| Author | Message | ||
| James Patrick Lykens (bassment)
New Username: bassment Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hello all! I just bought my Alembic a little over a week ago now, a '78 Series 1. The strings that are on there have been there a while and are pretty dead. I have been thinking about Rotosound's. I am wondering if there are any other Alembic owners out there who use Rotosound's an their Alembic's and if they sound good. Excluding Stanley Clarke as an example, lol. | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Intermediate Member Username: rami Post Number: 164 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi James, I like Rotosounds.... I like the RS66 alot. My only problem with them is that they're a little too "Gritty" for my taste. They're brutal on frets, and forget about putting them on a fretless...you'll see the sawdust flying while you play! My personal favorite strings (after Alembic strings...of course!) are Dean Markley "Blue Steels" - (Nickel Plated steels). Great sound, long lasting, smooth to the touch and quiet. My 2 cents, Rami | ||
| Joey Wilson (bigredbass)
Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 84 Registered: 9-2002 |
Rami: Have you ever tried any of the DMarkley 'Will Lee' sets? I've got a chance to get some CHEEP and I was wondering if they were the same as the 'Blue Steels', or if you had any experience with them? I agree with you totally about the RotoSounds. J o e y | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Intermediate Member Username: rami Post Number: 165 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Joey, No, I never tried the "Will Lee" set. But if the "Blue Steels" quality is any indication, I'm sure they're great. I think their design is more around Will Lee's custom guage preferences. rather than the actual winding or material that the strings are made from. I personally prefer their nickel plated steels - light guage. | ||
| Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)
Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 98 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Guys, Don't mind if I chime in?!? Joey, I use the SR2000 pretty exclusively on just about all of my basses. They are pretty lively when it comes to sound but they can be a bit gritty at first. Not as gritty as Rotos but more so than the Blue Steels Nickels that you use Rami. Plus, the SR2000 have an exposed core on all the strings with the exception of the lighter strings (.045 and up). I've been a Dean Markley endorser for almsot ten years now so I've had a chance to try out quite a few of their strings. I do enjoy the SR2000s a lot. If you don't like the idea of an exposed core, their SuperRounds are the same as the SR2000s only without the exposed core. Just my 2 cents worth Peace, Dino | ||
| John Stefancik (jet_powers)
Junior Username: jet_powers Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2003 |
I agree with you all about the drawbacks to the Rotosounds. However, I have found I'm always disappointed with other strings and have used the Roto's exclusively for quite some time now. But that's just me... John | ||
| Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)
Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 100 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey John, I used Rotos for years but then I started to notice that every pack I was buying had at least one bad string in it. This was years ago though, I'm assuming that they've fixed the problem. Dino | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Intermediate Member Username: rami Post Number: 166 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi guys, As I mentioned earlier, I really do like Rotosounds - I grew up with them on all of my Jazz Basses for years - I even like their flats and 707 series. They have a really clear and powerful sound. I just don't like the way they squeak and chew up everything they come into contact with. More modern strings are smoother, quieter and as bright sounding as the old Rotosounds. If Stanley Clarke used them, I wonder how many refretting jobs he's had done on his poor Bass! | ||
| Joe Schwartz (the_schwartz)
Junior Username: the_schwartz Post Number: 25 Registered: 1-2003 |
I always used RS66s on my J Bass, but decided to try a set of DR Hi Beam lights on it after I bought my Elan 5. The Elan has Elixir Nanoweb (not to be confused with magnetic flux density unit Nanoweber) lights. I am spoiled by the smooth "horizontal" (sliding) feel of the Elixirs, though their tone is a little twangier than my ideal. I like the sound and "vertical" (pulling and bending) feel of the DRs, especially for slapping. Still, the Elan sounds much bigger and better than the J Bass :-) | ||
| Rami Sourour (rami)
Intermediate Member Username: rami Post Number: 167 Registered: 6-2002 |
