What flats for my Ric 4001?

[iiipopes]

for me, i wonder the dif between the four that im looking at: TI vs. GHS P vs. Optima vs. Pyramid

WHAT DO I WANT!!??

As stated above, GHS Precision Flats thud. It's a good thud, just not the tone usually associated with Rickenbacker, although like everything else, you will get some folks who like that combination. The "classic" Rickenbacker flats tone is mellow with sustain, unless you screw on the mute. The Pyramids, TI's and Optimas will all generally get that tone. The TI's have an unbalanced A string. The Pyramids have a lot of tension. The Optimas have moderate tone and tension, and are the closest to the Maxima Rickenbacker OEM strings. That's why several of us have recommended the Optimas, since what you seem to be looking for is that OEM tone. And they are less expensive than TI's or Pyramids, although concededly more expensive than some other flats sets, like Fender or D'Addario.

 

[Dash Lashes]

thanks! the price doesnt bother me at all knowing how long they last and their tone quality reputation. good point about the sustain, i dont want to loose ant of that, so the GHS Ps are OUT!. so far from what Ive read is that the optimas are what i want, and if i cant get them, it will be a coin toss between pyramids and TIs. thread closed...unless anyone has anything to add . thank you

 

[GIBrat51]

I have both a 4001 and a 4003; neither wears flats at the moment. I like the Rick Light Nickel Rounds that are on the 4003; they will stay. When the Slinkys on the 4001 wear out, it will probably get the Optimas that iiipopes recommends, or the TIs; haven't decided yet. Listen to iiipope; it's all the straight skinny. And good luck with the truss rods!.

 

[iiipopes]

I have both a 4001 and a 4003; neither wears flats at the moment. I like the Rick Light Nickel Rounds that are on the 4003; they will stay. When the Slinkys on the 4001 wear out, it will probably get the Optimas that iiipopes recommends, or the TIs; haven't decided yet. Listen to iiipope; it's all the straight skinny. And good luck with the truss rods!.

Thanks.

 

[GIBrat51]

Well, when you're right, ... I've had Ricks long enough to know that I don't know everything there is to know about them - just enough to be dangerous.

 

[crucislancer]

Optima 40-100 is my first choice; hard to get
TI = good feedback on TB and other websites; easy to get

For Optima flats, try here:

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They ship pretty quick and had my set in a few days. I'm really liking the Optimas, they feel great under my fingers, they aren't grabby at all, and the tension is in between Chromes and TIs, which is just right for me. The only down side is the cost, though they are cheaper than TIs. I haven't had a chance to use them in a band setting, but plan to bring the Jazz I have strung with them to a jam on Thursday. Someone here compared their tone as similar to TIs, but I don't have enough experience with TIs to make that comparison. I do like the tone better than Chomes and Rotos, my only other flatwound experiments.

 

[nerkoids]

Sound-wise, how are the Optimas on the bright to dark scale, crucislander?

 

[crucislancer]

Sound-wise, how are the Optimas on the bright to dark scale, crucislander?

After they break in a bit, they are moderately dark, pretty thumpy in the low end though the G string has a bit more snap to it.

 

[iiipopes]

Here you go:
For Sale - Optima Chrome Strings Flatwounds 4099RL .045-.100 | TalkBass.com