6 String Strings

[alembickoa]

A subject probably pounded to death over the years, but being new to a 6 string instrument, I never paid a lot of attention. I noticed that the instruments from the Mothership come with what I would consider extremely light strings. I have on the Orion a set of light gauge Ernie Ball Slinky strings. I used a 5 string set and left the C that was on there because my store did not have anything small enough in the individual strings and no 6 string sets. In our area combined with his particular clientele, my music store guy just doesn't stock them. He will now, but I need to tell him what gauge set I want.
 
Another interesting thing was, when I was adjusting the neck, it took a while for it to settle into my particular settings that included a set of strings a bit larger than what might be recommended at Alembic for this particular instrument. I guess what I am wondering is what gauge and flavor strings you folks are using on your Alembic 6 string basses? Any and all thoughts and advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Blessings...Steve

[David Houck]

Well, I use Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Rounds JR346; they are very light, and they are not inexpensive.

[dannobasso]

I use a lot of brands and don't go crazy over exact specs etc. on strings. I have a lot of basses and guitars and use a lot of string sets. I have a deal with DR and get them cheaper and I really like their product. They have been great for me and made up custom sets for my 10 string without difficulty.  
 
I sometimes surf the web and come across special deals from stores and builders. You may get some real savings. I'm never out of strings because of this method of restocking. No tax and free shipping usually sweetens the deal for me.
 
Just Strings has some deals and close outs that may surprise you so you can try out different brands without feeling too much pain. I'll even get 5 string sets at a savings and buy single C strings to make up sets. Worked out really well for my Status double ball sets.  
 
I have used Alembic, DR, Zon, Ernie Ball, SIT, GHS, Status, D'Addarrio and Dean Markley Will Lee for my 7 fretless. ( a bargain bin find at GC). I've never really met a string set I didn't like. I have learned that flats are not for me. I was given a set from DR and put them on my custom Excel 5 and after missing the growl too much put Alembics back on.  
 
But for my Alembic sixes I almost always use Alembic strings. I find life is nicer with new strings but too short and precious to stress over them.Good luck, have fun with your search and I hope you enjoy your six for many many years to come.

[Bradley Young]

I use a weird combo:  
 
Thomastik Jazz Flats on BEA and Jazz Rounds on DGC.
 
Bradley

[David Houck]

Very interesting Bradley.  If you care to, I would like to hear more about your use of that combination.

[edwin]

Bradley, I'd go the opposite way if I were to blend flats and rounds. Interesting!
 
I use DR Sunbeams on my 5s and 6s. They work well for me because they feel really even across the whole bass and last a good long time. 30-120.

[alembickoa]

Noticing a tendency toward lighter gauges. Interesting...

[darkstar01]

I recently switched to dean markley Sr2000's after using d'addario nickel wounds forever. They don't last as long as d'addarios, but I love them.

[alembickoa]

What gauges?

[darkstar01]

.127-.027

[Bradley Young]

So, here's the deal with flats+rounds. I realized that I really play my bass like two separate instruments:
 
1) Holding down the bottom
2) top-end zing, more like a guitar
 
The flats just had too muted a high end in the upper registers. If you'll forgive the pun, they were a little flat.
 
So, I have a smooth rolloff in the lower ranges, and bright, zingy top end. I don't know if that makes any sense. I think it's also related to the fact that I have a pretty hifi rig, so the flats still have presence, and aren't all thud.
 
This is a bit like dancing about architecture. If you make it to Seattle, you're welcome to play it.

[xlrogue6]

Elixir extra long scale rounds on the fretted Rogue, Status extra long flats on the fretless in the lighter of the 2 gauges Status offers.

[David Houck]

Bradley; makes sense to me.

[alembickoa]

Okay Dave and all the rest of you wild and crazy guys...I am going to order a couple sets of the TI Rounds(I used them on the Koa years ago)and we shall see. No one has actually explained to me the reasoning behind using these super light gauge sets, though in the case of the TI's it is understood. Houck, if this don't work I'm sending you the bill!!! 8^)

[David Houck]

Hey!
 
 
 
Seriously, do consider that my style of playing (password: Alembic) is somewhat different from that of most bass players.  I prefer light strings because I am better able to manipulate them with my fingers.  The things I'm doing with both my right and left hands would for me be more difficult with heavier thicker strings.  Most people will tell you that with lighter gauge strings you give up some tone.  Personally though, I love the tone of the TI Jazz Rounds; and I have found that build quality set to set is consistent, the feel under my fingers is very nice, and the tone lasts a very long time.  I've had my current set on for more than a year; though it is time to change them.