Nylons on a Ric?

[slybass3000]

Hi all,

My Ric is for sale but there isn't too much interest for it so I'm trying to find a new life to it. So I'm thinking putting some nylons strings on it because I think with the blend of the 2 pick-ups it might interesting. Anyone has tried it yet?

Thanks for your input,

Sly

[Frenchy-Lefty]

I have never tried that but Sir Paul played the Ric with flats and it sounded pretty awesome played with a pick. I would do flats before the Nylons. Another issue with the Nylon, you often have to file the nut to fit in the 115 gauge. They do sound good played with pick too. Nylons sound better with a bass that tends to be bright sounding.

[slybass3000]

I have never tried that but Sir Paul played the Ric with flats and it sounded pretty awesome played with a pick. I would do flats before the Nylons. Another issue with the Nylon, you often have to file the nut to fit in the 115 gauge. They do sound good played with pick too. Nylons sound better with a bass that tends to be bright sounding.

Thanks for tips Frenchy

[pjmuck]

+1. The typical gauge of an E string nylon is .115, which may or may not require filing of the nut. They do work well on some fretless basses too. I've got a set on my fretless P, and luckily didn't have to do any filing. They give a warmer, mellower, more upright tone. I second the flats suggestion though. Try those first.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

I tried quite a few flats and settled for the (pricey!) Thomastik Infields. They have a unique string to string balance, sound heavy, make your bass play like butter (because of the 100-43 gauge) and last forever. You pay $55 for it but don't need to replace them for several years. I have not tried the LaBella's but I heard they are good too.
A Ric with TI's must sound great.

[slybass3000]

I just found a brand new set of those TS flats in my pile of strings. I'll put them on tonight if I have time and let you know.

[slybass3000]

I did put the TS but it is a very light set 43-100 and the top nut is actually pretty big and the strings felt loose in it, so I took them out and put a 1954 LaBella flats with heavy gauge and that seems to be nice. I'll see later this week after the neck is settle with that heavy tension.