Author Topic: String Suggestions for Epic (Read 97 times)

ojo · « **on:** April 14, 2008, 10:22:52 AM »

I was fortunate enough to find, and purchase, a used Epic locally. About a week after buying it, I brought it to the shop for a look-see and a pro setup.

As part of the setup, I had the shop put a set of TI Superalloys on the bass. Out of the shop, the bass sounded very bright, and somewhat metallic. I figured I just needed to break in the strings.

It's been about a month and the bass has calmed down a bit, but is still very bright and zingy. The treble/bass controls DO help a bit, but doesn't provide as much usable variety as I would like. I generally favor the neck pup, add a little bass and roll off the treble a bit.

I liked the tonal variety I had before replacing the strings, and am interested in suggestions that anyone may have.

FWIW, I'm playing through an Ampeg b2r head into a 15 speaker.

Thanks all,

Joe

bracheen · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2008, 10:52:52 AM »

There's as many string preferences as there are strings. I've had good luck with Dean Markley Nickel Steels, .45 - .105. Elixer nanos are great also but a lot more money.

How do you like the Ampeg? I've been considering a b2r. I have a Hartke HA4000 and I'm thinking of something with about half as many knobs to fiddle with.

Sam

ojo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2008, 01:25:32 PM »

I love the tone of the b2, it's just soooo smooth.

I like it so much that this is the second b2 I've owned. I had the 15 combo that I loved, but sold it because it was too bulky. I ended up with the b2r (just the head) with the hopes that I would feel less encumbered when transporting it.

I've read that it can be a bit underpowered, and I think that may be true if you have a loud group. Before we went in-ear monitoring, I remember having to turn up both the gain and master halfway just to compete.

I haven't used the Hartke, but I've heard good things about it.

Good luck and thanks for the suggestions.

lembic76450 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2008, 03:06:39 PM »

Joe,

I put a new set of Alembics on my Epic and while I love Alembics on my Series and Essence,

I really didn't like them on the Epic. I had also tried a set of D'Addario Chromes on my Series

and didn't care for that sound either. I swapped the flats to the Epic and Wow...

very big and very fat. I may never go back to rounds on the Epic, love the rounds on the Series.

To me the Epic has found it's voice.

richbass939 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2008, 05:29:59 PM »

I've done a lot of experimenting with strings on my Epics 4 and 5. Right now I have Elixer Nanos on the 5. The 4 has a set of D'Addario half rounds on it. I like both of them. As Sam said the Elixers are expensive but they have kept a good tone for a looooooong time.
Rich

ojo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2008, 11:53:04 AM »

Hmmmm, good suggestions guys. Thanks for the input.

I have had elixers on my acoustic guitar, but never thought about them for bass.

Two mentions for them, one for half wounds, and one for flats . . .

Looks like I've got some options for experimenting.

Thanks again!

Joe

jbybj · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2008, 09:32:19 PM »

Elixers are coated aren't they? I have been using another coated string called Clear tone. After about 8 months they still sound fabulous.

ojo · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2008, 09:56:26 PM »

Yup, Elixers have a coating on them.

I've not heard of Clear Tone, but will look them up.

Thanks man.

rockbassist · « **Reply #8 on:** April 26, 2008, 11:22:34 AM »

I have tried a lot of different strings over the past 30 years. I started using Curt Mangan strings a few years ago and love them. They have great tone, last as long as anything else I have used and the price is very reasonable. You can get them at many stores or direct from Curt Mangan.