Short Scale Strings

[pas]

Looking for some help here.  I've been using Alembic strings on my Stanley Deluxe.  They're not bad, but I'm not thrilled with them either.  I get about the same life out of them as I would with a set of RotoSounds.  I really wish that Elixir made short scale strings, as I really like them, but alas, it appears they don't make them.
 
Also, I used to be able to get Alembic strings at Just Strings, but it seems they don't carry them anymore.  I know I can get them at the Alembic store, but if I'm paying $59 for a set of strings, I want to be REALLY happy with them & want them to have more of a life span than the Alembic strings seem to give me.
 
Any thoughts/input/suggestions would be most sincerely appreciated.

[indybass]

When I had a short scale Alembic, I would medium scale GHS Bass Boomers.

[tubeperson]

Try www.juststrings.com.  Alembic strings are way less expensive there. Very nice people to work with as well.
 
Also perhaps the fault lies not in the string but in the greasy slimey fingers plucking them.  Seriously, do you wipe the strings down after each user session?  Do you play with clean hands, or are they soaked with beer and sweat, (not that I'm asking mind you)?  These can obviously affect string life.  Since you also said Rotosounds did not give you that infinite sustain (there I go again), there may be another cause, or you are a hard player that wears them out sooner than other bass players with a delicate touch, like the late John Entwistle. I have been lucky and the Alembic strings I use last a long long long item, just like other long things (heh heh, heh, moderator test system at work).

[hifiguy]

FWIW I am very happy with d'Addario Pro Steel short scale strings on my Stanley.  $14 at juststrings, bright - as in SwingBass bright - and they last a long time, for me anyway.

[pas]

Indy - How did you like the GHS strings in terms of tone & string life duration?
 
Tube - Thanks for the input, but...did you actually read my whole post?  As I stated, Just Strings does not have Alembic strings listed on their site anymore...that's where I used to get them.  
 
I neither said nor implied that there is fault with Alembic strings...simply a matter of durability and tone for me.  Where did I mention anything about sustain?  Yes, I wipe my strings after use.  Greasy slimey fingers...honestly!
 
I prefer Elixir strings for a couple of reasons.  1) Since there is no metal to metal contact, it seems to reduce fret/string noise/harshness of tone. 2) They seem to be easier on my fingers as well as frets.  3) I usually get about twice the wear out of a set versus non-Elixir stings.
 
I play Blues mostly & have been playing Alembics since '85...I don't play with excessive attack.  
 
If I've misconstrued your post, please accept my apologies...but your response seemed to indicate that you didn't read my whole post and came across somewhat condescending.

[pas]

HiFi - Thanks for your response.  I find Alembic & Roto strings comparable...the Rotos being a tad brighter, due to the eliptical final wrap on the Alembics, as I understand it.  I seem to get about the same duration of use out of both.  
 
If I'm unable to locate coated strings like Elixir that someone has positive feedback on, I'll give them a shot.  At $14, I could get 4 sets of them for less than the cost of 1 set of Alembics.  I'm not cheap, but if I'm paying 4 times the price, I want 4 times the tone & longevity.
 
(Message edited by PAS on May 02, 2012)

[tubeperson]

PAS, I did not see the part about juststrings not carrying the Alembic brand anymore.  The rest was meant to be a joke, since so many bass player actually use grease and pork fat (i.e. Bosco Mann)to condition their strings.  So I did not mean to be condescending, perhaps your sensitive side took over, and unless someone provokes me I am a lover not a fighter (remember F Troop and the Hickowie Indians?).  So seriously back at you double!!!!! No apology needed, you are a major positive contributor to this forum, and let's just share a laugh and some grease.  And no, no one forced me to write this for all of you cynics out there!

[pas]

Tube,
 
No problem...    
 
When it comes to human interaction, particularly on-line, I'm sometimes like Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory...it just escapes me...

[hifiguy]

I remember reading a story in Bass Player years ago about a bassist who covered his flatwounds in margarine for a year (!) before putting them on a bass.  One of the Philly Sound guys, IIRC.  Weird but true!

[tubeperson]

Hey all in the quest for The Sound.  Call me your Tubiness, or as my wife and son call me Your Tubbyness!  Of course my Alembics get much more attention from me than the wife, after 20 years .....  Besides, many of my instruments have more seniority than she does.  Heh, Heh Heh.  BTW awesome playing escapes me.  Wanna trade?

[tubeperson]

As Homer Simpson would say, Grease.

[fmm]

Planet Bass carries Alembic strings.
CX3 45S for $27.00
 
http://www.planetbassonline.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PBOS&Category_Code=STR_ALE

[pas]

Your Almighty Tubiness,
 
Awesome playing escapes me too...but not my appreciation for it.  On occasion, when walking on the dark side, I sometimes feel like Salieri in the movie Amadeus.

[pas]

FMM,
 
Thanks for the heads up!

[tubeperson]

Ah yes the nipples of Venus.  Not that I mind any other ones.  And let's give a shout out to FMM for the planetbassonline link.  Now that is awesome!  Cleans sound for less, add your own grease, margarine, butter, parkay whatever.