Author Topic: On Strings (Read 136 times)

toddharris · « **on:** March 28, 2009, 05:35:11 PM »

Hi,
I'm looking for a set of strings to go on my medium scale neck series I that are 45 - 100. The Alembic set goes to 105, but I find that gauge heavier than I need. Can anyone suggest a set of round, half wound or flatwound strings that are cut to correct length? Tried D'Addario Chromes short scale but the strings were not correct. Bridge to nut distance is 31. Thanks, Todd

bsee · « **Reply #1 on:** March 28, 2009, 09:04:46 PM »

First, medium scale for an Alembic typically means 32 inches from bridge saddles to nut. Short scale is nominally 30.75 inches, though you might measure it as 31. You might want to double check your measurement

I generally use medium scale strings on my short scale Alembics. The distance from the bridge to the tailpiece on an Alembic is longer than a Fender-style all-in-one bridge. That can add an inch or so to the length your strings need to be for the instrument, though this can vary a bit from instrument to instrument. I would definitely use regular long scale strings on a 32-34 scale Alembic. Many of these will be just a little long on the under-32 scales.

I have medium scale Chromes in play right now, and D'Addario makes a nickel round and half round in the same length. I see that Rotosound 66 and 77 strings are also available in medium, but I haven't tried either for tone or to see how they actually fit.

As a side note, the extra distance between the bridge and tailpiece can also screw up the function of exposed or taper core strings. Some sets may be at full size by the time the string crosses the bridge saddle. I had that problem with a set of LaBella roundwounds a few years back. Haven't tried anything like that since.

-bob

edwin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2009, 11:31:50 AM »

Hm, I haven't had any trouble using long scale strings on shorter scale instruments. I use DR Sunbeams and they've been fine on my Starfire bass, which is 30.75. I use 40-100s, but I'm sure other gauges can be used. I've also tried the DR Flats on my Starfire and they were great, but the E string was a bit floppy. I think they'd do a little better on a longer scale instrument

I believe Thomastik makes some medium or short scale strings that would work out as well in your choice of rounds or flats.

Edwin

(Message edited by edwin on March 29, 2009)

smokinbear · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2009, 08:05:34 PM »

Hey Todd, try a set of the Dr, Jonas Hellborg ufo string sets , single wrap on a round i believe nickel core, certainly my favorite string these days whether on my alembic 4 since they only make a 4 string set(the single wrap wire would look like a big old piano string i guess) and they sound sweet on my starfires and fenders too. I'm using the same set on 30.75'', 32, & 34 scale basses they fit em all some how.

smokinbear · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2009, 08:09:53 PM »

Forgot to mention they sound friggen awesome and are very nicely priced. @$27.00 a set at the online store i won't mention that i get mine at. Peace all sorry for the Bandwidth.

toddharris · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2009, 10:55:37 AM »

Thanks for all the replies and advice. The short scale strings I purchased rattled at the nut as the lenght was too short - medium is on order and I'm going to try several of the recommendations - thanks very much for taking the time to write. Todd

willie · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2009, 09:20:03 PM »

I would think you would also know what kind of sound you are looking for. There's a big difference between flat, half round and round wound as far as tone. I wouldn't buy a set of strings based on length alone. Also the types of metal used for the wires makes a difference. Stainless steel, nickle or whatever also change the tone. These should be considered as well before picking a set of strings just based on length. Alembic strings are actually called compression wound I believe. And I believe are nickle plated stainless steel. Not as bright as stainless steel round wounds. I have a short scale,(30.75), Essence that is actually more like a S.C. model but with Essence electronics with a added Q switch. I use Alembic strings on that but its tuned as a tenor bass so they go fro 30-80. Other wise I use DR Highbeams. Stainless steel round wounds on my regular and 35 scale basses. If your bass string length from bridge to nut is 31 thats a short scale not medium and I know from experience that the Rotosound long scale 66's were too long because of where the red cloth wrapping began. Not sure of the medium scale ones, never found a set of them. But I used to be able to use long scale Rotosound RS66 Swing bass strings on an Alembic Spoiler/Exploiter that was medium scale with no problem.
Willie

gare · « **Reply #7 on:** June 01, 2009, 11:23:30 AM »

I've been using Dr Sunbeams on my 32 scale..they come in both 40-100 and 45-100. I've used the 45-100.
Just recently trying the Jonas Hellborg strings by Dr..only found them in 40-100. But they sound great. Its around core string with a single nickle compression outter warp. They seem to sustain forever and sound more open, purer fundamental than others I've tried.
But Willie makes very good points..what sound are you going for.

Gary

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** June 01, 2009, 11:46:54 AM »

On my 32 81 Distillate I like a set of Dean Markley Blue Steel
40-95. They sing like a Cello for solo work and fit just fine.

sanchmo · « **Reply #9 on:** June 03, 2009, 03:10:09 PM »

What has Stanley Clarke generally used? (regular, not tenor or other tunings)
Mine's a 1989 SC signature standard (can't believe what they cost now!)

Tim