Acoustic Bass Guitar Strings

elwaupo · #1 08-12-2011, 04:41 PM

I have an Aplause acoustic bass that I need to get strings for. I don't have a lot of expieriance with acoustic basses but I'm playing them more so I want to get some new strings. I have tape wounds on it now.

Any suggestions?

jallenbass · #2 08-12-2011, 04:50 PM

Tapewounds last a long time. That's what I have on mine. What is it that you are hoping to gain from changing strings?

eddievanbassman · #3 08-12-2011, 04:52 PM

I have some elixirs on mine they have a nice bright sound and good volume.

MNAirHead · #4 08-12-2011, 04:54 PM

GHS makes the skinniest tapewounds

x2 on the suggestion

fretlessguy · #5 08-12-2011, 05:48 PM

Do you like the tapes? If so, leave them on. If not, Here's a list of strings I like to use on ABGs:
GHS Precision Flats .45-.95
Fender Tapes
GHS Tapes
Fender Phospher Bronze strings for ABG (the new ones, not the old ones)
LaBella Tapewounds (Carvin.com - Guitars, Amplifiers & Pro Audio has the best price)

elwaupo · #6 08-13-2011, 01:16 PM

I'm using La Bellas on it now, it used to have some round rounds on it, but the La Bellas made it big improvement. The Applause does have a "plastic" sound, due to it's construction, but I can EQ it to sound better. I haven't tried any other flat wounds on it so I wanted to see what everybody else is using. I'm thinking of buying a newer acoustic, made of wood!

Pilgrim · #7 08-13-2011, 01:24 PM

I put D'Addario Chromes on my Applause bass - the E did just barely fit through the bridge. Those strings sound really good on that bass. I didn't like the feel of the original phosphor rounds at all. (This pic was taken before the string change, but I like the photo...)

The E-string hole in the Applause bridge isn't all that big, so whatever strings you put on it, I suggest keeping them light gauge.

I also learned that with the piezo pickup in that bass, it sounds much better if I run its output through an ART Tube MP to convert the impedence to something my amp likes better.

96tbird · #8 08-14-2011, 12:02 AM

Wull, I have that bass, Pilgrim. How do you reckon you like those flats volume wise? I have some Fender flats I may try on it. On another note, I have a set of brand new Sunbeams that the E broke while stringing my TBIRD, so I'm thinking on cutting them down and slapping them on. hoping for more volume. And I have some tapewounds.....

GrapeApe · #9 08-14-2011, 12:15 AM

I use D'addario Bronze strings on my Takamine. They're a bit noisy until they deaden a bit, but they sound great once they do - and the volume's about as good as you expect to get from an abg.

jdthebassman · #10 08-14-2011, 10:15 AM

i use ghs phospher bronze 90-40 best strings out there.