Author Topic: Strings..... again. (Read 170 times)

frank_orlando · « **on:** August 21, 2004, 09:34:22 PM »

FYI...I finished my quest for the best short scale bass strings...to my ear anyway. The short scale issue limits the brands and models available. First let me say I was looking for a roundwound with bright, long lasting piano sound with thump and punch. I wanted it all! I had recently narrowed the field down to DR Hi-Beams (SMR-45) and GHS Super Steels (5500). The ultimate test was to mix both strings on each of my Alembics and play them. So I would have a GHS E, GHS A, DR A and DR D. The next trial I would have a DR E, GHS E, DR D, GHS D... and so on. Yes, I put two A's or two D's etc, on the bass as it was the best way to hear them literally side by side and compare them. The difference was dramatic and I don't think I would have been sure which had the better tone if I didn't do it this way. The CLEAR winner, to my ear and rig, was the GHS Super Steels. The DR's actually sounded somewhat dull in comparison. I did this on my Essence and on my Custom with a double p-bass pick-up arrangement. The GHS model 5500 fits short scales and actually cost $5 less than the DR's. I got them at Just Strings for $17 + shipping. The set I used in the test had about 5 weeks of heavy, sweaty playing on them. They still sounded brighter and punchier than brand new DR's. I just mailed my remaining un-opened boxes of DR's back to Just Strings for a refund... Test over.

dnburgess · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2004, 10:38:31 PM »

Thanks for the painstaking test results. How do they compare to the Alembic strings?

the_mule · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2004, 12:59:11 AM »

Not trying to be negative about your testing, which is a very good way to compare different brands of strings I think, BUT my experience with DR strings is that they have a (short, few days of playing) 'breaking in period' after which they start to sound better and better! BTW: I use them on my Series I short scale...

Wilfred

frank_orlando · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2004, 01:12:43 PM »

I have not tried the Alembic strings before so I can't comment on them. I just read a post on The Bottom Line site where the writer makes a reference to the Alembics being the same as Super Steels...hmmmmm.
http://www.amscons.com/tblarchive/VOL2/0-99/bl63.html#16

As for the new DR's, I did the test with both brand new DR's and a set that was as old as the GHS strings. The new DR's and the 5 week old DR's both gave a duller tone with less piano-like harmonics...almost like it was slightly muted when compared to the GHS using the method I did. When you played either bass with the DR's on it sounded nice BUT...when you removed the DR A-string and installed a GHS Super Steel A-string the difference between the two strings was VERY noticable. The GHS have more punch, sustain and bright edge without being nasal. I couldn't tell how much more I liked the GHS sound until I did this type of comparison. But that's my ear and using my rig so your results may differ.

effclef · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2004, 06:13:54 AM »

Frank, were those regular Super Steels, or Contact Core Super Steels? I see that on ghsstrings.com they have both.

As for being the same as Alembic, I thought the Alembic strings had an oval cross section to the wrap. (Nice compromise for fretless.)

EffClef

PS I've not liked ANY groundwounds I've ever tried, just because my fingers catch on the windings. Maybe that's just me!

frank_orlando · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2004, 05:02:38 PM »

These are regular Super Steels with the black wrapping. They don't make the Contact Core in short or medium scale so I have not tried them.

I really don't know much about the Alembic strings. The GHS are not ground. I don't like the ground wounds I have tried either. I had ordered 4 sets of the GHS from Just Strings and two sets came today. The other two are on back order. The price is pretty good at $17. The sound is superb if you are looking for a bright but not brittle sound.

alemboid · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2004, 09:23:01 PM »

Frank,

I've found that on my Clarke Deluxe short scale, that the D'addario Prisms (offered in short scale, but I found sometimes the medium scale strings fit better) make that bass sit up and BARK! Ringing piano like tone, and long lasting. They make signature electronics sound more like series electronics.

D'addario has since come out with a newer, better string that replaces the Prisms, however the Prisms are still widely available. i forgit thename of the new string. Both are steel roundwounds.

Alemboid

ox_junior · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2004, 03:50:14 PM »

I'm surprised Rotosounds never made it to this list. I wonder why? MB

ox_junior · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2004, 03:53:23 PM »

I'm surprised Rotosounds never made it to this list. I wonder why? MB

frank_orlando · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2004, 04:11:28 PM »

Alemboid, I actually do use medium scale GHS Super Steel strings (set #5500). Strings made for short scales (30.75) are usually too short for Alembic short scales.

Say that 5 times fast lol.

The D'addario site no longer lists Prisms. The brightest string is the Pro Steel and again... only a .100 E-String in medium and short scale.