Alembic bass strings review

[hieronymous]

One issue I have had with my 5-string Stanley Clarke Signature Squared bass is strings. When I acquired it back in 2008 (?!!) my intention was to convert it to EADGC tuning. But at some point I put it back to BEADG. After some experimenting with La Bella strings, including a custom low-B, I settled on DR Sunbeams for a while for the EADG w/ the La Bella low-B. But that low-B just wasn’t cutting it – I think a lot is due to physics – with this short scale, both intonation & sound quality are an issue, especially with a heavier-gauge string. It was just a dull thud with little definition.

So then I got an idea – how about try Alembic strings? After communicating with Mica, I soon had a low-B – and it fit! And sounded good! With that test out of the way, I got an EADG set. I think I expected them to be brighter, despite the “not too bright” description on the website. But that matches my experience with them. I also expected them to be lower tension – I was actually kind of surprised by the higher tension. But I kept playing them, and also found them to be very flexible – I can bend the high G a half-step comfortably – not that I bend strings a lot, but I was trying to cop Cliff Burton’s solo in Orion and it starts with a high G – the 23rd fret bent up to it anyway. I actually find tension to be very subjective - there is often an immediate reaction, but don't give in to snap-judgments, I think it pays off to work with a set of strings for a while.

So, I have put in a fair amount of time with them – both playing at home as I have been during the pandemic playing along with stuff, and actually out on a solo gig. The verdict? I am happy with them – the SCSS has finally found its strings!



One other thing – I’m not a huge fan of the light green color of the silks, but they are growing on me. And I think I have discovered a hidden benefit of the silks – DR strings don’t have silks, and I was having trouble with sympathetic vibrations from between the nut & tuners, so much so that I purchased a mute to muffle them! But I didn’t put it back on after I restrung with the Alembics, and haven’t found it to be a problem – I think the silks are just naturally dampening them enough!
 
It was also nice to receive them like this, in snazzy Alembic paper!
 

[keith_h]

I decided to stick with the Alembic strings on my short scales from the time I purchased my Brown Bass. From the start they were pretty close to the sound I was looking for and I knew I wouldn't have to spend a lot of money trying to find other brands that fit the length. The only concern I had was some years back it was getting hard to find the Alembic strings. I don't know if that has improved. Since I haven't been playing much these past few years due to life changes I still have a good supply of new sets for when I need them.

On my 5-string Orion I had switched to Dean Markley NPS Roundcore strings but they were discontinued and I returned to my old standby of GHS Brite Flats after my DM supply ran out.

[hieronymous]

I decided to stick with the Alembic strings on my short scales from the time I purchased my Brown Bass. From the start they were pretty close to the sound I was looking for and I knew I wouldn't have to spend a lot of money trying to find other brands that fit the length. The only concern I had was some years back it was getting hard to find the Alembic strings. I don't know if that has improved. Since I haven't been playing much these past few years due to life changes I still have a good supply of new sets for when I need them.

On my 5-string Orion I had switched to Dean Markley NPS Roundcore strings but they were discontinued and I returned to my old standby of GHS Brite Flats after my DM supply ran out.

Yes, I remember them kind of disappearing - looks like they are back, Rocket Music in VA has stock according to Reverb, as well as the Alembic store (Reverb & direct thru the website) - I think I should order a backup set! I have been playing at home 98% of the time so I shouldn't need to replace them soon, but it'd be nice to have a backup set. I'll contact Mica!

Good to hear what you're using on your other Alembic - sounds like fair game for this thread - I have a pack or two of the DR Sunbeams that I think I'll keep using on my AlFeMbic (Alembicized P-Bass), and have LaBella flats on my AleM-85 (Alembicized M-85 II).

[fivestringdan]

I'm looking forward to trying a set. My current order will have them installed and if I like them I'll order a set for my other Alembics.

[jazzyvee]

I have used alembic strings a few times over the years mainly on my shorty SC Deluxe and more recently my Series II bass as they came with those on and the top end is not as overtly bright as steel coated strings can be. However I stopped using them due to what I think is possibly a nickel allergy, even though i don't know how that can happen. ( i moved to stainless steel or coated for my guitars for the same reason ages ago). I still have a few long and short sets left that i will use for recording that comes my way. My main strings these days are D'addario pro steels and dunlop super brights on my S1 shorty.

[Mlazarus]

At my last gig, I noticed I couldn't really hear my C string. The volume was high, and I was using both pickups on my series 1. Are there any strings that will cut through better on the high C string? Maybe heavier strings will do the trick.

[StephenR]

May be as simple as finding a sweet spot on the filter for the treble pickup that allows it to cut through better and adding some Q, you may be surprised to find out that clarity isn't always about adding more high end or volume. You may also just have a dead string which needs replacing.

[KR]

Also try raising up that side of the pickup so it reads more of that string.

[Mlazarus]

I think i maxed the height of the bridge pickup. As for a heavier string, i think that really helps. I might even use a D string and tune it to "C". That's right E-A-D-D (as C).

[edwardofhuncote]

I think i maxed the height of the bridge pickup. As for a heavier string, i think that really helps. I might even use a D string and tune it to "C". That's right E-A-D-D (as C).

 
What exactly do you mean by "high C string"?
What gauge string are you currently trying to tune to the pitch of a high C?
Or is this simply a reference to the string being mounted where a G string would usually be?


This is most unusual. Cool, if this arrangement works for you, but mechanically and physically, tuning a D string, (usually gauged .070-something) to a high C (usually gauged around .030-something) sounds like a very sketchy plan, I can't even imagine it actually working. Maybe you mean something else? Tune it down a step from D to C maybe? Using a heavier string would definitely help support the incurred floppiness.


What are you trying to get to? It sounds like more than a volume problem.

[hankster]

Alembic short scales are my favourite strings. I’ve had trouble getting them though in the past.

[rv_bass]

Alembic short scales are my favourite strings. I’ve had trouble getting them though in the past.

Looks like they are available at the Alembic store online…

https://store.yahoo.net/alembic/cx3short.html

[fivestringdan]

I may have asked somewhere else but have forgotten. Is the B string tapered?

[mica]

no taper on the B string.

[fivestringdan]

no taper on the B string.

Perfect! Thank you, Mica!