Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: aquaman on April 15, 2007, 04:39:14 PM

Title: Strings
Post by: aquaman on April 15, 2007, 04:39:14 PM

For the Spoiler models in particular, which strings would you recommend for punchiest rock sound?  I like the sound of Boomers (light), but don't have a whole heck of a lot of experience in choosing.

Title: Strings
Post by: eligilam on April 16, 2007, 07:26:37 AM

You'll find lots of DR and TI fans on this posting site, but in my opinion, nothing beats good ole Rotosounds for twang and punch-through-the-guitars rockery.
 
Cheers,
Will d.

Title: Strings
Post by: oujeebass on April 16, 2007, 06:49:58 PM

I agree... Ive tried all of them,and a fresh set of Rotosounds are my favorites.

Title: Strings
Post by: olieoliver on April 16, 2007, 07:29:36 PM

This subject has come up several times here.  
 
I've tried all the favorites here too (for bass); DR, TI's, Rotosound, Alembic...and they are all good strings. But my favorite hands down are John Pearse. They are have a bright clean sound with a superb feel.  
 
The only negative thing I can think of is that they are not the easiest to find.  
 
(For guitar I stick with Boomers, because they sound good and I can afford to change them weekly)

Title: Strings
Post by: crobbins on April 16, 2007, 07:35:56 PM

I've only used the Alembic strings....

Title: Strings
Post by: FC Bass on April 16, 2007, 08:14:38 PM

R.Cocco, great strings!

Title: Strings
Post by: terryc on April 17, 2007, 02:23:06 AM

D'Arddio(spelling maybe wrong!!) heavy guage E at 105 if your bridge/nut will allow.
Rotosound(same guage) - get that lovely Entwhistle sound with loads of treble
Elites S/steel but can be a bit unkind to frets, very trebly.

Title: Strings
Post by: bumhucker on April 17, 2007, 10:46:51 AM

la bella deeptalkin bass roundwounds. they last a long time and sound big.  plus they are balanced tension-wise.  use the long scale-i use medium scale on my short scale excel so the long scale should fit a spoiler.

Title: Strings
Post by: hieronymous on April 17, 2007, 11:36:57 AM

Another DR fan here. When I had my Spoiler/Exploiter tuned standard, I used Hi-Beams. I like Lo-Riders on my Rickenbacker 4001.
 
Oh, and definitely long-scale for a 32 Spoiler.

Title: Strings
Post by: muller1007 on April 17, 2007, 12:55:29 PM

After years of trying all kinds of brands, I've always come back to Rotosound Swing Bass strings. A great balance between clean, bright and full bodied sound, great feel, long life and of course great value for money.  
 
Duncan

Title: Strings
Post by: bigredbass on April 17, 2007, 04:20:01 PM

I've 'converted' to Markley's NPS Roundcores, the strings they developed with FRPrestia.  I prefer roundcores and nickel composition.  They're a bit looser than Rotos, Boomers, etc., yet a bit tighter than DR's or Cocos.  Stainless are just too clavinet-ish for me.  
 
J o e y

Title: Strings
Post by: pauldo on April 19, 2007, 03:36:52 PM

I was on a quest for the 'perfect ' string for many years and it seems that GHS Boomers stay brighter longer than any other strings I've tried.
 
I now am looking for a different sound and have a set of strings that have been on for almost 2 years - when one of them breaks I do believe I will get some flatwounds on it (84 Distillate) and see where it will take me :-)

Title: Strings
Post by: adriaan on April 20, 2007, 01:03:51 AM

I remember when the time came to put a new set on my Epic because the original set of Alembic strings had grown dull. With a limited budget, I came back to what I had been using on the Yamaha - Boomers.
 
And they sounded absolutely terrible! Bright, yes - but not in a nice way. And they lacked focus. It might have been just a single set that was bad ... anyway, I moved on to DR High Beams, later LoRiders (mellower). When the Epic was defretted, I switched to TI Jazz Flats.
 
