| Author | Message | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1489 Registered: 2-2011 |
I have always used .130 B strings on my Schecter, but I was looking at strings for my Europa today online & saw several sets with a .125 B. Have any of you used a .125 & how does it compare to a .130? Is it more prone to buzzing with less tension? Is it cleaner sounding being smaller? | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Intermediate Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 166 Registered: 6-2014 |
IME, depends on the string type, and scale length Rusty. I use TI Jazz Flats on my Persuader 5, which has a 32" scale, and my Turner 5-strings with 35" scales. The B string in this particular set is a .136, but they are much lower tension. Even so, it doesn't make enough difference that I have to make a mental adjustment to left hand. I have used various brands with .125's & .130's roundwound in equal portions, but couldn't tell much difference with them either. (Yes - I'm a great big wuss that likes floppy, low-tension strings!) Theoretically, using the same type of string, on the same scale length, tuned to the same pitch, the larger diameter string would be under more tension. Using that as a template for a given tension that's comfortable to you, go up a gauge for shorter scales, down a gauge for longer. | ||
| stout71
Advanced Member Username: stout71 Post Number: 241 Registered: 7-2011 |
In my experience, the core diameter (mass) seems to make more difference to me than the scale does. I've used .130s on pretty much everything I play and never noticed a bit of difference between a 34" and 35" scale, and I've played both. However, I generally pluck way back near the bridge pickup just to avoid any possible buzz because the string doesn't have as much play in it down there. I'm in love with Rotosound PSD's but they only come in one gauge. That's just my experience, though. I'm sure a lot of folks will weigh in on this with many, many different viewpoints. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1490 Registered: 2-2011 |
My Schecter is a 35" & Europa is a 34" & I can tell a slight difference in the tension on the B strings. On both basses the B is not as clean sounding as the rest of the strings, so I thought maybe going with a smaller gauge might make it a little cleaner. By "clean," I'm talking about tone & sustain. I also play close to the bridge because I play fairly hard. | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 2136 Registered: 2-2005 |
On my 34" scale fiver I prefer the .130. My first set of strings had a .125 which seemed too loose so I bought a single .130 and liked the way it tightened up the feel and tone. Since then I have bought sets with a .130 B string. Keith | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2304 Registered: 9-2002 |
The 'floppy' B-string is one of those things you just have to get used to. From brand to brand, and style of string within each band, it may take a while to find what you want to hear along with what feels right. String making is a black art if there ever was one. I recently ran across this in the D'Addario website: http://www.stringtensionpro.com/ . . . . wherein D'Ad lets you plug in or substitute various string gauges inside their various sets, and like GHS, they make a LOT of different formulas. Of course, this strictly applies to D'Addarios, but it's still generally instructional to strings overall. The XL Nickels are one of my default string sets (I'm running their Medium XL's on the Elan now, 50-135, I like big G's and D's) along with Boomers. Alembic's standard 128's or a 125 feels a little small to me, though it may feel a bit tighter. According to the D'Ad app all I need to do is run a 145 or 150 (!) to get the B to the same tension as the E. Probably not . . . . . I just decided early on that this is the way fives feel, and I've rarely thought about it since. I never felt compelled to go to a 35 or 36-inch scale, because I can't hear a big difference, Alembics are big enough already, and I felt like it would cut down on my choices string-wise. Over time, I've tried just about every string out there, don't hear big differences, and they'll all go dead PDQ, so XL's and Boomers for me, depending what's on sale when it's time to buy. Joey | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1897 Registered: 5-2002 |
My experience is that the higher the gauge of B string, the less it vibrates like a string and the more it vibrates like a bar, with the overtones out of tune with the fundamental, and sometimes intonating the string at all is a problem. I think the lighter gauge has a truer sound. I use a .120 B string. Floppiness has never been a problem. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1495 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks for the link Joey! I have D Addario Pro Steels on my Europa now. 45-130. I didn't know they offered the 43-127 set, so I may try those. Edwin, you confirmed what I have been thinking, that a smaller B would resonate better & sound cleaner. I can adjust my plucking on the B to account for a looser string if it sounds better. I'm more concerned about the way it sounds over how it feels. There aren't that many notes I play on the B, but when I do play them I want them to ring out as much as the other strings. Thanks for the replies everyone! | ||
| smokin_dave
Advanced Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 400 Registered: 10-2002 |
