Author Topic: Pianostrings on an Alembic ??? (Read 183 times)

thebass · « **on:** January 17, 2004, 02:30:09 PM »

Well, I am not sure but I guess the correct name is tapered core strings. With these strings only the string core has contact to the bridge and the string winding starts a little bit before the bridge PU. The only supplier I'm aware of is Rotosound with its RS99-PSD (piano string design). Did anyone ever used them ? Or are there similar strings available from other manufacturers ? I know that Superwound used to build them too but it seems they are out of business. Any input welcome.

Werner

kungfusheriff · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2004, 03:03:03 PM »

Oh yeah, lots of companies make those. Start checking websites.
The esteemed Mr. Clarke said many years ago that he had tried them on his Alembics, but they didn't work well because of the bridge design--you had to crenk them up very high to get the strings off the fingerboard.
I had a similar problem when replacing regular rounds with low-tension Thomastic flats on my long-scale Gibson, which has one of those stupid three-point bridges. The bridge is jacked up as far as possible, and the bass is just playable...forget about leaning into the notes.

dela217 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2004, 05:12:56 PM »

LaBella makes a set. I tried them and liked them a lot. You just have to make sure the tailpiece on your Alembic is close enough to the bridge to really enjoy these stings as they were intended.

oujeebass · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2004, 01:40:35 PM »

I got a set of Rotosound PSDs about 10-12 years ago,and they were great. I was playing fender style basses back then,so they did seem to have a wide range and brighter. Piano like. I got some about a year ago to try on my Epic,but they went to an adjustable ball end. These were very hard to set up right,so I I had uneven lenghts of core wire coming over the bridge. With practice I guess you would become proficient with the length issues. The ones I got long ago were presized,and worked well. I wish I could get some sized for my bass. I do remember that they had various lengths available back then.

thebass · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2004, 02:09:00 AM »

After some intense searching I found some manufacturers and products. I was only looking for the wrong keywords and had more luck with exposed core. Since these are not standard string sets which you can buy at your local dealer I need to mail order them. Any Germans here that like to recommend a good string mailorder service ? Welcher Saitenversand ist gut und preiswert ?

harald_rost · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2004, 02:29:26 AM »

Werner,

I played the Superwound for some times in the past. Great strings, but in the end to be honest I found no big difference in handling and sound compared to normal stainless steel strings. But handling is a bit difficult so I changed to others.
Good strings are expansive here in Germany and it's sometimes worth to buy worlwide even with the additional costs of Shipping and import taxes. Expecially when the Euro is high rated compared to the USD as it is in these days.
Some times ago I ordered Ken Smith strings from Bass Central (http://www.basscentral.com/frame.html) and I bought some sets of Elixir from http://www.bassgear.com/. I can't remember where I bought the Warwicks Black label which I like a lot.

Harald

palembic · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2004, 02:55:51 AM »

Stupid question: Warwick is EU no??? Are they exposed core too???

angelboy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 20, 2004, 03:28:32 AM »

I'm not German but some people say I look German.............This is a UK mail order service that ships worldwide. There's some great advise on strings and the different sorts available.............(I wanna get me some of them Cryogenically frozen ones but apparently I have to wait for 100 years!)
www.stringbusters.co.uk

This guy is well cheap as far as UK prices go but It's better if you buy a few sets. I've just ordered a set of Rotosound Swing Bass, LaBella Hard rocking steel and a set of DR H-Beams. I've never tried any of these before....................anyone been playing them?

harald_rost · « **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2004, 04:51:25 AM »

>> Stupid question: Warwick is EU no???

Warwick is a German Brand

>> Are they exposed core too???

NO

mica · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2004, 05:52:46 PM »

The bridge design doesn't prevent you from using exposed core strings - but, if you change your strings from regular to exposed core, you'll need to change out the bridge saddles, since the original slots will be too deep and wide for the new strings.

As a slightly cheesy quick fix, you can raise the bridge and cut narrow slots at the bottom of the existing slots.

thebass · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2004, 10:44:22 AM »

Hi Mica,

before I do a permanent change to the bridge I'd like to try the exposed core strings first. Is it possible to get the bridge saddles as retrofit parts ? Who at Alembic do I need to contact for this ?

mica · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2004, 12:01:08 PM »

Just call up - Val, Mary or myself can take your order. The saddles are $12 each. Make sure you have your serial number handy so we send you the right parts. You'll notice the saddles aren't all the same height.