Author Topic: Strings, strings,strings- what are you using? (Read 1856 times)

smokin_dave · « **Reply #75 on:** June 26, 2004, 03:06:29 PM »

Black Diamond recently sent me a few sets of they're new black coated strings and I really like them so far.I've been using a set I put on about three weeks ago and they still sound as good as the day I put them on.I play my Rogue every day for at least an hour or so and these strings have withstood the test of time.I usually swap out sets a couple of times a week depending on what and how many shows I'm doing but these are hanging right in there.I use a really heavy gauge(50-130)so I can get a big sound without having to play my fingers off.Give 'em a try.Before Black Diamonds,I used DR low riders since at that time I felt they were the best string for big tone and longevity.

jacko · « **Reply #76 on:** June 30, 2004, 05:31:27 AM »

I've just fitted a set of DR marcus miller fat beams (45 - 125) to my epic 5 and i can honestly say they're the best sounding strings I've had. Previously I've used fender, elites, rotosound and daddario but i've always found the sound to be lacking that 'certain something'. Just waiting to see how long they last as they're pretty expensive here (scotland)

gare · « **Reply #77 on:** June 30, 2004, 07:56:49 AM »

Has anyone had experience with D'Adarrio half rounds ? Interesting concept,but I haven't gotten around to trying them. The previous discussion about Rotosonds,I've used them on my Rickenbacker since '71 and dont show excessive wear. Maybe I just have a light touch. It's time start experimenting, the TI's and DR's see m worth exploring.
G

son_of_magni · « **Reply #78 on:** June 30, 2004, 02:29:36 PM »

I always used half rounds on my fretless Fender P. Loved the sound and they didn't dig up the neck. But I really haven't played that bass in the last 15 years (since I bought a Pedulla, am I allowed to say that here?). Now the Pedulla has taken a back seat to my Alembic. At this point I still do wonder what the half rounds would sound like on the Alembic but since I just put TI's on it'll be a while before I try it.

My recollection is that they do have most of the round wound sound found when you pound round wounds... ok getting a little carried away here. Point is they sound like round wounds but they are shaved flat so they are easier on the neck and the fingers. The wrap wire is shaved a bit less than half way through, so your fingers will detect a little crack between the windings which feels funny at first, but either you get used to it or they smooth off as they break in.

Another way to think about it is they sound more like round wounds than the TI flats do. The TI flats sound more like really amazing flat wounds.

gare · « **Reply #79 on:** July 01, 2004, 10:18:42 AM »

SoM..thx for the info, gonna have to give them a try too.
You know guys, this really is a great forum, an amazing wealth of information. (and a real time/money saver)
One thing that would be very useful in these discussions is a brief description of the type of sound you're going after.
As an example,I've always gone after a Squire/Lake type of sound, someone else may be looking for the Jaco sound, etc. This info would make it easier for others to narrow down their choices.

Gare

flaxattack · « **Reply #80 on:** July 01, 2004, 11:22:06 PM »

just got my status graphit roundwound custom guage order...
1 set- $40.00 del
6 sets $29 each del
.050,070,085,105,125
very fair price... wil review saturday

son_of_magni · « **Reply #81 on:** July 02, 2004, 06:28:01 AM »

Gare, that's a fair question. I hope you accept this as a fair answer. There was a time when I would try to sould like another bass player, like Jaco for instance. But I've long since given up trying to sound like anyone but myself. In fact my wife recently said to me You have really developed your own style, you don't sound like any other bass player. I'm very happy to have come to a place where I'm completely comfortable just playing like me.

Given that, I think I would like any sound that lets me play the way I want and express my musical intent. So, now you have me thinking, what are those characteristics? Without writing a thesis here I think start with three biggies...

Tone: The tone should be consistant over the range of the instrument. If the B string sounds weak or dead it'll never be heard, same goes for the C string. They all need to have a full rich sound.
Response: I need to be able to play in a wide dynamic range and also be able to vary the amount of attack. The strings must be able to give a soft mellow sound or a crackling crisp percussive sound on demand.
Feel: Of course the way your strings feel to your fingers, and the consistanct of that feel, will effect the way you play, and your ability to play well.