I had been hearing a lot of talk about Kalium Circle K strings and took a chance and bought a set. I'm glad I did.The low B is what I've been looking for.It is a balanced set.Great tension and feel for all of the strings but the low B 130 is one of if not the best B strings I have played or heard. I took Joeys advice on the Boomers and I really liked them (a good solid low B) but the Kalium's are a step above them and I think I finally have found a manufacturer I can stick with. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1498 Registered: 2-2011 |
Dave, were did you get your Kalium strings & what are the gauges? | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 402 Registered: 10-2002 |
You can order whatever gauge you would like.They are a small but upcoming company out of Washington St. http://circlekstrings.com/store/ The balanced 5 set I ordered are .130 .098 .073 .055 .039 As I wrote before you can order any gauge you would like to fill your needs from balanced to traditional or custom order whatever you would like and gauge you need. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2305 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dave, that is VERY interesting. Since their design features some taper at the ball end, do they clear the traditional Alembic bridge / tailpiece spacing (in other words, are they full diameter by the time they pass over the bridge saddles)? I've had experience with the 'not normal' gauges with the Thomastiks, but do the things they're claiming really turn out in the real world, since you've already been playing them? Joey (Message edited by bigredbass on January 11, 2015) | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 403 Registered: 10-2002 |
That was a concern I had Joey but when I strung em'up they did cross the saddles at full diameter.At least on mine and I would assume that the length between the bridge and tail piece would be the same on most Alembics made. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 1551 Registered: 3-2004 |
I'm a fan of these for my 34 and above scale basses. Jeff Berlin is also a user. http://www.drstrings.com/#!ddt-bass/c1ket | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1499 Registered: 2-2011 |
Dave, I'm a little confused by the gauges, they have a .045-.010 5 string set, that would not work on a bass, but it is supposed to be a 5 string bass set. Could I get a .125 or .130-.045 set, or are the set gauges predetermined? | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 1898 Registered: 5-2002 |
The website is a bit confusing, but they have ranges of 5 string from the set you listed all the way to sets that have a .200 or bigger B string. Poke around, and use the lower left menu selections to navigate. Maybe I'm weird, but it seems like they advocate heavier lower strings and lighter higher strings, but I'd like the opposite. Light gauge high strings lose the heft that makes it feel and sound like a bass to me. | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 404 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hey Rusty.If you look at the bottom of the left column on the circle K web site you will see a length,tension and string count selector box or you can put a set together by ordering single strings in whatever you would prefer. Trust me.I understand your confusion as it took me a little bit to figure out the selection choice and how to find exactly what I wanted. | ||
| growlypants
Intermediate Member Username: growlypants Post Number: 114 Registered: 3-2011 |
I very recently switched from Alembic CX-3 on my MK-5, to D'Addario XL Half-Rounds, in an attempt to reduce string noise. (I find the Alembics to be screamingly bright!) My initial impression is that the B and E strings seem dull sounding, but the others are good. On their "Tone and Feel Spectrum Chart", the Half-Rounds are in the middle - warm, as opposed to bright sounding. We'll see how things settle in. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1506 Registered: 2-2011 |
OK, I tried a .125 DR Marcus Miller (because that was the only set GC had with a .125) my theory, which Edwin confirmed was right, the smaller B sounded much better as far as tone & resonance, but it was horrible on the buzz factor. I tried giving it more relief & even raising the action from a .07 to a .1, & it still buzzed! So I put the .130 back on & ordered a .124 & .130 Circle K string & will see how they do. I just don't understand why I can get really low action on the E string with no buzz at all & the B which is 1/2" away buzzes. I know the bigger the string, the more elliptical vibration it will have, but my Schecter doesn't buzz on the B & I have played other 5 string basses that had good action on the B & didn't buzz. Do you think it would help to raise the nut so that when I fret a note it would have more tension? I don't think it's a high fret problem, it buzzes on all of them, & the buzz seems to be coming from the next fret in front of the note I'm playing, so if I'm fretting a D on the 3rd fret, it buzzes on the 4th fret, ect. Edwin, you are not weird, I also don't like very light high strings & also prefer smaller low strings. I like a full punchy sound on all the strings so it sounds like a bass, not a guitar. I absolutely love this bass! As a 4 string it is the best bass I have ever played, so if I can tame the B & get it to sound & play consistent with the other 4 strings, I will be in bass Heaven! | ||