Aaah that gorgeous Elan.... It's in a class by itself.... It shouldn't be mentioned in the same sentence as a Jazz Bass! Since I got my first Alembic, I never looked at Fender's the same way anymore. | ||
| Michael Delacerda (dela217)
Intermediate Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 112 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have not used Rotosounds for many years. Lately I have either been using DR Highbeams or Thomastic-Infeld Jazz Flats. They are the exact opposite of each other! I am sort of torn. I'll use the DR's and love them. Then I get tired of that sound and go to the Jazz Flats. Then back to the DR's. I am crazy about the way the Jazz Flats feel and that they are low tension. I like the DR's bottom end and they sort of have their own scooped out midrange built in to the string. The DR's are also a lower tension than some strings out there too. I think that the DR Highbeams are a perfect mate for 20th Anniversary electronics - Michael | ||
| Joe Schwartz (the_schwartz)
Junior Username: the_schwartz Post Number: 26 Registered: 1-2003 |
Rami, It's kind of like owning a Mercedes and a Chevy. I also look at Fenders differently now, especially since American-made ones are advertised like luxury items these days. Joe | ||
| James Patrick Lykens (bassment)
New Username: bassment Post Number: 6 Registered: 3-2003 |
Howdy! Its me again. This time I was wondering if you all prefer Stainless Steel or Nickel-Plated? Peace. | ||
| Joey Wilson (bigredbass)
Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 85 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dino: I DON'T prefer the exposed core, and I have come to prefer nickel to stainless. So, have YOU ever tried the Will Lees, or do you know which DM string they actually are? I always wondered this about RotoSounds: They always seemed to lose that 'new-string growl' REALLY fast. I always wondered if it was because they spent a month crossing the Atlantic, the salt air. . . I've been using the Thomastik Jazz/Wounds and really like the even tone and even feel. Does anybody but me remember the rumor that after Chris Squire and Geddy Lee put that Rick/RotoSound tone on the map, Rickenbacker had so many refrets under warranty that they brought out the 4003 strictly for round wound strings and they wouldn't honor refrets on 4001s? Or was that just a rumor? J o e y | ||
| Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)
Intermediate Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 101 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Joey, I should clarify!!! The Will Lees are actually SR2000s. They are his custom gauge set though, that's why they're referred to as the Will Lee set. They do say SR2000 "Will Lee" on the box, and they are the exposed core. So as you say you don't prefer exposed core, stay away from the Will Lee's. So sorry for the confusion!!!! Regarding your question about the Rotos, I do remember asking the same question about shelf life on them, I was told that by the time they are manufactured, packaged, shipped, received through customs here, distributed to the stores etc, it could be more than 6-7 months by the time you get them on your bass. I also remember hearing that the warranty on a 4001 is void if Roundwound strings are used on it, hence the reason for the 4003. I don't know if it came from Rick or not but I do remember hearing it in one of the stores at the time. | ||
| bigredbass
Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 88 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dino: Thanks for the heads up on the Will Lees. I think I'm gonna have to try the BlueSteel Nickels (. . . why aren't they BlueNickels . . . oh well) on Rami's recommendation, plus DM is now on my list if you are an endorser. I like the Thomastiks, but hate the high price. I'd like to try the ALEMBIC strings if they were ever on a $ale in 'This Month's Bundle'; I can't find 'em around here. J o e y | ||
| dean_m
Intermediate Member Username: dean_m Post Number: 102 Registered: 7-2002 |
Hey Joey, I really like the Alembics too. I thought they sounded great on my basses. Not too many stores stock them though. You can try http://www.juststrings.com. They're a mail order string company. Yeah I don't know why they don't call them Blue Nickels. Their regular nickels are pretty cool too, a little less money too. If you like flats though, their flatwounds are really dead sounding so I don't know how they compare to the Thomasticks. I've yet to try a set Thomasticks. I wasn't real impressed with the DM flats. Happy Stringing!!!! Dino | ||
| sstillwell
New Username: sstillwell Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2003 |
