| Author | Message | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 3 Registered: 1-2008 |
I just bought a 96 Spoiler and one thing I have noticed is that there is considerably more string tension than I am used to (even though the Spoiler is medium scale). When I first got it, it was set-up as a piccolo and the strings felt like rebar!!! I have done a complete set-up with standard tuning and light gauge (95s) strings but it's still pretty stiff. This is my first neck-through bass; therefore, I'm wondering if that is just the "nature of the beast"? It sounds like nothing I have ever heard, so I can learn to live w/it. But if anybody knows any tricks.... | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2868 Registered: 7-2004 |
Mike: I'm not a bass guy, and I'm sure there will be a bunch of 'em chiming in soon, but one answer may be the brand of strings you are using. Apparently different brands tune up with different tensions. Congrats on your new Alembic. Enjoy! Bill, the guitar one | ||
| funkyjazzjunky
Junior Username: funkyjazzjunky Post Number: 36 Registered: 5-2007 |
Have you tried DR HighBeams? | ||
| lowlife
Advanced Member Username: lowlife Post Number: 303 Registered: 12-2003 |
At one point I owned an '85 Spoiler and as soon as I switched to DR High Beams my "tight-string" problems disappeared. I continue to use them on both of my Excels; great sound, lasts forever. Ellery (Lowlife) | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 308 Registered: 8-2005 |
Try ELITE Stadium 35,55,75,95 or STATUS Hot Wires I use both. I like some tension, but like to bend at least 2 semi tones, and both these sets give me just what I want. G | ||
| alembickoa
Member Username: alembickoa Post Number: 52 Registered: 5-2002 |
Might check the adjustment on the nut height if the Spoiler has that option...don't remember if mine did or not. | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2008 |
I hadn't considered trying a different brand of strings(I've always used RotoSounds). I'll give that a shot. Many thanks for the quick feedback. | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1757 Registered: 6-2002 |
Apart from the tension issues with different makes of string, I second alembickoa's suggestion about checking the nut height. Any 96 Alembic should have an adjustable nut. If it was previously used as a tenor bass, those thinner strings would sit lower in the slots, so they may well have raised the nut. Check the FAQ section here for Joey's famous post about setup. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 731 Registered: 6-2002 |
I find increased string tension quite desirable. I don't have to play close to the bridge in order to play fast. The strings have a more piano like ring (especially the low E & B). But I agree that if you wish to lower string tension, you may want to switch to lighter gauge strings. I like La Bella strings for this. I have them on my 36" scale Alembics and they feel very supple and sweet sounding. Rami | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 732 Registered: 6-2002 |
Just another point; string tension is also determined by factors of the instrument's construction such as neck angle, headstock angle, the distance between the tuning pegs and the nut as well as the distance between the bidge and tailpiece. Something I really love about Alembics is that even their short scale models have high string tension for that crisp, ringing and sustaining tone. With that said, light gauge strings will help lower the tension a bit - check out those La Bellas. But the Bass itself has an inherent design favoring high string tension that you cannot change. Rami | ||
| 81distillate
Junior Username: 81distillate Post Number: 17 Registered: 1-2008 |
I felt the same way about my 81 Distillate that I just got last month. Continue to work on your neck adjustments and bridge height. After about a month, I have my 27 year old neck just right and I have an enjoyable string tension. My neck is .05 mm with 1st and 24 fret pushed down and measured at the 9th fret. My bridge is at 3/64 measured from top of 12th fret to bottom of E and G strings. Im using the DAddario Pro Steels with 40, 55, 75, 95, which is a custom set that I make out of a 180 set with an added .040 from DAddario. This set equals tension across the neck and strings. Hope this helps. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 744 Registered: 6-2002 |
Also remember that Alembics are preset for the lowest possible string height. The best you can achieve without fret buzzing is usually the factory setting. Trying to decrease string tension by lowering the bridge and nut further can present a new series of problems. Setting up a Bass is for string height and intonation. String tension is something you can only change with the strings themselves. Otherwise, you're looking at changing something in the design of the Bass itself. Until the mid 1990's, American Fenders had the strings anchored to the bridge. At that point they introduced the American series with the strings passing through the body. This made a significant change (I believe for the better) in string tension. I like the definition, sustain, and piano-like ringing of the tone. If you wish to lower the tension, you can choose to pass the strings through the bridge. You don't have that option with an Alembic. Other than using lighter gauge strings, there's really nothing more you can do. I don't think anyone is going to relocate the Alembic tailpiece and drill holes into the top wood to lower string tension. | ||
