Author Topic: Calling all nickel string fans! (Read 174 times)

crgaston · « **on:** May 28, 2007, 05:45:03 PM »

Hi y'all,

I have been pestering Mica for some time to bring back my favorite string of all time, the Alembic NK-2. They have been discontinued for years, and the only set I have left has been on my G&L SB-2 for over 10 years. Although they have been boiled 3 times already, they won't be coming off again because last time the core of the E string fractured near the string post, leaving just enough to stay on. I'm afraid they won't survive another round, and this bass with these strings has the Ultimate P-Bass sound, to my ears, at least.

Anyway, on to business...
Mica has allowed that they MIGHT be able to do a small run of these, on the order of 72 sets as a minimum. The problem is that the CX-3's outsold them about 10:1, and much of their NK-2 inventory ended up being too old to sell as new. I would hate to see Alembic do a small run of these and then be stuck with a bunch of unsold sets again.

What I am wondering is how many of you would be willing to buy a set or two if we can convince her to do another run?

Regarding scale length, back in the day the regular long scales would fit my 35 Modulus, but I did need to trim a little silk on just the B string. The new CX-3's will fit without trimming any silk, so theoretically, this might not be necessary with a new run.

If you are interested, please chime in with the gauges and number of sets you'd be most likely to buy. I'll start the ball rolling with at least 4 sets of .45-.128's and at least 2 of the .45-.105's, both in long scale.

Thanks,
Charles

rami · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2007, 06:17:04 PM »

Hey Charles,

Why not just slap on a set of genuine Fender pure nickel strings? They're called the Original Bass 7150s. They should be at least as good. I'm sure Fender is an excellent source for Nickel strings.

Rami

southpaw · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2007, 07:00:57 PM »

I'm interested. A couple of questions though: Tension? Cost? Difference? What I mean by difference, is I believe there is only a half dozen or so string manufacturers, what would make these strings unique froms say Fenders, DR's, Roto's...?

(Message edited by southpaw on May 29, 2007)

bigredbass · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2007, 11:57:16 AM »

I used some of those Fenders, they were fine, except you have to get your local store to order the separate B's to make a five-string set: Fender offers the 7150 B's, youjust have to order them separately.

I prefer round core nickels: The round core I think 'seats' the windings to the core better as opposed to the hex core wire and they seem to be a more relaxed tension, better for me for vibratos and bends. The nickel tone suits me better, not as clavinet-like when new, warmer.

I've recently converted to Markley NPS Roundcores, the string they developed with FRPrestia. Really like them.

I'd love to try some ALEMBIC nickels, but don't know if I could step up to buy enough (how much$$ ?) to help out.

J o e y

rami · « **Reply #4 on:** May 29, 2007, 03:23:56 PM »

Personally, I prefer Nickel plated Steels. Dean Markley and GHS Boomers are my current favorites.

I find pure Nickels a little too soft, rubbery and dull for my taste and stainless Steels too bright and squeaky.

Rami

terryc · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2007, 01:53:36 AM »

I guess we bassist's & guitarists are eccentric when it comes to stuff like strings, to the non musician it seems weird that we get so pedantic about the types and manufacturers.
I like to try different types and makes for variety.
I agree with rami that there is a huge difference between Ni and s/steel. I used to use Elites which were s/steel when I was slapping in a funk style..very bright and piano like but tore hell out of the frets and board.
Nickels are warmer with less top end, Rotosound are great for almost all types of music
CRGASTON - I am sure there are some brands out there which are just as good as those old Alembic strings..10 years!!!, are you trying to outdo James Jameson, he didn't change then either.

tbrannon · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2007, 03:30:53 AM »

Charles,

How would you compare them to the DR Sunbeams?

Toby

bracheen · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2007, 06:19:28 AM »

My favorites are the nano coated Elixers but for the price difference the Dean Markleys work just fine. I like those a lot also.

Sam

2400wattman · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2007, 06:28:05 AM »

Have'nt found a nickel string yet that can give me that zing that the s/steel does.I've been a Dean Markley guy for years as I switched from Roto's when quality control was lacking and you were guaranteed a dead string in every pack.

dtrice · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:16:46 AM »

I agree with Sam. My favorite strings are the Elixr Nanos .50-.105, but they're a little pricey. Does anyone have recommendations about how to get similar tone/feel but for less money?

crgaston · « **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:36:21 AM »

I have switched to the DR's, both Sunbeams and Lo-riders in nickel. They were just as good sounding and feeling, but the last 2 packs have had QC issues. I have the Alembic CX-3's on the D-fly now. They feel pretty good, and sound ok, but I still prefer nickel.

Terry, I think when they're old you get more fundamental, though the 10 year old ones are still plenty bright, especially with a pick.

dtrice · « **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2007, 09:46:15 AM »

I agree with Sam. My favorite strings are the Elixr Nanos .50-.105, but they're a little pricey. Does anyone have recommendations about how to get similar tone/feel but for less money?