They are "Blue Steel" because they are supposedly dipped in liquid Nitrogen or something for a cryogenic treatment (blue = cold, I guess)...this is supposed to give them some special properties that make them better. Sounds like a lot of marketing BS to me, but I use 'em anyway. They sound and feel good to me, and seem to last a bit longer than most other strings I've used. I also like the Alembic Nickel strings (is that the CX series? can't remember). I always had problems finding the Alembics in the right gauges locally, though, and don't tend to store them...I buy 'em when I need 'em. Thus the Blue Steels. My $0.02 worth. | ||
| signillate
New Username: signillate Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2003 |
I used to use Rotosounds, but then they started breaking. I moved to GHS boomers and those broke as well. Dean Markley "blue steel" snapped faster than the forementioned. I don't remember this happening in my younger years so either string quality cheapened or I just became that much angrier as I aged. I finally settled on Ernie Ball because, oddly enough, they were harder to break than the rest. My first new Alembic ('85 Distillate) had Alembic strings on them and they were great. I don't know what my first used Alembic ('82 Spoiler) had. I do remember them lasting quite the while. However, retailers charge up the wazooo for Alembic strings and, because of the lack of ca$$$$h on my part, I've usually shyed away. CURSE my frugal ways. However, I do have a spanking brand new Alembic Distillate (with signature electronics) on the way and no doubt it will sport Alembic strings. I'm looking forward to this moment with a great enthusiasm. If the strings on the new "signillate" can survive the torture, I shall remain forever devoted. I was heading into the Elixer area but ..... SNAP ..... on an acoustic bass. I blame the heavy John Entwistle influence. Oh yeah, and the rest of that DANG BAND he was in. | ||
| jazzyvee
Junior Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 31 Registered: 6-2002 |
I have tried some Elites on my bass recently when one of the Alembic strings broke and they sounded weak. So I then bought a sets of rotosound pressurewound and one of the exposed core strings. But since they weren't short scale I couldn't use them on my bass. So I ordered some sets of Alembic strings on-line last Saturday from http://www.juststrings.com and they arrived today. Restring the bass and they sound great. I have no probs. btw the pressurewound Rotosounds sound great on my musicman Sterling but I don't like the way they feel under on my fingers. They seem abrasive and your fingers do not slide very well on them. | ||
| rami
Intermediate Member Username: rami Post Number: 170 Registered: 6-2002 |
That was my whole arguement about Rotosounds... They can sound great, but they're very abrasive. Sliding my fingers on them produces an annoying squeaky noise. They're also hard on the frets. I couldn't abuse my precious Alembics like that. | ||
| dannobasso
Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 51 Registered: 7-2002 |
I suppose we all go through phases with strings. In Jersey, no one carried Alembic strings. I tried them all at various times. I used to like GHS boomers. Then they would be out. I liked Fodera strings but they were pricey and the B's would always snap at the bridge on my Spoiler 6.But the guys in Brooklyn were always great and sent replacements. I try to buy a few sets at a time when GC or Ash has a sale with financing. Hey why not use their money for a change. I still have some D'Addario nickel round wounds, Fodera Diamonds stainless Smith Rockmasters stainless. Lucky that I do my own set ups! I lucked out and got a few sets of Alembics. But I'm waiting til the others go dead to change. I only have 8 Alembic basses 4,5,6,& 7, str. compared to Rami and the cost can get steep to keep that twang on all of em!( I use fast fret and a good rag to keep them clean, also reduces drag from finger schmootz!) | ||
| davehouck
Junior Username: davehouck Post Number: 49 Registered: 5-2002 |
Rami mentioned the "annoying squeaky noise". I've read lots of threads about strings and the strings issue of bassplayer a few years back; but I don't recall a discussion on the relation of string squeaks to type of string. How would changing from say round wounds to half rounds or nickel to steel, etc., change the squeaks Rami refers to? | ||
| rami
Intermediate Member Username: rami Post Number: 171 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hi Dave, I just find that Nickel plated steel strings work best for me. I get the brightness of the steels without the squeak, and with the smoother feel of Nickel. I only wish that SOMEONE made Nickel plated steels in 36" scale for my Rogue 6. | ||
| davehouck
Junior Username: davehouck Post Number: 50 Registered: 5-2002 |
Thanks Rami; I'll keep that in mind. | ||
| bigredbass
Intermediate Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 102 Registered: 9-2002 |
While we're at it about strings, a terrific CHEAP set of strings I've had good luck with were the D'Aquisto's. They're available in stainless or nickel in plain or tapered core versions, and generally sell around for around $20 most places. J o e y | ||
