| Author | Message | ||
| ojo
New Username: ojo Post Number: 4 Registered: 3-2008 |
I was fortunate enough to find, and purchase, a used Epic locally. About a week after buying it, I brought it to the shop for a look-see and a pro setup. As part of the setup, I had the shop put a set of TI Superalloys on the bass. Out of the shop, the bass sounded very bright, and somewhat metallic. I figured I just needed to break in the strings. It's been about a month and the bass has calmed down a bit, but is still very bright and "zingy." The treble/bass controls DO help a bit, but doesn't provide as much usable variety as I would like. I generally favor the neck pup, add a little bass and roll off the treble a bit. I liked the tonal variety I had before replacing the strings, and am interested in suggestions that anyone may have. FWIW, I'm playing through an Ampeg b2r head into a 15" speaker. Thanks all, Joe | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1348 Registered: 11-2003 |
There's as many string preferences as there are strings. I've had good luck with Dean Markley Nickel Steels, .45 - .105. Elixer nanos are great also but a lot more money. How do you like the Ampeg? I've been considering a b2r. I have a Hartke HA4000 and I'm thinking of something with about half as many knobs to fiddle with. Sam | ||
| ojo
New Username: ojo Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2008 |
I love the tone of the b2, it's just soooo smooth. I like it so much that this is the second b2 I've owned. I had the 15" combo that I loved, but sold it because it was too bulky. I ended up with the b2r (just the head) with the hopes that I would feel less encumbered when transporting it. I've read that it can be a bit underpowered, and I think that may be true if you have a loud group. Before we went in-ear monitoring, I remember having to turn up both the gain and master halfway just to compete. I haven't used the Hartke, but I've heard good things about it. Good luck and thanks for the suggestions. | ||
| lembic76450
Intermediate Member Username: lembic76450 Post Number: 125 Registered: 5-2002 |
Joe, I put a new set of Alembics on my Epic and while I love Alembics on my Series and Essence, I really didn't like them on the Epic. I had also tried a set of D'Addario Chromes on my Series and didn't care for that sound either. I swapped the flats to the Epic and Wow... very big and very fat. I may never go back to rounds on the Epic, love the rounds on the Series. To me the Epic has found it's voice. | ||
| richbass939
Senior Member Username: richbass939 Post Number: 925 Registered: 11-2004 |
I've done a lot of experimenting with strings on my Epics 4 and 5. Right now I have Elixer Nanos on the 5. The 4 has a set of D'Addario half rounds on it. I like both of them. As Sam said the Elixers are expensive but they have kept a good tone for a looooooong time. Rich | ||
| ojo
New Username: ojo Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2008 |
Hmmmm, good suggestions guys. Thanks for the input. I have had elixers on my acoustic guitar, but never thought about them for bass. Two mentions for them, one for half wounds, and one for flats . . . Looks like I've got some options for experimenting. Thanks again! Joe | ||
| jbybj
Intermediate Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 157 Registered: 6-2006 |
Elixers are coated aren't they? I have been using another coated string called Clear tone. After about 8 months they still sound fabulous. | ||
| ojo
New Username: ojo Post Number: 7 Registered: 3-2008 |
Yup, Elixers have a coating on them. I've not heard of Clear Tone, but will look them up. Thanks man. | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 134 Registered: 8-2005 |
I have tried a lot of different strings over the past 30 years. I started using Curt Mangan strings a few years ago and love them. They have great tone, last as long as anything else I have used and the price is very reasonable. You can get them at many stores or direct from Curt Mangan. |
