Rick 4003 String Sizes

[Spikey]

So time has come for my first string change on my new Rick 4003, so without thinking went and bought standard 50-70-85-105 set of rounds 

during changing I discovered the nit slots were too narrow on the A and D String - further research shows the standard shipped String gauge sizes are 45-55-75-105 - so this is why the slots are cut so narrow

 

so question to you good people - should I cut the nut to allow the heavier gauge to fit - or will this change the feel of the bass and should I go buy the ‘correct’ size strings

i liked the way the Rick played with the original set

 

views??

 

 

[spongebob]

The last new Ricky I bought, a few years back, had the same problem. I'd actually bought a regular set of D'addario nickels (45-105), and it was my E string that was the issue! 

I filed the nut, and that solved the problem for me. 

Sold the bass soon after....I had a good run with Rickys (good few 4001/3/4) but sold my last early 2017.

Forgot to add, there was a strong rumour that the Rickenbacker branded strings are simply D'addario Nickels .....so maybe go for those? 

 

Edited January 20, 2018 by spongebob

[GuyR]

You liked how it played as delivered and want to know whether to modify it. I think you may have answered your own question 🙂

[Spikey]

Thanks guys - yeh agree answered my own question really 🤪

 

good point about the strings though - the Rick branded ones appear overly expensive- think I’ll try the Rotosound RB35 lights and see how these go 🙄

[bassmachine2112]

Hiho I've had this with my 99 4003 but only in the E string.

So I use a 40-100 set.If I remember rightly Rick original strings have a 102 E string.

Solution -file your nut or drop down a gauge.

I use Dunlop super bright steels in 40-100 .These strings last if you like new string sound.I have them on all my basses now.

[prowla]

I've currently got Dean Markley 46-102 on mine, but I'm swapping back to Rotosound 40-100 gauge when I next change.

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited February 25, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[EliasMooseblaster]

On 1/20/2018 at 16:02, Spikey said:

So time has come for my first string change on my new Rick 4003, so without thinking went and bought standard 50-70-85-105 set of rounds 

 

Just curious, but whose standard gauge sets are 50-105? I think all the different sets I've used in "standard" have been 45-105 (some variation on the A and D gauges), though I have wondered about experimenting with a heavier G on one or two of my basses.

[Jus Lukin]

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Edited February 25, 2022 by Jus Lukin