| alembic76407
Intermediate Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 122 Registered: 5-2002 |
I'll do you one better than that!!!! Brook-Mays Music sell bass strings for $3.00 a set , and when you change strings every 2 or 3 night or so they sound great and last, and I get 10 sets for the price of one of those $30.00 sets | ||
| jaurigemma
Junior Username: jaurigemma Post Number: 25 Registered: 3-2003 |
I hate to admit it, but I have used pretty much strictly Rotosounds since I got my Epic in 1995. Sure, the Alembic strings are also great, but hard to come by. I have also found that the Rotosounds have a distinctive "growl" that all the other strings I have tried do not. I have also used elixirs, d'addarios, DR's, GHS, ernie balls, etc. but always wind up going back to the rotosounds. I have never had a set break, unlike the D'Addarios. I used to pop my G in two every week (.45 gauge too!). I haven't had many problems with the rotosounds damaging the frets on the Epic, and there is also a set on my new Excel as well. I can say that the rotosounds are hard on your fingers if you haven't played for a while. I got a nice new blister/callous on my right middle finger to thank them for. Oh well, won't blister again! I currently have a set of GHS Bass Boomers on my Geddy Lee jazz bass (130-50 gauge), but don't really like them. Then again, I don't really like my Geddy anymore after picking up my Epic and new Excel......... I prefer stainless because I destroy nickel strings (sweat!) after about a week or two. | ||
| sricabla
Junior Username: sricabla Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2003 |
I've used Rotosounds for 20 years and there's always a tradeoff. It's how you use your hands man... Sure they're hard on your frets; but that tone you get from them...it's all worth it! But to each his own... Stanley's been using them forever and you can't argue with his tone. You can use it to your advantage if you got that finger action happening. | ||
| jet_powers
Junior Username: jet_powers Post Number: 27 Registered: 2-2003 |
Yesterday I went to procure a new set of strings for my Rogue 5 string. They didn't have my beloved Rotosounds in medium gauge so I picked up a set of DR Tapered's. I haven't re-strung the bass yet and am curious how they will sound. Other than Dino's passing mention of them in this thread, nobody really remarked on these. Like jaurigemma, I always find my way back to the Roto's, so this is definately a departure for me. I didn't want to bring it up but as sricabla said, "It's how you use your hands man." It took me a while but I learned that picking my fingers up off the string eliminates that squeeking. It's a good thing that we all like something different or there would always be a long line at the door.... | ||
| s_wood
Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 53 Registered: 5-2002 |
Funny you should mention the DR's...I have been using Hi-Beams on my Series basses for awhile. I like them. Recently, I tried a set of DR "Marcus Miller" Fat-Beams, and I really love them. They are slightly less bright than the regular Hi-Beams, and a little warmer sounding, too. They really seem to match up weel with my Series electronics, which sure don't need help from a string to sound bright  . As compared to Rotosounds, Hi-Beams and Fat Beams last A LOT longer...they sound almost new for a month at least. I really like Alembic CX strings, but they just don't hold their good tone as long as the DR's. YMMV, of course. | ||
| s_wood
Member Username: s_wood Post Number: 54 Registered: 5-2002 |
Funny you should mention the DR's...I have been using Hi-Beams on my Series basses for awhile. I like them. Recently, I tried a set of DR "Marcus Miller" Fat-Beams, and I really love them. They are slightly less bright than the regular Hi-Beams, and a little warmer sounding, too. They really seem to match up weel with my Series electronics, which sure don't need help from a string to sound bright . As compared to Rotosounds, Hi-Beams and Fat Beams last A LOT longer...they sound almost new for a month at least. I really like Alembic CX strings, but they just don't hold their good tone as long as the DR's. YMMV, of course. | ||
| smokin_dave
Junior Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2002 |
I dicovered DR's a couple of years ago by buying all the stock that a music store in town had that they could'nt sell.DR low beams 50 - 110.Big strings for sure but they sounded unbelieveable on my 84' Epic.Now I won't play anything else.They last forever but I still buy them 5 sets at a time from juststrings.com.The only place I can find 50-110 low beams.Nobody in town here carries them. | ||
| smokin_dave
Junior Username: smokin_dave Post Number: 16 Registered: 10-2002 |
84'Epic?Man,I'm missing 10 years here somewhere.I meant to write 94'.Just clearing things up a bit. |