| hieronymous
Advanced Member Username: hieronymous Post Number: 252 Registered: 1-2005 |
There's more to the formula for lower string tension than just lighter gauge strings. For instance, DR says that their Hi Beams are lower tension than the Lo Riders, even if they are the same gauge. TI Jazz Flats are much lower tension than most comparable flatwounds (think Rotosound or Fender), due to diffferent string construction. And black nylon tapewounds like the Rotosound TruBass look really thick gauge-wise, but they are really rubbery and loose. I say give the DR Hi Beams a try. | ||
| 81distillate
Junior Username: 81distillate Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2008 |
DAddario displays tension on their boxes. The set I mentioned earlier is a set I make up that gives even tension across the fingerboard and neck. My Alembic plays and feels like a guitar now, with little buzz if I dig in, which I like. | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 378 Registered: 8-2005 |
I'm thinking of changing to D'Addario as we speak, and fortunately saw this post. I'm currently using Elites and Status hot wires Would the D'Addarios be significantly different in tension?? I like the tensions that are on both basses now, but am scared to change--especially if the tension increased. I like SOFT strings, as I play a sort of "Typewriter" technique | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 381 Registered: 8-2005 |
Just a quick add on here Would anyone reccomend that I DO NOT but a set of D'Addario Pro Steel 180's (my prefered gauge)--35, 55, 75, 95 I use dto use them years ago, and I loved them-much better than the usual run of the mill that was on the market | ||
| white_cloud
Advanced Member Username: white_cloud Post Number: 273 Registered: 11-2007 |
George, Im seriously thinking of d'addario 40 - 100's. Ive never used them before but my local store is trying to do me a deal on some! I think I will go for it, ive been using rotosounds forever. John. | ||
| mike1762
New Username: mike1762 Post Number: 5 Registered: 1-2008 |
I appreciate all the feedback. After continuing to work with the truss rods, nut, and bridge my bass is now much more playable (or did I just get used to it?). The truss rod took a while to settle in. As I mentioned on my original post the bass was set-up as a piccolo when I got it; therefore, the neck had a ton of back-bend with regular strings. BTW, I noticed with my MM Stingray that PU height can significantly affect the "ease of play". The magnetic poles on MM PUs are fairly large, I guess the stronger magnetic field allows you to gets the string moving with less effort. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 748 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey Mike, Loosening the truss rod will lower string tension, but raise the string height. You can then lower the bridge as well which will also reduce the string tension. Then simply adjust the intonation and you should be good to go. I don't think the magnetic field of the pickups play any significant role in the tautness of the strings - but some more experienced players may disagree. | ||
| 81distillate
Junior Username: 81distillate Post Number: 19 Registered: 1-2008 |
I dont really think the pickup height has anything to do with it. I believe its all in the action and setup. Mostly in the neck and truss rod, and bridge height. The strings might play a small role and the thinner the string does seem to work better. Logically, you would think the thicker strings would feel looser. DAddarios are great and I highly recommend them. But I really recommend trying the 180 set, its seems this set was made for Alembics which have the lowest action Ive ever played. My bass plays like a guitar now, and not buzzy either, each note is even and true with a light to med. light technique. Think Entwhistle. | ||
| 81distillate
Junior Username: 81distillate Post Number: 20 Registered: 1-2008 |
Although I think the original posters bass is in good shape now, here is a note to anyone else that might want to adjust their bass. I just took my Distillate apart and completely removed the truss rod nuts. I put a small dab of GHS Graphital ( Which can be bought at Guitar Center) on the rods, then reinstalled the nuts, until finger tight. Then, I adjust both of them equally 1/2 turn. Then I put the strings back on and now the neck is straight and the action is even better than I had it before, with even less buzz with really low action. I measured 3/64 under the E and G strings at the 12th fret and 2/32 at the end of the board at the 24th. With a capo between the nut and first fret and with my finger down where the neck meets the body, I measured .05mm distance at the 8th fret from the bottom of the E string. Now, this action is pretty low, so some of you may not like it and with strong play, it will buzz, but with a med. light touch its clean and only buzzes when you dig in, which I like. Hope this helps and remember, only you can truly adjust your action to its best playability for yourself. |
