Author Topic: Strings again (Read 205 times)

spliffy · « **on:** May 07, 2003, 01:18:22 PM »

OK, thanks your all the responses to my last email, but now I have another question if I may.
I put fresh strings (DR Sunbeams) on my Distilate, and the strings seem exceptionaly tight. Especially the G string. It really seems to me that now I have to pull hard on the string to get a decent sound. Is there a string of choice for Alembics? Also, I am thinking of replacing these strings due to the tight pull on them and putting a heavy gauge string on (50-110), so if anyone has any insight or help, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Albert

dela217 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2003, 01:54:24 PM »

I have not used the Sunbeams, but Highbeams. I find the highbeams kinda loose. I would have thought that the Sunbeams were loose too. I am sorry to hear about your problem, but I am glad I did not try the Sunbeams for this reason. I personally like my strings kind of slinky. I heard the Thomastic-Infeld roundwounds, I think they are called Powerbass, are nice and loose. I do not know, I have only tried their flats.

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2003, 05:17:20 AM »

Have used HiBeams and LoRiders, thought the LoRiders were a little higher on tension. I thought the HiBeams sounded a bit distorted in the overtones, LoRiders sounded cleaner.

Thomastik Jazz Flats are arguably the most floppy strings on the market. I used to like high tension strings, until I found the Thomastiks for my fretless. HUGE sound from the low E, nicely pronounced tones on the surprisingly low gauge A, D and G.

drz · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:01:29 AM »

Strings. You guys must be the fortunate ones who have a selection. I live in PO-Dunk county Utah where a VERY SMALL and EXPENSIVE music shack considers themselves a virtual Guitar Center. EVERYTHING I buy, no matter what it is, is mail order. I frequently ask myself, Why did I move here from Cal. Give and Take I guess.

bigredbass · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2003, 11:00:35 AM »

Spliffy:

The smarter string companies publish tension figures in lbs/ft on their websites. These generally are listings for the guages in a given set tuned to 440 on a given scale length. This will allow you to relatively compare different guages, with this caveat: The different makers strings will vary in the same guage/length due to the differences in cores, wraps, etc. But you will begin to get a sense of why your hands are feeling what they are.

Someone else will have to confirm this, but I seem to remember that when tuned to the same pitch, a smaller guage is tighter than a larger guage, the two strings being constructed identically. Can someone second this, or confirm I've gotten it backwards?

Most all of the makers are listed in www.harmonycentral.com, or also at www.juststrings.com.

There is also a terrific discussion about Thomastik and strings in general at www.bunnybass.com. Find the section about builders interviews on the start page, and go to the interview with Thomastik's Kevin Reynolds.

J o e y

(Message edited by bigredbass on May 08, 2003)

bob · « **Reply #5 on:** May 08, 2003, 01:38:17 PM »

Backwards, Joey. Say you've got D and G strings in a nice set which have nearly identical tensions at normal tuning; same construction, and the D is heavier gauge. Tune the D up to G, and it's going to be tighter.

As long as we're on the subject of strings again, I'll put in my vote for Thomastiks (Jazz flats are my choice, though the jazz rounds were also excellent; not interested enough to try the PowerBass line).

In fact (true story), my first experience with these strings, a little over a year ago, is what inspired me to start looking for a new bass. My Alembic is being built specifically so that these strings will fit on my 35 scale (we had to move the tailpiece a little).

David Houck · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2003, 04:15:31 PM »

Joey, thanks for the Kevin Reynolds article; very informative.

bigredbass · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2003, 11:18:02 PM »

davehouck:

Kevin took the mystery out of WHY the TI's are available ONLY in preselected guage sets. But I must admit it was a lot funnier to think of these sternly-Teutonic Austrians sitting in a meeting saying (in their best Arnold voice)...but you vill like zem zis vay, yah!

I'm still flabbergasted that they can make a .118 'B' feel so good at 34 inches. Amazing strings.

BUT,

IF ANYONE's LISTENING,

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed
that some month
This Month's Bundle
would be a STRING SALE
so I could FINALLY
try some a-l-e-m-b-i-c strings,
while spending a slightly smaller bundle!
Surely these are some my-T-fine strings,
I'd sure like to try them !

OK, yes m'am, 'scuse me, I'll be quiet now.

J o e y