Then I got a fretted Spoiler, and I put on a d'Addario XL set, again mostly for budget reasons. Much better than (what I remember from) Boomers. Mind you, I don't play rock, but there is plenty of punch in XLs on a medium scale.

Title: Strings
Post by: ajdover on April 20, 2007, 03:20:09 AM

I used to use Rotosound RS66LC's, light gauge.  Then I got turned on to DR High Beams, .40-.100.  I've not looked back since.  If you like a brighter tone, DR Hi Beams are the way to go over the Rotos.  Rotos are great strings, are equally bright, but don't last as long for some reason.  This is why I switched to the DRs.
 
My two cents,
 
Alan

Title: Strings
Post by: jet_powers on April 20, 2007, 11:21:44 AM

I'm in the Rotosound camp. Standard gauge. I haven't experienced the issues others have mentioned and always go back to them after trying something different. Although I must say I like the DR piano wound (exposed core) strings on my Rogue 5.
 
JP

Title: Strings
Post by: tbrannon on April 20, 2007, 11:33:35 AM

I typically like flatwounds (Chromes), but the Rogue I bought here on the forum came strung with DR Sunbeams.  I put the chromes on for awhile and then took 'em off and restrung the dead Sunbeams.   I'm still playing 'em.  
 
They've got alot of warmth, but have a bit more bite than the flats.

Title: Strings
Post by: crgaston on April 24, 2007, 10:18:46 PM

C'mon, Toby; dead???
:-) :-)
They had way less than a year on them!  The nickel Lo-Riders on my Modulus have a LOT more time on them than just a measly year, and it sounded AWESOME in the studio today.  Of course, the F1X and Superfilter may have helped.
 
So, yes, count me as a DR fan!
 
Charles

Title: Strings
Post by: tbrannon on April 25, 2007, 02:53:43 AM

Charles,
 
They must be dead by now...I've been logging serious  hours on them for the past 6 months =)
 
I strung the bass with the Chromes for about 2 weeks and then restrung it with your Sunbeams- they're still on there and will stay on there until I start  having problems keeping them in tune.
 
Sweet strings- thanks for that bro!
 
Toby
 
BTW: How you hanging in there as you wait for the Dragonfly to make it's way home?  I reckon you've got the shakes by now......
 
(Message edited by tbrannon on April 25, 2007)

Title: Strings
Post by: crgaston on April 25, 2007, 05:50:37 AM

Yep.  I'm freaking out.  Mica says there's just the electronics and calibration left, so hopefully pretty soon.  
 
Tick...

Title: Strings
Post by: crgaston on April 25, 2007, 05:52:17 AM

.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tock...

Title: Strings
Post by: alembic_doctor on April 25, 2007, 09:00:34 AM

I had been using DR's since I started playing.  Then I got turned on to the Maxima Gold Strings.  Those things lasted forever(almost).  I think I was getting close to a full year out of a set.  And I'm the kind of guy that likes to have a fresh set every 2-3 weeks.
 
But, then one sad day, the Maxima company went away.  Back to DR Sunbeams.  
 
Then someone in a post on here said that a company called Optima.  I contacted Tony over at Guitar Showcase in Campbell and asked him about them.  He perked up when I told him about the strings.  Tyran Porter (Doobie Bros.)  was also looking for the strings because he was a fan of them.  Anyway, Tony found a guy that was willing to ship them here to the States.  So now I'm back to Gold Strings.  
 
However, I forgot that I was playing a medium scale now.  So I have two extra sets of Long Scale Strings if anybody wants them, just email me.  I gotta order some medium scale strings.
 
My $0.02

Title: Strings
Post by: lidon2001 on April 25, 2007, 09:36:45 AM

I'll mention the website again as I have always received great service, www.juststrings.com (http://www.juststrings.com).  They have Alembic & Optima (@ $80 a set - ouch! - but if they last & last...) available, as well as most other manufacturers and stringed instruments, single strings, and currently a sale on Roto's - $3-$5 off.  I just got two sets of Roto's for my MK and a singles set of LaBella's for my custom.
 