| hieronymous
Senior Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 1446 Registered: 1-2005 |
I don't mean to just jump in here, but was the string buzz with full band or unamplified? (or something else) I remember getting my '76 Rickenbacker 4001 set-up by a luthier and playing it in the shop when it was ready - I said something about the string buzz that I was hearing and he said something to the effect of "if you want me to set it up with no buzz then I can but this shouldn't be a problem with a group." I ended up using it in the studio and there was a little bit of buzz but there was also a crazy setup issue that will have to wait for another time... And of course an Alembic is different, it depends a lot on how you have the filter set. I've been running my Stanley with the filter set pretty low so a little bit of string buzz (on all the strings) is not really an issue for me. I think the buzz potentially adds character. Of course IMO - YMMV - take that with a grain of salt! | ||
| rjmsteel
Advanced Member Username: rjmsteel Post Number: 237 Registered: 7-2008 |
Circle K is run by Skip Fantry of Knuckle Guitar Works, a bass builder who produces the Quake bass with a scale length of 39.5"!!! Below is from his website and the reasoning behind the balanced string set. The 39.55 inch scale length is the equivalent of a 5/8 upright bass, and is designed to play a natural whole step beneath a 35 inch scale instrument. Traditional tunings benefit from the longer scale length by being able to use a thinner string to reach traditional frequencies. Their is more information regarding Skips reasoning for the Circle K balanced string set under the Ephemera link on the KGW (web) page. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1516 Registered: 2-2011 |
Harry, the buzz did come through the amp, but I have been tweaking the truss rod & think I finally lined it out. I played Friday night & did not hear the buzz with the band at all. It still doesn't resonate as well as the E, but that could be a string brand issue. I ordered 2 Circle K B's, a .124 & .130, but they haven't come in yet. For those who have bought Circle K's, how long does it take them to deliver? It's been 10 days since I placed my order & I got the order confirmation email, but no shipping confirmation email. I ran stereo at my gig Friday & it sounded AMAZING! I finally got the sound I have had in my head since I first commissioned the build! | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 408 Registered: 10-2002 |
Apparently since the Circle K guys are at NAMM they won't be shipping anything from 1/19 through 1/26 according to the facebook entry. Try this email address (orders@kaliumstrings.com} to see when they will resume shipping. (Message edited by smokin dave on January 25, 2015) | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1523 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thanks for the info Dave! | ||
| alcaps
New Username: alcaps Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2015 |
Hey guys I am the new guy on the block, but has any one tried the Marcus Miller "Fat Beams" stainless steels with a .120 B string! I string my Mark King Model and both my Celinder 4&5 string basses with them, the 5 being a 35" scale. The strings are well balanced across the board and the B string sounds like part of the bass! Very little if any B flop on both scales, with superb tone and growly sizzle. You may want to check them out. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1526 Registered: 2-2011 |
Hey Allen, welcome to the Club! I tried the Marcus Miller Fat Beams with a .125 B, & I could not get the fret buzz out of the B even when raising my action to twice the height it was set for on the .130. I loved the resonance of the .125, but could not get around the buzz. They may work on a 35' scale, but they did not work on my 34. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1530 Registered: 2-2011 |
Dave, I finally got my Circle K B strings in & you are right, I LOVE them! I put the .124 B on & it resonates just as good as the E with only a hint of buzz on the 1st couple of frets. I loosened the truss to compensate for the reduced tension of the smaller gage string, so hopefully that will eliminate any buzz. I haven't tried the .130 yet, but I'm sure it would not buzz at all. I will try it tomorrow & decide if I want the traditional .130 or the smaller .124, then order a complete set so they all sound the same. The Circle K's are slightly brighter than the D Addario's I have on the other strings. Thank you SO MUCH for suggesting these! I knew the B issue couldn't have been my bass, so now everything is perfect & I can really start enjoying the bass! | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 410 Registered: 10-2002 |
Outstanding Rusty.I really enjoy a proper sounding feeling low B and these Kalium's fit the bill for me at least.You may have to do some minor intonation adjustments but no big deal.They are good people to work with and I'm glad I took a chance on the strings they produce. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4394 Registered: 6-2002 |
Glad you are making some headway in resolving the low B situation Rusty. I think all my 5's have a .130 on the B string at the moment and they all ring nicely. I did try some .125 sets a few years back when I had my first Alembic 5 stringer but found them a bit too floppy so for me I'll stick with .130 for now. But If I ever get some sensible priced alembic strings here I'll go for those. I think they have a .128 on the bottom. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1531 Registered: 2-2011 |
