Author Topic: String suggestions... (Read 153 times)

glocke · « **on:** November 07, 2010, 04:33:52 AM »

Time to put new strings on my series II. Ive been playing flats almost exclusively for the past 5 years (TI and Pyramid), and am looking to switch things up a bit.

Anyone have any suggestions?

eligilam · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2010, 05:36:50 AM »

Hey glocke, your thread is timely, because I was looking for the thread that talked about Optima Gold strings (it was closed back in May '10)...At that time, I had just strung up a couple of my basses with the OG's and was very pleased with the sound, and I'd heard that they stayed bright and new sounding for a long time.

Well, now it's been 6 months and they still sound about 80% new...and I've been playing nearly every day on them. Although they're expensive, they have lasted much longer than other sets, so for me, they are actually more cost-effective over time than other sets.

Good luck with your string search.

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2010, 12:28:14 AM »

I got a set of Optima Golds as an Xmas present last year, I installed them in March and they still sound very bright.
As Eligilam says they are expensive but they seem to last and look great!
Like you Glocke, I have used the same make of string for over 15 years(Elite S/steel) and this was a change for me.

Glynn · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2010, 02:58:23 AM »

Same as Terry, I have used Elites S/steel for a long time and still find them them good and best value. I tried a set of DR Hi-Beam (got them free) but didn't get on with them. Glynn

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2010, 09:36:05 AM »

I learned about Pyramids on this forum and they remain my favorites. I used to play TI, Labella, GHS and Rotosound. My best friend swears by D'Addario.

You have a large number of options. Do you want any of the fancy coated strings? Are you looking for compressed round-wounds?

terryc · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2010, 10:14:56 AM »

D'Addario didn't work for me at all, I found they 'dulled' pretty quickly.
It is strange that such a relativly cheap item(compared to purchasing an Alembic bass) can make such a vast difference to tone and playability.
And it works vice versa with a cheap/mediocre bass
All strings are not the same

tubeperson · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2010, 10:22:51 AM »

I have had success using the Alembic brand strings on my Series II five string bass and Series I five stringer, as well as DR strings on mY Mark King Deluxe. I also use the short scale Alembic String set on my Stanley bass. Very satisfied with all of my choices. However, D'Adadario roundwounds are used on most of my Rickenbacker and Fender basses.

tubeperson · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2010, 10:52:56 AM »

I use Alembic brand strings on my Alembic Series II, and Series I, as well as a short string set on my Stanley bass. For my Mark King Deluxe, I use DR's. Ironically, for my Rickenbackers and Fenders, I use D'Adario roundwounds, except for the fretless instruments I use the half rounds. I am very satisfied with all of these choices.

Glynn · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2010, 03:50:09 PM »

Have a look at www.stringsdirect.co.uk which is where I get my Elites from. There are some opinions there. On a slightly different theme, I visited Bass Direct web-site and actual shop in Warwick UK on Saturday. Mark there is so helpful and has masses of top quality gear which he allows people to try and seems tireless in his help.

glocke · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2010, 04:07:33 AM »

Well, got the Alembic strings the other day, after having them on for a few days I think I need to order another set of flats. Just really cant get into the round wound thing.

sonicus · « **Reply #10 on:** November 16, 2010, 06:38:03 AM »

glocke ; if you liked the Pyramid Gold Flats , Elderly Instruments
http://www.elderly.com was very forthcoming in obtaining what I wanted. Doug Mcwhirter in the purchasing department has been incredibly helpful . 517-334-5846
dougmc@elderly.com

Sonic Regards!