Author Topic: Strings, strings,strings- what are you using? (Read 1805 times)

thebass · « **Reply #30 on:** May 16, 2004, 12:08:26 AM »

Just my 2 eurocents here: I think the gauge of the strings is more important than the brand. I just got the Rotosound Funkmaster (90-70-50-30) on my MK Std for about a month and think I found my perfect string setting after using various other sets. The light gauge and lower tension allows lightning fast licks and takes out a little bit of punch yet enhances the highs and lows. It sounds perfect for me.

frank_orlando · « **Reply #31 on:** May 16, 2004, 06:41:25 PM »

Well I received my DR Hi-Beams in shortscale (DR-SMR-45)and the sound is very bright and livlier than my GHS Boomers. They sound superb playing alone in my studio. I need to play with my band this week to really test them so the jury is still out. They have a very growly and bright piano tone. They feel nice too. I'll spill more after I rehearse. Frank

flaxattack · « **Reply #32 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:43:07 AM »

got my dr hi beams- medium scale .045-.125
excellent sound , clean ,crisp, nice warm tones, good bottom end.
i like em a lot- i also recieved my status hot wires .040,.060,.080.100.125- they will go on after i use up the d.r.s - but for now- the d.r's are a real winner. was able to play through my line6 pod direct output- with no effects beautifully

flaxattack · « **Reply #33 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:56:51 AM »

bestprice on the d.r's?
$25+shipping
www.stringthis.com

anyone find better?

rklisme · « **Reply #34 on:** May 23, 2004, 10:40:27 AM »

Just to add my two cents, I use DR's as well. Medium gauge on my Essence, light on my Jazz Bass and light on my Ken Smith basses. I have used High Beams for over ten years and love them!

Rory

kayo · « **Reply #35 on:** May 24, 2004, 09:31:01 AM »

I pay $21.50 for DR's at Guitar Center in SF........ If I buy 6 or more packs I get them for $20 a set.

son_of_magni · « **Reply #36 on:** May 26, 2004, 02:36:48 PM »

I'm surprised not to hear anything from Thomastic Jazz Flat users. But this thread has convinced me to replace the Alembics that came on my 6-string fretless with a set of DR High Beam's that I've had laying around for a couple of years.
SoM

bob · « **Reply #37 on:** May 26, 2004, 04:17:30 PM »

Perhaps those of us using TI Jazz Flats are just being polite :-) Besides, you already know that many of us are fanatics, and we'd just be repeating ourselves.

Also, I think (can't tell anymore) that there was something in the original question suggesting a playing style or tonal preference that might have favored something a bit brighter, and cost seems to be popping up a lot in this thread (though the flats last practically forever, they have pure nickel wraps, they aren't going to do much to your frets... well, I didn't mean to get started).

It did strike me that the nearly unanimous vote for the DR High Beams was a bit unbalanced, but there have been plenty of other threads where different brands have their supporters.

All depends on what you like. There are lots of factors, and I think this is an area where our vocabulary probably isn't very consistent. Experimenting - hopefully with some useful advice from your friends - is the only way to find out.
-Bob

flaxattack · « **Reply #38 on:** May 26, 2004, 08:49:31 PM »

kayo-$21 for dr hi beam 5 strings>? dont think so...
i did delete some of my earlier posts- i like a crisp but not overly bright sound and a tight bottom with a nice rumble- so far the d.r med guage seems to give me the best overall sound and the most for lack of a better expression manueverable sound using the tone controls on my orion 5- this past week i gotthat sound i was looking for- but i am gonna throw on the status hotwires this week for a test run. since they offer by far the widest selection of roundwire guages, i am probably going to inquire if they will assemble a custom order of 6 sets of possibly .050,.065,085,100,120- what i find is that my low string neck pickup is so powerful on phil that right now it is as low as i can set it on the b string side and it still overpowers the higher strings. so perhaps using lighter guages on the e and b will allow me to raise the pickup a little and fill out the sound

flaxattack · « **Reply #39 on:** May 27, 2004, 06:37:43 AM »

fyi- status graphite will let you custom order guages if you order 6 sets and the price for 6 is fairly reasonable- comes to $29 per set
which is fair i think to get exactly what you want- string range is .025 through .130
will post review saturday- but these strings came highly recommended www.status-graphite.com

son_of_magni · « **Reply #40 on:** June 02, 2004, 03:29:15 PM »

A couple nights ago I put the DR High Beams on my MK 6-string fretless. After adjusting the crossover and tone controls I was able to get a pretty nice sound but still sounded a bit thin compared to the Alembic strings that came on it. So I ordered a set of the TI Jazz Flats. I'm really looking for a sound with the richness of the Alembic strings but with more meat at the bottom. And since right now I have the horn turned almost all the way down I'm not too worried about the flats killing the high end. We'll see.
SoM

bob · « **Reply #41 on:** June 02, 2004, 05:11:53 PM »

SoM,

Here are a couple of tips on the Jazz Flats (don't think I've seen them posted here before):

- Before you put them on, wipe them down thoroughly with alcohol. They come with a fair amount of (machining?) oil, which will leave gray streaks on your fingers, and also smells somewhat unpleasant. Use a light colored cloth so you can see when it's mostly gone, and of course be careful not to kink the skinny ones - i.e., don't rub back and forth.

- The fatter ones feel a little funny for the first few days; some people describe it as 'kind of sticky'. This seems to be because of the gaps they leave between the windings (for flexibility), and probably gets better as you deposit some skin cells and oils of your own...

- They need some break in time to sound warm, rich, and mellow. I haven't tried to quantify this yet, but I'd guess it's on the order of 10-20 hours before they really settle in. Initially, they sound a bit brighter and don't have as much harmonic complexity, so don't make a snap judgement.

Bob

David Houck · « **Reply #42 on:** June 02, 2004, 06:20:12 PM »

Bob; that's interesting that the Flats need to be wiped down. I haven't tried a set yet, but have been thinking of ordering a set for my fretless. Thanks for the tips.

gbarchus · « **Reply #43 on:** June 02, 2004, 09:37:39 PM »

Did I forget to mention in my earlier post that the flatwound strings I use on ALL my basses are TI Jazz Flats? With a tube amp and 15 JBLs they have a fat, but holding-down-the-bottom, growly sound. I have had bass players in the audience ask me what kind of strings I use.

adriaan · « **Reply #44 on:** June 03, 2004, 04:16:54 AM »

Could it be the California climate that brings out the oil? I put on a fresh set of TI Flats a few weeks back, but didn't play much. Will check tonight - see if the Dutch summer can have the same effect on strings as its California counterpart.

TI Jazz Flats are absolutely heaven on fretless. Haven't tried a fresh set on a fretted yet - because (1) they're expensive even in Europe, and Alembics are an expensive hobby anyway, and (2) the shop where I go do have TI guitar strings in stock, but it takes several months for bass strings to be delivered.