What gauge strings came as standard on (or best suit) Spoilers?

[clarkybass]

Hi all, just got my first Spoiler 4-string (a beautiful 86 quilt maple top; see Showcase http://club.alembic.com/Images/411/78714.html?1271290231  for pics). It has a set of slightly old non-Alembic strings on it and I want to freshen it up with some 'real' Alembic strings. Could anyone tell me which gauge and model of strings would have come as standard on this bass or - failing that - which ones you think are best suited? I am guessing its the CX-3/40L's (40-100) but would rather be safe and consult the Forum here. Thanks in advance, Clarky

[clarkybass]

As an addendum, I use TI Flats on all my passive P basses. Do Alembics also suit flats or does the less bright sound of flats (compared with roundwounds) not work as well with the active electronics? PS, I play straight forward rock, if that helps in your answers - I am not interested in slapping/popping etc.

[hieronymous]

I've got a thread on flatwounds here - I love them on my Stanley Clarke bass! I think they work great with the Alembic electronics - that what Phil Lesh and Jack Casady used back in the early days of the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane.
 
Or check out official Alembic strings at the Alembic Store. My guess is that your bass is 32 scale (medium), but in my experience (I used to have a Spoiler Exploiter) you can still use long-scale strings.

[clarkybass]

Thanks! My Spoiler is indeed a 32 scale and I was wondering whether TI Flats would be too long (ie, the silk windings would be too far from tuners so you end up with a huge ball of string around each peg or cutting strings down and hoping the metal surface grips and doesn't slip)?

[hieronymous]

One thing to factor in is the distance from the tailpiece to the bridge - this would seem to be what makes long-scale strings work on a medium scale, but then again it could depend on the brand too. Can you measure the TIs you already have on your other basses and compare?

[mica]

A 1986 Spoiler probably had Kaman strings on it, but I don't recall what the gauges were, sorry.  
 
These days we would string with 45-105 CX-3/45L if there was no special request from the customer.

[clarkybass]

Many thanks. I have just tried 3 different sets of strings on - TI Flats (strangely didn't feel right, even though they are on all my Ps), TI Rounds (too low tension), finally EB nickel round Hybrid Slinkys (45-105). The latter feel best to me in the balance of tension, volume and tone. Based on this experiment, I think I will track down some Alembic strings in the same gauge (per mica's reply). Thanks everyone for your replies.

[clarkybass]

Ooops, after they had settled down the 45-105's really pulled on the neck, causing forward bow, and feel significantly higher tension than when I has first put them on. I have swapped back for the TI Rounds (43,51,68,89) which are slightly too low tension but better for the time being. Having ordered the Alembic 45-105s through eBay, I think I have made a $55 mistake! Should have gone for the lower gauge Alembic strings (the 40-100s) :-(

[tbrannon]

Not to worry! Check out the FAQ section and find Joey's post on setting up your bass. The design of Alembics make it so simple to adjust and to get the action right where you want it.  
 
There isn't any reason you should be tied to a single string gauge or brand. A few adjustments and you'll be fine playing anything.  The dual truss rods, adjustable nut and bridge design make it very easy.  
 
(Message edited by Tbrannon on April 17, 2010)

[hieronymous]

Also, different brand strings of the same gauge strings can have different tension, depending on what they are made of, their construction, etc. For instance, DR HiBeams are supposed to be slightly lower tension than LoRiders. Not sure about the Alembic strings - it'd probably be worth checking them out, especially in context of the setup suggestions Toby mentioned.

[clarkybass]

Update: having (finally!) located a truss rod adjuster (we are metric in UK and its hard to find the gauge used by Alembic) I have installed the Alembic 45-105s and they play really nicely now. Very happy! So happy I am now after a 5 stringer (see For sales & Trade, and Wished For Items threads)

[jazzyvee]

Hi Clarky, I'm a UK alembic owner too and I have used DR strings, Ken Smith and currently Fodera strings on my Europa 5 bass and they have all been good strings and I have preferred the Fodera of the three I've tried.
 
I usually order my strings on-line from www.juststrings.com as there isn't a good selection of strings in the music shops where I live. I may order some Alembics next time and see what they are like on this bass.
 
jazzyvee

[clarkybass]

Thanks jazzyvee, I will check out that website. The American Guitar company in Kent has Alembic strings online, not cheap at ?39 but the only source other than importing from the US.