Acoustic Bass String Options

[Bassman 100]

Are there any options for acoustic bass strings. Are they always phosphor bronze ? I would love if I could use flat wound on my acoustic bass. As I alway go through an acoustic bass combo; - would it be possible, or would I damage the bass ?

[jibreel]

Strings somewhere between Bronzewound and flats for unplugged ABG

[theory028]

I have La Bella nylon tapewound strings on my AEB. They sound, feel, and look really nice. They have a feel (though softer) that is similar to flats but don't seem to have as much clank (compared only to the Chromes that I've used). A lot of people seem to like them as an option for acoustic basses so I gave them a shot. I'm glad I did because they're much more usable than the phosphor bronze, in my opinion.

As for damaging stuff, you may have to consider the string tension and its effect on the neck. I'm not the most informed guy on this subject. Someone else may have something to add. I would imagine that adjusting the truss rod for some relief could put those worries to rest. Hopefully someone can add more information.

[EthanTheHeathen]

Tapewounds! I think the ones I have are made by Fender (not sure though) and they sound awesome. Not all bright and finger-noisy like the bronze. Also, I'm pretty sure most tapewounds are relatively low tension . . .

[Pilgrim]

You can put any strings on it that will fit through the bridge holes. I have D'Addario Chromes on mine.

[thirtypoint87]

Flatwounds on an AEB will be fine. I like GHS Precision Flats for an old school thud tone.

[Dan55]

TI Jazz flats on mine. Works great!

Dan

[DogBone]

Originally Posted by Bassman 100

Are there any options for acoustic bass strings. Are they always phosphor bronze ? I would love if I could use flat wound on my acoustic bass. As I alway go through an acoustic bass combo; - would it be possible, or would I damage the bass ?

I recently put Chromes on my ABG as well. I like them *much* better than phosphor bronze, now it sounds like a bass!

(FYI soundclip of my ABG w/ Chromes on my myspace link below)

TI Jazz flats have lower tension than most other bass strings, even some phos-bronze sets, so if you're concerned about string tension damaging your ABG then of course they may be worth considering.

Go for it!

[Mr. Ray]

I don't know what brand of bass you have. BUT you cannot put heavier tension strings on some acoustic basses. I had a Martin and the manufactured recommended not to use steel strings. I would check with the manufacturer.

[angelopb]

+1 TI Flats, lower tension strings and they sound great. They should for the what they cost. I would also suggest Thomastik's Acousticores for the same reason. They use a nylon core and play nothing like a std. ABG string. I really like them, especially when they are at least a few months old and are well broken in. You can really dig in and it brings out the sound of the bass as opposed to sounding like a guxxxx.

[Zapp]

can someone paste a link to online merchant that has these?
I'll give 'em a shot

Originally Posted by angelopb

+1 TI Flats, lower tension strings and they sound great. They should for the what they cost. I would also suggest Thomastik's Acousticores for the same reason. They use a nylon core and play nothing like a std. ABG string. I really like them, especially when they are at least a few months old and are well broken in. You can really dig in and it brings out the sound of the bass as opposed to sounding like a guxxxx.