Still test-playing a Strunal to possibly buy; many questions.

James Gibson · #1 07-14-2007, 08:54 PM

I'm currently trying out a Strunal which a friend of my family has offered to sell me.

He's only asking $1000 for a hybrid 5/35(ebony fittings/poly finish) with an okay bag, stand and fairly nice bow. I can't decide if I am taken with the tone yet, though it seems to be slowly growing on me. It's slightly more focused than the gargantuan tone of the 1966 Juzek which I rented through the university which I study at.

questions:
The strings on the bass now have obviously not been changed since the bass was bought(by the original owner), and the wrappings seem ever so slightly rougher(no visible damage to the fingerboard, I already checked) than those on the Juzek. These strings are slightly thinner than the Juzek's, which I have come to like and grow accustomed to. How much difference would a new set of say Spirocores make on this bass? I'm playing mostly pizz jazz with some arco practice(technique and etudes) on the side. Also, can anyone hip me to some solid strings for my situation?

Also, this instrument now has a Belgian style bridge which doesn't allow me to use my Bass Max pickup. I checked out some bridges on Lemur. Obviously the bridge has a huge impact on playability, but how much does it affect the bass' sound quality? Also, can anyone suggest a good company to buy a bridge from?
The current bridge is also fixed and I believe I'd prefer an adjustable.

It goes without saying that if I were to buy this bass, I would have to get a setup. About how much does the average setup run? This would factor into/include: the new bridge/shaping it to the radius of the fingerboard, the new strings, a new end post(the existing one is too short for my 6'5'' frame) and what else?? Additionally, how much would a decent setup change the bass' tone?

Sorry to pose so many possibly mundane questions. I tend to trust this board's opinions on these matters; many of you guys seem unbiased, and quite experienced.

Thank you for reading this far and thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

ALSO, does anyone know of anywhere I can find a list of Strunal serial numbers or the method which I can date this instrument using it's serial number?

Michael Case · #2 07-15-2007, 08:03 AM

Hello James,

I own a 5/35 hybrid too and really love it. It sounds to me like the factory strings may still be on the bass you're testing, changing them will make a huge difference. I don't know how much it'll cost in your area, but a new bridge cost me about $320.00. Set-ups can vary depending on what needs to be done. I recommend you don't buy a bridge from Lemur, fitting a new bridge is NOT a DIY job. Just get the new bridge from your luthier and have them replace as part of your set-up. New strings and a set-up will improve the sound and playability of that bass. For $1000.00 a 5/35 hybrid is a good deal.

Good luck,
Mike

buddyro57 · #3 07-15-2007, 08:38 AM

I agree, I had a new bridge installed as part of a set-up/check-up on my 100-year old carved sweetie. It was 400., done by a highly-skilled luthier Chris Threlkeld here in central Iowa. Let me tell you, its well worth spending the cash IF you are lucky enough to have access to a real luthier. The connection of string to body, conveyed via the bridge is critical - if it ain't happy, ain 't nobody happy- regardless of how great (or modest) the bass is.
Jon Schwabe

MingusAmongUs · #4 07-15-2007, 08:53 AM

I'd say you're looking at $300-600 for the setup w/ bridge, strings and sound post (assuming that needs replacing too). The endpin is not likely to have much effect on the sound but it's a crucial part of the overall instrument. I spent many a year playing a bass with no rubber on the endpin, just a spike, and many interesting episodes ensued....

I don't know the value of your instrument but even after a $600 fix-up it seems like it's still quite a bargain. As another poster said, take it to the shop as is, let the luthier pick the parts (after consulting with you of course -- make sure s/he knows what you're looking for). In my experience they all like to use particular bridges, etc.

As for string choice, there's a wide array of opinions there -- go check the string forums, and you'll begin to get a sense of what's what. Spirocores will give you a big strong pizz sound but may not sing real sweetly in arco mode. You're used to them though so this should not be a problem for you.

rablack · #5 07-16-2007, 03:07 PM

I've got the same bass. I did replace the bridge and original strings. I used Correlli strings for about 5 years but after perusing the Strings forum I switched to Thomastik Dominants and like 'em alot. Plenty of volume and very bowable.

My bass' sound has improved over the 6 years I've owned it (bought it new). $1,000 is a good price, even if you have to drop some more cash on a bridge and setup. BTW the nut was way too high from the factory.