What gauge strings you folks using?

[JHowell74]

Sorry if this has been addressed already. So, I'm new to the Alembic world. When I went to put on a set of my favorite strings(Savarez btw) I struggled with the low B(131) and also the E(100). I felt like they weren't going fit or possibly twist going in. I crimped the end strings and put an ovaloid shape next to the ballend on them to fit a little better. Am I doing something wrong? Switch to a lighter gauge maybe? But, I tend to prefer 130's. Taper wounds? If so, what brand did you use that has tapered B and E. The last thing I want to do is start filing out the slots.
Thanks in advance, Jamie

[Songdog]

I'm using Alembic CX-3 (4-string set) on my bass (https://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=27289.msg277322#msg277322). I'm quite happy with them, especially as they settle in. I'd expect the 5-string set to "just work" on your bass.

[edwardofhuncote]

Hmmm. I'm going a little bit offa' memory, because it's been a while since I changed strings, but the (low) B-string in a set of T-I Jazz Flats is .136 or something crazy.  I have on experimental basis, used D'Addario Chromes, which (again, been a while...) had a .132 B-string. There must be something different with that string manfacturer, and if a little crimp in the windings down there gets you home, then I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[rv_bass]

Is the issue that the ball end of the string doesn’t fit in the tailpiece slot?  I have experienced this before on older 70s era Alembic’s that have smaller holes and slots on the tailpieces.  I was able to reorient the ball end so that the flat sides could just fit.  Do you have pictures of the issue and how you are trying to resolve it?

[adriaan]

Tapered strings might be problematic in that all the strings on the saddles sit in a fixed radius, so the tapered strings will be closer to the pickups relative to the non-tapered strings. Nothing you couldn't fix getting one or two saddle blanks and getting them cut to the right height - YMMV.
My 6er came with the .128 B string from the standard Alembic set, and I haven't noticed a problem using the .136 from the TI Jazz Flats in the same setup.

[JimmyJ]

Hey Jamie,

You should be able to use any kind of strings you want on your new Epic but sometimes that means not only adjusting the action but slightly modifying the nut, bridge, and tailpiece. 

I think you're saying that the B and E slots in your tailpiece are a bit small for your favorite Savarez set?  If that's the case, you can take that tailpiece off the bass and carefully enlarge the slots and even the ballend holes if necessary until the strings fit easily.  If you've got the tools you can do this yourself, or you can bring it to somebody for help.  There's plenty of brass there to work with and you shouldn't need to remove much to make it an easier fit.

Jimmy J

[JHowell74]

Yes, the B &E slots on the tailpiece seems too narrow. Sounds like I'll be doing some filing when these strings die. Thanks for the help!
Jamie