Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: kilowatt on September 20, 2024, 12:32:27 PM

Title: Acoustic Bass Strings
Post by: kilowatt on September 20, 2024, 12:32:27 PM
I'm looking for recommendations for a new set of strings for my Epiphone "El Capitan" 5 string acoustic bass. Original gauges, as far as I can find, is 45/65/80/105/125. I will use it for practice, and if I use it with other musicians, it will be amplified. I use TI Jazz Flats on my electric basses, but wanted to see what others use. Thanks in advance.


Regards,
Pete
Title: Re: Acoustic Bass Strings
Post by: edwardofhuncote on September 20, 2024, 02:07:10 PM
If you like the TI stuff, the AcoustiCores work well for piezoelectric pickup equipment. They do take some getting used to, as they are literally like giant classical guitar strings, the nylon stranded core with bronze-wound basses. Very soft touch required. Respond better with higher action, as there is more string 'travel'. This was not a problem or issue for a hard-headed old upright bass player like me...

Sweetwater carries them, but you might shop around:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AB345--thomastik-infeld-acousticore-acoustic-bass-strings-5-string-041-118 (https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AB345--thomastik-infeld-acousticore-acoustic-bass-strings-5-string-041-118)


*ps, I played an El Capitan for a short time back in the 90's while doing trade shows for Gibson. Liked it. I don't think they had a 5-string available then.
Title: Re: Acoustic Bass Strings
Post by: BeenDown139 on September 20, 2024, 02:07:40 PM
i've got a beater breedlove 4-string ABG that i use out in the yard when i gotta get away from the electrics for awhile.  i use thomastic-infields on it.  i've found they help a mediocre ABG sound actually not terrible but it's gotta be quiet out or i can't hear 'em.

oh wait, it's an ABG  ::)
Title: Re: Acoustic Bass Strings
Post by: Glynn on September 21, 2024, 05:36:15 AM
I have a Fender 30" Acoustic Bass guitar and a Fender Victor Bailey Acoustic Bass guitar 34" and use Fender 4-string phosphor bronze strings 7060 and 8060.  Don't know whether they do 5- string but these do:-
 "Elites Acoustic Series 5 String Phosphor Bronze Set".

I have used Elites Player Nickel on my Alembic Orion 4 for many years and really like them. 40 -100.
Glynn
Title: Re: Acoustic Bass Strings
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on September 21, 2024, 09:47:14 AM
I don't have an ABG, but I use D'Addario on everything; phosphor-bronze on the acoustics (except, of course, the classical), and they sound great on everything.  They do make a .045 5-string ABG set: https://www.daddario.com/products/guitar/bass-guitar/phosphor-bronze-bass/?NumberOfStrings=5 (https://www.daddario.com/products/guitar/bass-guitar/phosphor-bronze-bass/?NumberOfStrings=5)


And they're affordable enough that if you don't like them, it's not a crippling cost.


Peter
Title: Re: Acoustic Bass Strings
Post by: kilowatt on September 23, 2024, 04:08:45 PM
Thanks Guys,
Just got done with oiling the Rosewood, and installing new tuners. My biggest concern is string gauge, and tension. One of the string suppliers I use is sending over his recommendations, so I will see what he has to offer. Will post what I decide.

Regards,
Pete