Pulled the Trigger on a Brown Bass Today

[bonesrad]

It's been over 20 years since I bought my last Alembic, a Europa 5 string w/ Series I Electronics.  For many years I've considered myself a 5 string player exclusively.  That said, after picking up a couple of really nice Fender 4 strings over the last couple of years, and using them in recent gigs, I thought it time to consider a bass that has intrigued me for many years, the Brown Bass.


Flash forward to today, I was able to swing a deal with Bass Central on the aforementioned Brown Bass.  It was built back in 2022 and the flamed Walnut was called "Susan's Pick".  I'm super stoked to take possession of this bass.  Fed Ex says it should arrive here in Seattle next Monday.  I will be sure to post pics when it arrives.  I think this bass will complement my current Alembic very well as I think I'll keep round wounds on the Brown Bass as opposed to TI Flats on the Europa.


I think it is very possible that this bass will ship with the original Alembic strings dating back a couple of years ago.  I'd be interested in any recommendations beyond the stock Alembic strings that you all might have.  FYI, I lean toward Nickel as opposed to Stainless Steel when it comes to round wounds.


Best to All,
Bones

[g-dude]

It's been over 20 years since I bought my last Alembic, a Europa 5 string w/ Series I Electronics.  For many years I've considered myself a 5 string player exclusively.  That said, after picking up a couple of really nice Fender 4 strings over the last couple of years, and using them in recent gigs, I thought it time to consider a bass that has intrigued me for many years, the Brown Bass.


Flash forward to today, I was able to swing a deal with Bass Central on the aforementioned Brown Bass.  It was built back in 2022 and the flamed Walnut was called "Susan's Pick".  I'm super stoked to take possession of this bass.  Fed Ex says it should arrive here in Seattle next Monday.  I will be sure to post pics when it arrives.  I think this bass will complement my current Alembic very well as I think I'll keep round wounds on the Brown Bass as opposed to TI Flats on the Europa.


I think it is very possible that this bass will ship with the original Alembic strings dating back a couple of years ago.  I'd be interested in any recommendations beyond the stock Alembic strings that you all might have.  FYI, I lean toward Nickel as opposed to Stainless Steel when it comes to round wounds.


Best to All,
Bones

Congrats!

Frankly, I love Thomastik Infeld Jazz Rounds - very fine windings, and they really remind me of the best elements of flat wounds combined with the best elements of round wounds.

They are VERY low tension, so you will need to adjust truss rods, and play with a lighter touch, but they play exceptionally fast.

Thomastik Infeld Superalloys are also great strings if you want something more conventional.

[adriaan]

I'll second the TI Jazz Rounds suggestion. One more thing about them is that they are pretty light gauge, Not sure how they work out on a short scale, though.

[pauldo]

When it arrives, please post some pics.  Anxious to see Susan's pick of Walnut.

[g-dude]

I'll second the TI Jazz Rounds suggestion. One more thing about them is that they are pretty light gauge, Not sure how they work out on a short scale, though.

The short scale strings look to be slightly thicker than the 34” scale ones, but still rather thin.

[StephenR]

Pretty bass you have on the way, play it in good health!

The TI Jazz Rounds have windings with the nicest tactile feel I have ever experienced and the strings sound great. But, for me, after trying a set on multiple basses I could never get past the ultra-light string tension. As far as I know all the TI strings are low-tension so I am not sure a thicker gauge would make a huge difference. Despite not caring for low-tension strings I have kept TI Acousticore strings on my Turner Renaissance since they sound so good and it isn't my primary bass.

For rounds my go-to strings since the 80s have been Dean Markley Blue Steel, primarily the steel ones but I have also tried the nickel-plated steel set which has a slightly mellower tone.

[g-dude]

Pretty bass you have on the way, play it in good health!

The TI Jazz Rounds have windings with the nicest tactile feel I have ever experienced and the strings sound great. But, for me, after trying a set on multiple basses I could never get past the ultra-light string tension. As far as I know all the TI strings are low-tension so I am not sure a thicker gauge would make a huge difference. Despite not caring for low-tension strings I have kept TI Acousticore strings on my Turner Renaissance since they sound so good and it isn't my primary bass.

For rounds my go-to strings since the 80s have been Dean Markley Blue Steel, primarily the steel ones but I have also tried the nickel-plated steel set which has a slightly mellower tone.

The TI Super Alloys are a more conventional string, but still have a much higher quality feel to them than other strings.

They're my "I need a string that I can really dig in super hard" string of choice on most of my basses.

[dannobasso]

Congratulations! I bout a used brown bass a few months ago. Personally I use DR short scale Hi Beams on mine and DR DDT’S on my other Alembics.
Play it in good health and inspiration.

[Rondog]

I'll second the TI Jazz Rounds suggestion. One more thing about them is that they are pretty light gauge, Not sure how they work out on a short scale, though.

TI make a short scale set and they are really nice.
Although thin, they have plenty of tone and punch.

[OJ Dorson]

I love DR Sunbeams on my short scales.

[bonesrad]

Sorry I've been late to posting a picture of my Brown Bass.  Here goes!


This bass is really special.  I've been thoroughly enjoying it.


Bones