Author Topic: String changing question (Read 289 times)

edwin · « **on:** November 18, 2010, 07:53:11 PM »

OK, I've been experimenting with different strings on my shorty and have come to the conclusion that I don't have a favorite but find that different strings are appropriate for different sounds. The two I've narrowed it down to are DR Sunbeams and TI Jazz flats. I'm wondering if anyone has experimented with changing back and forth between two sets for different gigs. It doesn't take long to do and the bass doesn't seem the worse for wear because of it. The setup seems to work pretty well for both.

Thoughts?
Edwin

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2010, 10:06:47 PM »

Yes edwin ,I agree that different strings are appropriate for different sounds , I have recently done this with my Series II . I like Dean Markley Blue Steel for round wounds and Pyramid Gold Flats . What I noticed was that I had to re adjust my bridge harmonics quite a bit and the height as well to make thing right for my taste and to play in tune . The Pyramids seem to act a bit different then many others that I have tried .

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2010, 10:37:52 PM »

If there's a lot of adjustment to do, you might consider getting a second bridge. It may be less hassle to exchange the bridge than to reset the intonation.

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** November 18, 2010, 11:18:28 PM »

adriaan , I think that is a really good idea !

jacko · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2010, 05:15:35 AM »

Sounds to me like a perfect excuse for another Alembic.

Graeme

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2010, 06:49:05 AM »

Who needs an excuse for another alembic. It's a duty. :-)

Jazzyvee

edwin · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2010, 07:53:25 AM »

Yeah, I thought someone was going to go there! It was enough of a squeeze on the wallet to get this one.

Adriaan, I have found that the adjustments are pretty close. All that seems to be required is a tweak of the truss rod. If I get a slightly heavier E and A string for the DRs, I think that might not even be necessary.

sonicus · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2010, 08:52:44 AM »

I have been playing with light strings for many years now ; the Dean Markleys that I like are .095 to .040 and the Pyramids that I ordered are .100 to .040 .

Major truss rod tweaks have not been necessary for me either.

edwin · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2010, 08:56:11 AM »

So how often do you go back and forth? I'm contemplating on at least a weekly basis.

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2010, 09:15:46 AM »

Edwin , I went back and forth about 3 times in a month and then a few weeks ago decided to leave the Pyramids on the Series II and the Dean Markleys on my Essence. One of the issues that I was getting concerned about was metal fatigue and string breakage from total removal and reinstallation on an extended basis.

edwin · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2010, 10:10:40 AM »

Good point! However, I only have one Alembic and don't want to limit myself. In the long run, the TIs will probably be on the bass the most.

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** November 19, 2010, 10:26:05 AM »

I really like Flats on a Series I or Series II . I will probably check out some TI Jazz Flats some time soon .

hieronymous · « **Reply #12 on:** November 19, 2010, 10:51:19 AM »

I would be concerned about intonation problems - if the string gets twisted a little bit differently, maybe it could have an effect? But I tend to be paranoid about these things...

I'm surprised you don't notice that much of a tension difference b/n the two sets - I would think the TIs would have much lower tension.

edwin · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2010, 11:01:49 AM »

Weirdly, the DRs seem to have lower tension, but with smaller gauge E and A strings than the TIs, it's probably not too surprising.

jacko · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2010, 11:40:32 AM »

I've not tried TI's but I've always found Dr strings to have pretty low tension - one of the reasons I like them so much.

Graeme