Author Topic: Exposed-Core Strings (Read 115 times)

hb3 · « **on:** June 06, 2006, 01:06:23 PM »

Sorry, I know this topic's been beaten to death! But I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good brand of exposed-core bass strings, and what you think of them in general.

Thanks!

olieoliver · « **Reply #1 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:27:41 PM »

I've tried them and didn't like them. I'm not and expert but I'm pretty sure you'll need to change the saddles on the bridge unless have a bridge that allows you to adjust each strings height (I don't think any Alembic comes that way). Exposed cores with allow the strings to set closer to the neck and obviously the larger strings will have more mass below where the string rest on the bridge making them closer to the frets than the smaller strings.

hb3 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 06, 2006, 01:32:43 PM »

Don't tell anyone, but (whisper)...it's not an alembic. The bass came with exposed core strings that are currently unavailable and I kind of dig them on this particular instrument. So, it's already set up for them.

jet_powers · « **Reply #3 on:** June 06, 2006, 08:35:17 PM »

I've used the DR Tapereds on my Rogue 5 and didn't have any problems other than at high volume sometimes the sound would get away from me for a bit....

JP

olieoliver · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2006, 08:51:29 PM »

Rotosound has what they call contact core, I believe this is the same as exposed core.

dfung60 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2006, 10:01:56 PM »

The classic exposed core strings were Superwound. They seemed to be part of Rotosound with the same address in England and everything but was always marketed as if it were a different company (Toyota vs. Lexus? Makes no sense to me).

They were unavailable for many years, but these days Rotosound sells them as PSD (Piano String Design, which was what Superwound called them, but don't get me started again). Back in the old days, there were a number of different models for different basses, since the distance between the bridge pieces and the ball position varies from bass to bass. These days, they sell one model with an adjustable ball end which you can set for your instrument.

The Superwounds were my favorite strings for many years, especially on the original L-2 Steinberger (this was the OEM string for the early ones).

As mentioned above, using them on an Alembic is problematic since you can't individually adjust bridge height.

David Fung

hb3 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2006, 12:33:34 PM »

Anybody try La Bellas? I've heard them described as sticky.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2006, 01:42:08 PM »

Vy is my bassss covered wis goo?
- Janosz Poha, the curator in Ghostbusters 2

Mike

thebass · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2006, 03:50:18 PM »

I tried exposed core strings (Superwound) on my Musicman Sterling. As mentioned before they require a lot of bridge readjustment. To me there was no noticeable sound advantage compared to my preferred Rotosound RS66 strings, which I have all my basses strung with.

(Message edited by thebass on June 07, 2006)