I tried the Circle K .130 today & while it sounded much better than any of the other .130's I have tried, it didn't have the clarity that the .124 had, so I went back to it. It resonates as long or even longer than the E & A strings! Now I will order a complete set of Circle K's so I have a matched set. I'm going to experiment with a couple of gages on the G, trying a .47 & .49 to get a little more fullness from the G. Hopefully they will fit the nut & saddle slots. | ||
| sonofa_lembic
Junior Username: sonofa_lembic Post Number: 44 Registered: 5-2014 |
If you are looking for low B clarity that is no less than piano like and clear as a bell, try a .125 D'Addario Prosteel. The added trick is once you have the string stretched and it is holding tune, push down on the string on both sides of the bridge saddle as well as the nut. If you create that kink in the core at the bridge and the nut, you will find the string resonates much better as well as becoming crystal clear. This trick and string choice can change a muddy sounding bass into a super clear sounding instrument. | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2325 Registered: 9-2002 |
So Rusty, just to be sure: The tapered section of the string does NOT reach to the bridge saddle(s)? Joey | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1547 Registered: 2-2011 |
Joey, the B string taper barely clears the saddle, but it does. The E taper clears easily.   | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1548 Registered: 2-2011 |
Trevor, where did you get the D Addario .125 Pro Steel? The only one I can find is in a set with a .40 G & that is too small. I actually ordered a .47 & .49 Circle K because I wanted a fatter sounding G, but they won't fit in my saddle & nut slot. Once again I was blown away with the precision craftsmanship at Alembic! A .45 fits perfect in the slots, but a .47 is too big! That is some close tolerances! | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 2327 Registered: 9-2002 |
Thanks, Rusty. Boy am I glad they don't use those colored ball-ends: I can certainly make some dumbo mistakes, but I haven't gotten my G and B mixed up in a long time . . . . Joey | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1550 Registered: 2-2011 |
You're welcome Joey. Yeah, I never got the need to color code the string balls either. Circle K's come hanging on a card with the string gage hand written next to the ball on each string. They don't roll the strings up into a tight circle like every other string manufacturer, they are packaged straight hanging on the card inside a plastic sleeve, then they roll them into about a 10-12" circle to fit them into a mailer envelope. | ||
| japhy4529
New Username: japhy4529 Post Number: 1 Registered: 6-2015 |
I recently acquired a 1995 Alembic Elan 5. See here for pics and specs: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/1995-alembic-elan-5-string-reduced-2800-00.1144528/ So here is my conundrum: this bass sounds REALLY good EXCEPT for the B string. It just sounds dully and wooly with not a lot of low end. I have D'addario strings on her right now, but I'm looking for other options. I've considered going right to the source and buying Alembic strings, but I want something that will really make the B string come alive. I've noticed with my Spector Euro 5LX (w/ upgraded electronics) and Modulus Quantum 5 that the B strings are thunderous and extremely well-defined. Not so with my Elan. I love the bass otherwise, so any advise you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tom | ||
| japhy4529
New Username: japhy4529 Post Number: 2 Registered: 6-2015 |
I recently acquired a 1995 Alembic Elan 5. See here for pics and specs: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/1995-alembic-elan-5-string-reduced-2800-00.1144528/ So here is my conundrum: this bass sounds REALLY good EXCEPT for the B string. It just sounds dully and wooly with not a lot of low end. I have D'addario strings on her right now, but I'm looking for other options. I've considered going right to the source and buying Alembic strings, but I want something that will really make the B string come alive. I've noticed with my Spector Euro 5LX (w/ upgraded electronics) and Modulus Quantum 5 that the B strings are thunderous and extremely well-defined. Not so with my Elan. I love the bass otherwise, so any advise you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tom | ||
| edwin
Senior Member Username: edwin Post Number: 2078 Registered: 5-2002 |
Sweet bass! I've had good luck with the DR Sunbeam B strings. In my search for strings, I found them to be some of the most consistent across all the strings. D'Addario strings felt to me like a E-G set with an add on B that feels really different. Also, make sure that the gauge isn't such that it's getting damped by the bridge saddles or the nut. I have a Ken Smith set on my Modulus Q 6 where that's definitely the case, making the B string dead sounding and feeling. | ||
| sonofa_lembic
Member Username: sonofa_lembic Post Number: 80 Registered: 5-2014 |