Any of this make sense?

flaxattack · « **Reply #82 on:** July 02, 2004, 06:41:35 AM »

i lean twds a lesh kind of sound
but i agree with gare- its my own at this point

goatfoot · « **Reply #83 on:** July 02, 2004, 08:26:46 AM »

Gare said: You know guys, this really is a great forum, an amazing wealth of information. (and a real time/money saver)

Heh, heh. That's funny!

I can just hear myself say to my wife, Yeah, honey, I know looking at all of those beautiful basses on the Alemic Club site gave me GAS to order that new Custom ... but look at all of the money I saved by not shopping around for strings!

Ha!

Kevin

the_mule · « **Reply #84 on:** July 04, 2004, 03:07:58 AM »

My short scale Series I really growls and sings with medium scale (!) 100-40 DR HiBeams. The tone is much more focused (especially with the low E) than with the light(er) short scale strings she carried when I purchased her.

Wilfred

flaxattack · « **Reply #85 on:** July 05, 2004, 08:06:41 AM »

i tried the status hotwires friday. had to do a fair amount of pick up adjusting to get my sound right. also i noticed that my right hand fingers were dirty from residue on the strings. the sound was pretty good after messin with the bass settings. i want to take another spin on these before making a final decision. i did like the 050,070 g and d strings but at this pints its still the dr hi beams .045, elixirs and status in that order

rogertvr · « **Reply #86 on:** July 05, 2004, 09:05:34 AM »

When I first put Hotwires on the Dragon's Wing, it took me literally hours of pick-up adjusting to get the sound right. But once it is right - the sound is awesome. I find the bottom-end to be warm and full, the mid-range is very punchy and the top is crystal clear.

An interesting comment that, about the residue. Of the sets I've used, I've not had any residue on any of them.

Cheers,

Rog

bsee · « **Reply #87 on:** July 05, 2004, 09:17:20 AM »

I am about to try a set of La Bella Slappers on my Persuader 5. I had a problem in that the set came with taper wound B/E strings, contrary to what I was told when making the purchase. I contacted La Bella, and they asked me to send in the strings, so it sounds like they're going to replace them. I got one string on and tuned up to see how they sounded before I realized the bass strings were tapered, and they had a bit more tonal range than the strings that came on my bass. I look forward to getting this set loaded on.

Anybody have experience with these strings?

gare · « **Reply #88 on:** July 05, 2004, 10:36:14 AM »

SoM...Yes,a very fair answer and it makes perfect sense,to me anyway.
I think we all have our bass heros that we probably started to base our sound or technique on. Especially if you have mutliple heros. A little piece of this,a little of that,and it becomes the basis of your playing or sound. Not to say that originality doesnt play a major role,but we all have to start somewhere.
But unless your using the exact setup, instrument,strings,amp,speakers,etc.,it sort of becomes your sound. So many variables.
Playing a Stanley Clark piece on P-Bass isnt exact,but thats the beauty of making it more your own style and sound.
Having laid off playing for a few years I'm in the process of redeveloping all these things. And this forum has been a great help in formulating new thoughts.

Kev..its like that commercial,but I saved,thought that meant something to you !

Gare

somatic · « **Reply #89 on:** July 05, 2004, 08:30:48 PM »

The really funny thing about those Phil Jones 5 cabinets: He makes an amp that uses Soviet radio station broadcast tubes (the size of beer bottles!) that makes a zillion watts for about 10 or 20 grand. I need to find that website again, because it's just beyond bizarre.

Joey - is this what you're looking for: http://www.philjonesbass.com/PRODUCTS/AMP/T-500.htm

Just beyond bizarre.....? Not sure whether I should be complimented or offended, as I've been using 813's in my home stereo amps for years, getting about 50W class A (triode) from a pair. They last forever, look really cool and the US made ones are a lot better sounding than the Russians.

I'd never seen that amp before, so thanks for the link. I don't feel quite so far out on the fringe any more. When I get some time I might have to build a bass head using some, at least for home. Due to the very long filaments and the ease with which they can be broken, I don't think I'd take a head like this on the road.