rods ... to straighten out the neck.

4003 necks are stronger than they need to be. I convert them from 4 to 5 string basses and the necks do just fine with an additional string. So pretty much any 4 string set you put on your 4003 aill be fine.
 
#347
From what I've seen in 35 years of buying/selling and gigging bass, any bass can handle any string. Bowed necks that can't be straightened are simply victims of abuse. Somebody put some super fat strings and then just left it that way without adjusting the Bow back out of it. Sure they'll get stuck that way after years of neglect. These are the hardest basses to set back up once they get back in the hands of a "Caring" owner. It can be done though.
 
#348
Did a little before and after with the pick guard. I picked the '77 up early last week. Needed some tweaking and adjusting. Put some flat white vinyl over the mirror...looks presentable now. Made a tracing to order a new guard from PickGuardian. Came with TI flats and someone had removed the cap when they replaced one of the volume pots.
IMG_2699.jpg


IMG_2700.jpg
 
#355
Had my 4003 for 3 years and apart from one visit to tech to have intonation corrected has been great. Recently noticed fret buzz and deadish spots around Low C on G string. When I dig in with pick almost feels the string is sliding out (downwards) of the nut and the saddle.
I'm as hamfisted on the tech side alas they come so would appreciate any pointers/advice to avoid a trip back to the shop.
Weather here in UK has been hottest and humid it's been for 7 years which may be relevant...plus we don't have air con :(
 
#356
RandomBox said:
...what are some good flatwound strings...?
Click to expand...

RandomBox said:
I actually wanted to know about flats because I use them as my main string type.
Click to expand...

I have/do used/use both D'Addario Chromes in their Super Soft set and TI Jazz Flats, both are great feeling and sounding strings. Each is a little different so you really should take the time to try both and see what you prefer. Another set to try are the TI Jazz Rounds; these are roundwound strings with very low tension and a very smooth feel, unlike any other roundwound strings I have tried, so far. Many people who have played my basses with these strings thought they were playing flatwounds.

TI strings are not cheap but they last for years and sound better over time so they are a bargain in the long run.
 
#358
Jeff Scott said:
I have/do used/use both D'Addario Chromes in their Super Soft set and TI Jazz Flats, both are great feeling and sounding strings. Each is a little different so you really should take the time to try both and see what you prefer. Another set to try are the TI Jazz Rounds; these are roundwound strings with very low tension and a very smooth feel, unlike any other roundwound strings I have tried, so far. Many people who have played my basses with these strings thought they were playing flatwounds.

TI strings are not cheap but they last for years and sound better over time so they are a bargain in the long run.
Click to expand...

I'll check them out. The dealer who sold me (technically it's on layaway) my Ric said he uses TI on everything, including his own Rickenbacker.
 
#360
TI Jazz Rounds have a much smaller diameter outer wrap wire making the strings feel much smoother than the average roundwound strings; after using the TI JRs other roundwounds feel like wood rasps to me. :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back