| Author | Message | ||
| alembickoa
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 98 Registered: 5-2002 |
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 | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10851 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well, I use Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Rounds JR346; they are very light, and they are not inexpensive. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1459 Registered: 3-2004 |
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. | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1387 Registered: 12-2004 |
I use a weird combo: Thomastik Jazz Flats on BEA and Jazz Rounds on DGC. Bradley | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10853 Registered: 5-2002 |
Very interesting Bradley. If you care to, I would like to hear more about your use of that combination. | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1243 Registered: 5-2002 |
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
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 99 Registered: 5-2002 |
Noticing a tendency toward lighter gauges. Interesting... | ||
| darkstar01
Senior Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 438 Registered: 6-2005 |
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
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 100 Registered: 5-2002 |
What gauges? | ||
| darkstar01
Senior Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 439 Registered: 6-2005 |
.127-.027 | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 1388 Registered: 12-2004 |
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
Advanced Member Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 225 Registered: 8-2002 |
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. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10857 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bradley; makes sense to me. | ||
| alembickoa
Intermediate Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 101 Registered: 5-2002 |
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^) | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 10860 Registered: 5-2002 |
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. | ||
| alembickoa
Intermediate Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 105 Registered: 5-2002 |
You are right, of course, Dave. I did consider that immediately. And I really won't send you a bill...I think B-) I did use the Jazz Rounds before and loved them. It isn't too much of a stretch. I was thinking from a physicality point of view, having never had a sixer. In practicing, it was quickly realized that there is a whole lot of real estate and when dabbling in the upper registers, the larger strings seen akward. Just wondering if anyone else has found that. | ||
| alembickoa
Intermediate Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 106 Registered: 5-2002 |
Very nice, Mr. Dave. Much enjoyed the vid and your playing. So...I went to my music store and that string set you recommended is on back order and will not be available until mid-October. I can get them other places, but not at the price I can get them through my music store. Looks like I am going experimental. More research is in order. Many thanks for all the help, folks!!! | ||
| cookie
Junior Username: cookie Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2012 |
I like using 45/65/85/105/ on four strings and 125 on five for low B. I like Alembic strings but they are impossible to get (hint!!!). On fretless basses DR flatwounds and a combination of Alembic and Fodera strings on specific instruments. |