No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

Title: Strings
Post by: alemberic on April 26, 2007, 07:40:36 PM

I have what is probably a simple question, but I'm still a little new to the Alembic scene, so please bear with me:
 
When buying a set of strings for your Alembic, it appears that you should get one size up--in other words, if you have a medium scale Alembic, you would get a set of long scale strings; if you have a long scale Alembic, you would get a set of extra long strings, and so on.  Is this generally correct, or am I mistaken?
 
Thanks for any replies.
 
Eric

Title: Strings
Post by: keurosix on April 26, 2007, 08:10:47 PM

Eric,
Speaking length of the string is equal to the scale of the instrument: ie: 32 short scale; 34 Long scale; 35 + extra long scale, etc. The Alembic bridge and tailpiece adds about an inch to the overall or Total string length, which is longer than a standard Fender style bass with Bridge-tailpiece combo. Also, most Alembic headstocks are quite large, and may typically be a bit longer than other brands. You should check with the string manufacturer for speaking length and total string length specifications. Also, definately measure your guitar for these 2 lengths (especially the total length) to see if there is a concern. On my Series 1 4 string, I had a few brands where the E string was a bit short, and the silk wrap at the tuning peg would ride in the nut. I would try to unwrap a bit for better string/nut contact. Similarly, the A and D string could have been 1/2 longer to get 3 wraps around the tuning peg, and I had to settle for one and a half turns. For me 3 wraps around the peg works best. At 1 1/2 turns, the string would detune fairly easy with a good slap or vibrato. Check string documentation. Some manufacturers will show a range (ex: 34 ~ 36 speaking length for extra long gage). In any case, you should be able to measure the string at the store or even lay it on your guitar to make sure it is long enough before committing to the purchase. Once it's cut and tuned, it's yours! (P.S. Alembic strings work on Alembic guitars!)
Kris

Title: Strings
Post by: alemberic on April 27, 2007, 06:51:58 AM

Thanks, Kris, that is a very informative explanation.  I appreciate your help.
 
Eric

Title: Strings
Post by: jhalb on July 22, 2007, 04:45:17 AM

Has anyone used Elixir strings on their Alembic? They have a soft feel and keep their tone for ever. (well not for ever)

Title: Strings
Post by: FC Bass on July 22, 2007, 05:31:27 AM

I've had Elixirs on my '87 Spoiler. They last for about a year (very bright sound) But I don't like the sound compared to the sound of the Cocco's...

Title: Strings
Post by: olieoliver on July 22, 2007, 06:39:29 AM

I tried the Elixir strings but didn't really care for the Nano-coating.  
They felt OK but just didn't have the sound I am used to.
Not saying they're bad, they're just not for me.
 
Different strokes..
Olie

Title: Strings
Post by: jacko on July 23, 2007, 09:30:53 AM

I've just put Rotosound jazz flatwounds on my fretless rogue. I'll report back after a few gigs/rehearsals.
 
Graeme

Title: Strings
Post by: jacko on July 25, 2007, 05:58:08 AM

Well, one rehearsal later and the rotosounds have come off. I've honestly never had such bad sounding and feeling strings since I started playing. I've no idea if this was just a duff set but I had to raise the preamp output on the blue cubes just to hear the things. The G, D and A strings in particular had no life to them at all and the rest of the band noticed something was wrong straightaway. At least I kept the DR red devils so I have something decent to use this friday.
 
Graeme

Title: Strings
Post by: glocke on July 25, 2007, 06:44:10 AM

ive tried alot of different strings over the years, and like TI jazz flats, alembic strings, and Ken Smith strings...Smith strings have a great feel to them, but they dont last very long, but they are worth checking out.

Title: Strings
Post by: flaxattack on July 27, 2007, 06:28:29 AM

am not a fan of round wounds as i slide a lot on the strings. i love the feel of TI flats, nothing beats them on that. the sound is very good.
i like the d'darrio chromes as they have more punch than the TI's especially on the g string. They are not as smooth as the TI's and its a tradeoff i can almost live with. Chromes have a much higher tension than the TI. And they are about half the price. i just restrung and reset wolf last night with chromes again after 3 months on the TI's.

