Are all Double Ball End Strings Taperwound?

[Meatrus]

I recently bought a Hohner headless bass and the strings that came on it are tapered at the top (where the headstock would be) end. Are all brands of double ballend strings like this? I'm having trouble with the B sitting to low and getting fret buzz, (nothing to do with truss rod or action), so was wondering if it was the taper messing it up.

[fretlessguy]

Are you saying both ends are taperwound? Because if not, you have the string on backwards! If both are taperwound, that sounds like a production mistake for sure. If in doubt, take them back and get another set.
When I had my 5 string headless Hohner Jack bass, I used both LaBellas and GHS Double ball sets. I like the sound of the LaBellas a little more, but the GHS DBs lasted much longer.

FG

[Meatrus]

Originally Posted by fretlessguy

Are you saying both ends are taperwound? Because if not, you have the string on backwards! If both are taperwound, that sounds like a production mistake for sure. If in doubt, take them back and get another set.
When I had my 5 string headless Hohner Jack bass, I used both LaBellas and GHS Double ball sets. I like the sound of the LaBellas a little more, but the GHS DBs lasted much longer.

FG

Thank you very much for the advice. The strings I mentioned are the set that came on it, I have ordered a new set but they haven't come in yet.

The strings are tapered at both ends but a lot more at the headstock (stump?) end, does this sound wrong? I tried removing them and putting them on the other way round, but the other ball end is bigger and wont sit far enough down the nut, meaning they are too short, and wont reach the bridge.

Should it be big ballend at the stump, or bridge end?

I guess I will find out to a certain extent early next week when I put the new strings on, but I need to know whether it is a problem with the bass or not, in case the buzzing (fret 1 on the B) is still going on with the new ones.

Thanks again

[fretlessguy]

Sounds like you had them on correctly the first time. Give the second set a chance when they come in. If the buzzing at the first fret continues (I think those headless things have a zero fret) It may need a simple adjustment on the bridge end or some neck relief adjustment. If the problem persists after that, get your local guitar technician to have a look. It's been ten years since I owned my Hohner, but the best I remember, they can be cantankerous (a southern U.S. term for 'difficult') to work with.

Headless basses are their own reward. They stay in tune forever, are compact, and make for great converstion pieces. Stay with it until it is fixed. I know in your country that Status and Elite make double ball sets. Are these the ones you are using/have tried?

Another thought. There is an adapter that allows you to use regular bass strings with your headless, so you can use your normal single ball-end strings. Here are some sites that you might find one:

http://www.steinbergerworld.com/
http://www.edroman.com/guitars/steinberger.htm
http://www.gibson.com/products/steinberger.html

You may also want to check Status Basses UK for their availability since they appear to use this type adapter on thier headless basses.

Wish you well with your headless.

FG

[BluesWalker]

My favorite double ball strings are from Status guitars. I play the nylon coated strings but they also offer non-coated strings. http://www.status-graphite.com/ They are in the UK and you have to purchase direct through their web site, but their pricing competitive and delivery is very fast, it takes no more than a week to get the strings after they have been ordered.

[Meatrus]

Thank you both for the replies, and the very useful help. I had no idea you could get an adapter to make regular strings work with the Steinberger. That really does sound like a good idea, as the choice is somewhat limited here.

The strings I have ordered are Elites, but I will be sure to try Status next, as I like the idea of British strings. I was going to go with Rotosound as I love their strings and have them on most of my other basses, but the double ball end Rotos here are around £40 a set, and the Elites were half that.

Unfortunately the truss rod doesn't make a difference to the buzzing, even with plenty of relief. The truss rod was my first thought when I got it, but it didn't help. Raising the action has no effect whatsoever (even raised sky high!) as the problem is at the other end. It does have a zero fret so maybe there is a problem with that or the first fret needs stoning, I really don't know.

I'm not giving up though, the shop where I bought it from is very helpful and I'm sure they will sort it eventually!

Thanks again all

[Meatrus]

Just thought I would let anyone who is interested know that the new strings had much less taper at the top, and they fixed the buzzing

So if anyone ever has a similar problem with a headless, the strings could be it.