Author Topic: Strings (Read 2681 times)

glocke · « **on:** February 10, 2005, 06:02:57 AM »

Hi,

I did search the forum on this and found some good info, but I figuerd I woul dpost anyway.

I have been having trouble finding strings I like.
I had been using smith strings, but now have trouble finding them locally (I know I could order online, but I need a set pronto)...The last set I bought had been DR (Hi beams I think), and for whatever reason they just did not click for me..I have them on my fender jazz bass and they sound deader than dead now (after 6 months).

I like a dry, woody, well balanced tone. I don't really care for bright sounding strings...anyone have any suggestions?? Has anyone tried elizir bass strings?

Also, has anyone ever heard of making strings from piano strings?

Thanks!

matthijs · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2005, 06:50:36 AM »

I use Elixir (I assume you meant those?) nanoweb strings on my basses and can say that I like them immensely. They have excellent clarity for far longer than normal strings and are extremely smooth. Both these things can be seen as a negative, though

My bass teacher dislikes them because they are so smooth and he 'slips' while tapping amongst other things.

If you're not into bright sounding strings then I think Elixirs might be the opposite of what you seek. they keep sounding bright, which is their main selling point

glocke · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2005, 07:51:35 AM »

thnx, i did mean Elixir. Thanks. I don't really care for bright sounding strings...think james jamerson, motown sounds, etc....

son_of_magni · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2005, 08:29:25 AM »

TI Jazz Flats

flaxattack · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2005, 09:02:19 AM »

i agree with magni and i have tried em all
go to www.lemurmusic.com
they seem to have the best price for 5 strings
4 strings can be found on ebay

flaxattack · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2005, 09:07:29 AM »

(Message edited by flaxattack on February 10, 2005)

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2005, 10:22:10 AM »

I'd highly recommend www.bigcitystrings.com for lower prices and much cheaper shipping.

richbass939 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2005, 10:56:39 AM »

I currently have Elixir Nanoweb 45-105s on my Epic. I like the bright tone they have. I noticed that the Nanoweb coating has started to come off at the higher wear spots. I don't think it would affect the tone but it might. On a thread here about 2 - 3 months ago some people said that they had tried and didn't like the Elixirs. Oh well, different strokes.
One comment about the Bass Player string comparison of a month ago. I went with their opinion about the D'Addario flatwounds and bought some. BP showed strong low-mid-highs on their graph. After I put them on I found that all they seemed to have was strong lows. The highs and even the mids were really weak. If you want lots of low and not much mid-high then I guess they were okay. They just weren't what I was looking for. I hate spending good money on strings and taking them off after one day, but I couldn't stand it anymore. They showed the D'Addario flats with about the same L-M-H response as the Elixirs. Maybe I got a bad set but I was really disappointed. So you have to be cautious with their findings.
I just bought a set of Sadowsky nickel rounds and RotoBass nickels. Haven't put them on yet but I'm anxious to see how they sound.
Rich

bsee · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2005, 01:05:31 PM »

It's funny, I don't think of Elixirs as bright. They sound pretty good to me, but the highs really feel hollow.

There are certainly brand-to-brand differences between strings, but I generally believe the following about roundwound strings:

Steel almost always sounds brighter than Nickel and stays that way longer. The coated steel I have tried has been a bit less bright than uncoated.

I prefer hex cores to round cores. I think round cores are probably more pure in the fundamental, but the hex cores help to bring out a warmer tone.

Thin strings sound thin. You can hear the difference between a set of 40-100 vs. 45-105.

In general, if you don't like DR High Beams, you'll probably like Lo Riders in the steel or nickel version (I do). I don't particularly like High Beams, and I didn't like the set of Black Beauties I just tried either. I would like to try the Bootzillas, though.

All that said, let's not forget our hosts. While I haven't tried them, I expect to like Alembic CX-3 strings when they eventually arrive on my new bass. The combination of the hex core and not-quite-round wrapping should be very pleasing.

-Bob

gare · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2005, 03:27:16 PM »

I have to jump in with a curiosity question. I was recently reading an interview with Jonas Hellborg, he mentioned that DR was making custom strings for him
that are single rather than multi wrap windings. Supposed to produce purer fundamentals. I've also seen them advertised in a magazine . But havent seen any info on their website.
Anyone heard or know anything about these ?
Or did I just overlook the info somewhere ?

glocke · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2005, 12:03:04 PM »

Thanks for all the replis....I ended up putting TI jazz flats on, they sound great...VERY well balanced tone...fat lows, and clear silky highs, and clear mids...

My series one came with alembic strings (i think they had the blue wrap)...they were great sounding strings, and I would buy another set in a heartbeat...but I prefer the sound of flats on my Series one...

ox_junior · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2005, 02:09:37 PM »

I remember this topic coming through here recently.

Rotosound strings have the most piano-like effect, especially on Alembics. And that's just using their standard Swing Bass sets. They have a model they call the piano string set, which have a brighter tone and are favored by John Paul Jones. If that's what you're going for, check that out.

Cheers, Mike

son_of_magni · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2005, 07:54:11 AM »

Greg, I'm glad you like them. For me they seem to have all the good qualities of roundwounds but without the excessive high end crackle. And, being flat, without the finger noise.
- SoM

flaxattack · « **Reply #13 on:** February 14, 2005, 07:26:10 PM »

alembic is putting the TIs on my direwolf for me,
factory set up cant be beat

beelee · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2005, 10:03:16 PM »

When I try out a bass ( new or used) if I like the way it sounds and feels, and plan on purchasing it, the strings would be part of the reason I like it.
if a manufacturer put some thought into building a good quality instrument wouldn't they also put some thought into what strings compliment it ? ( I imagine some do and maybe some just put their own brand on)

I usually try and use the same brand and gauges of strings that came on the bass when I purchased it ( if I can find out what is on it ).

There are so many different brands of strings around it'll make your head spin, so it comes down to experimentation, recomendation and personal preference I guess.

I use:

4 string:
GHS Boomers ML3045 45 65 80 100
(tried em out)
or a stores own brand: 45 65 85 105
( that came on a hot rodded Fender P bass that has EMG pup and a Kahler whammy that I purchased from that store)

5 String:
GHS Multi-String Boomers 5ML-DYB 45 65 80 100 126 ( tried em out)

6 String:
D' Addario EXL170-6 32 45 65 80 100 130
(tried em out)

7 String:
Dean Markley SR2000 2698c 22 27 47 67 87 107 127 (tapered)
( what came on my Conklin GT-7)
I really like the way these sound

8 String:
D'Addario EXL170-8 45 65 80 100
18 28 40 50 (tried em out)

12 String:
Hamer 12 string bass set
45 20p 20p
65 25 25
80 35 35
100 45 45
(What came on my Hamer B-12a)

I have 4 other basses that still have the original strings, ( an Electric upright, Fretless 6 str, A/E 5 strg and a Midi bass) so I'll be trying to find out whats on them or put something new on.

I am really looking foward to trying my new custom Alembic with their strings........

B.

(Message edited by beelee on February 14, 2005)