Title: Strings
Post by: 811952 on July 27, 2007, 08:30:36 PM

I love the TI's, but just installed a set on my Hofner and the neck seems to like more tension than that.  I guess I'll try the chromes, since you like them.  Of course, it seems nearly everything is half the price of the TI's..  ;)
 
John

Title: Strings
Post by: pierreyves on August 18, 2007, 03:59:39 PM

somebody know what Clarkee use on his tenor bass, and what gauge ? Certainly Rotosound as said on his gear page, but what model of rotosound and what gauge ?

Title: Strings
Post by: rockbassist on August 19, 2007, 06:24:58 AM

I have been using Curt Mangan strings for several years and I love them. They are relatively easy to get a spnsorship deal with which can save you a lot of money. They have strings available in nickel, stainless steel, phosphor bronze and also have flatwounds. They retail for around $30 to $40 per set but if you get a sponsorship deal with them you will pay around $10 to $15 per set and shipping is included if you spend a certain amount.
 
(Message edited by rockbassist on August 20, 2007)

Title: Strings
Post by: flaxattack on August 19, 2007, 11:31:15 AM

but he doesnt make flatwound 5s

Title: Strings
Post by: hendixclarke on September 08, 2007, 09:49:24 AM

Bass strings sound dull?
 
If you submerge-them-into-boiling-water for about 20 minutes, and dry them with a dry cloth; when you put them on, they will sound like new again.
 
Old school.

Title: Strings
Post by: jazzyvee on September 08, 2007, 11:45:17 AM

Hi Pierre, I read somewhere that rotosound do Stanleys strings as a custom job just for him and not available to anyone else.
 
Hope that helps

Title: Strings
Post by: pierreyves on September 08, 2007, 03:04:17 PM

Thank's Jazzyvee, I would like to appreciate my Pyramid strings !!

Title: Strings
Post by: henry_crun on September 08, 2007, 08:10:24 PM

Hi, I had a set of Roto RS665LD on my Elan - great sound but I've marked the frets, so I've gone back to the nickel Alembic strings.  Almost as good, but I don't know who could refret the Elan in New Zealand, so best to stay with the nickels, I think.
 
Anyone else like to comment?
 
Grant

Title: Strings
Post by: jseitang on September 09, 2007, 01:54:30 AM

i really wished alembic came out with there own versions of flatwound strings...elliptical flatwounds.... what do you think? best of both worlds...

Title: Strings
Post by: adriaan on September 10, 2007, 01:49:25 AM

Boiling strings is a short term solution. You can get the brightness back, but intonation will be questionable and the tone tends to lose focus.

Title: Strings
Post by: mele_aloha on September 14, 2007, 12:52:42 AM

I haven't heard anybody mention strings for slap and pop. Correct me if I'm wrong. But I'm wondering for those of you who play that style do you recomend thinner strings? Like 105's through 30's?
 
Thanks, Paul

Title: Strings
Post by: jacko on September 14, 2007, 01:07:54 AM

Paul.
The only time I've bought strings for slapping, I used DR's Marcus Miller fat beams; 45-130 on a 5 string. As expected, they gave a really nice full-fat slap sound. I rarely use slap nowadays but I find the Alembic strings are as good as anything else I've tried so I'll be keeping them on my MK.
 
Graeme

Title: Strings
Post by: bigbadbill on September 14, 2007, 02:20:43 AM

Paul, Mark King uses 30-90, if that helps. Les Claypool uses (or used, not sure whether he still does) 2 x 40s and 2 x 60s. That's just Les all over!

Title: Strings
Post by: pierreyves on September 14, 2007, 04:03:58 AM

Paul, as said in other thread, I use 105=>30 on my MK5, 85=>30 on my SC tenor for slap and pop !!

Title: Strings
Post by: chuck on September 14, 2007, 06:47:37 AM

I second Jimmys thoughts on Alembic making there own flatwounds.They know what would sound best on Alembic basses.Meanwhile Pyrimid gold flats are my pick for my Elan plus long scale.
 
Chuck