I get my individual Prosteels from Bass Strings Online. The owner Jason is the coolest dude you could ever hope to meet, and he gets whatever you want from D'Addario within a couple of days if he does not already have it in stock. He even ordered me 38" long E strings for my Spyder bass. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 8584 Registered: 6-2000 |
Tom, Since it's limited to one string, we've got to be looking for a physical cause rather than electronic. I'd certainly try a different string, a string that's good for one bass may be awful on another. With very clear electronics you can really hear when something is amiss with the string, and they don't all come out the factory the same as others have noted. For the best low end, do favor the bass (neck) pickup as a 1995 Elan will be predominantly Maple, and have a naturally bright voice to begin with. You can probably hear the difference compared to other basses you have before you even plug it in. Another thing is to check that the slots are good at the nut and the bridge saddle. See if there is vibration above the nut or below the saddle sapping energy away. Keep us posted on your progress! | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2738 Registered: 3-2004 |
I've used DR strings for years, mostly Fat Beams and SunBeams with a .125 B. I like the 100-80-60-40 set for the E-A-D-G, but the .120 is just too light and loose for a B. More recently, I've tried the Neons and Dragon Skins, but the fatter strings sound dead pretty quickly. I just received a set of Elixirs to review with a .135 B and I'm liking them. They don't feel that different from the DR .125 in thickness, so I wonder how accurate the gauges are between brands. They feel plenty tight and sound good, so I'm happy with them. They sent me a second set with a .130 B, and I'll give them a try when these start to die. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 2739 Registered: 3-2004 |
I'll add that I think a great solution would be to string with a .110 in the fat string slot and tune D-G-C-F-Bb if I could deal with it mentally. I rarely need a lower note than that D, and the strings would sound more even. I could use a capo at the second fret for tunes that are based on open strings in the standard tuning and it would by about like playing a 30.75" scale. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1706 Registered: 2-2011 |
Thomas, I had the same issue with my Europa when I got it & after trying many different brands, the Circle K (Kalium) strings solved the problem. The B is completely balanced with the other strings. You can start a run on the B string & there is no noticeable difference in tone when you move from the B to the E string. You can get them here - http://store.kaliumstrings.com/ Another thing to check is the set up on your bass. I've heard that if the tension on your truss rods is not correct it will effect resonance on the strings. So check your neck for bow & relief & make sure it is set up properly. Your bass is stunning! I love the sunburst!! | ||
| edwardofhuncote
Senior Member Username: edwardofhuncote Post Number: 484 Registered: 6-2014 |
Also, check that the B string hasn't got a half-twist in it... that can cause some strange sonic things too. | ||
| japhy4529
New Username: japhy4529 Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2015 |
Mica, Thank you for replying directly to my question. I've always heard that Alembic customer service is bar none, and I can see that rings true (even for 3rd or 4th owners!). You are absolutely correct that this bass has a much brighter tone than my other basses. I love a nice bright tone and that combined with the amazing Alembic electronics has made very happy. If I can't figure out the issues with the B string, I'll just use it as a thumb rest! Seriously though, I will look into your suggestions regarding favoring the neck pickup and checking the nut and bridge slots. Bsee, I've been thinking of trying Elixirs, so maybe I'll give them a shot. Thanks, Tom | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 4592 Registered: 6-2002 |
Tom i have a maple bodied europa and i can confirm there is no problem with the bottom end on the bass or from the b string in particular. Yes it has a bright crisp tone but i use mine almost exclusively for reggae and the bottom end is seriously good. | ||
| smokin_dave
Senior Member Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 421 Registered: 10-2002 |
As our good friend Joey posted a while back about GHS Boomers I tried the Boomers for the low B and they were pretty good.I thought I had finally found a decent B string until curiosity got ahold when I read about Kalium strings. I tried them out and now won't put anything else on my Rogue.I'm waiting on a stainless steel set to arrive right now and this will be my fifth set I've ordered from Kalium. Consistent quality every set and a great low B. Rusty I went back to using traditional instead of balanced Kaliums because I just couldn't get enough beef from those lighter gauges.As soon as I put on traditional gauges I was completely sold.I hope the steels thrill me as much as the hybrid's have. Problem I have now is that I have an unopened set of balanced I need to get rid of. | ||
| rustyg61
Senior Member Username: rustyg61 Post Number: 1707 Registered: 2-2011 |
Dave, I also use traditional gages, 45 - 130 or 125. The balanced gages would be too light for me. I actually tried a larger G string, but it wouldn't fit in the nut or bridge, even going from a 45 to a 47. That's some precision tolerances! |
