BEAD 12 string sets

[DarrenD]

I have a 12 string bass (4x3) and looking to make it BEAD tuning. Do they make these type of string sets?

[knuckle_head]

Yup - are you one thick/two thin?

[DarrenD]

Yep. I know I can find a good amount of EADG 12 string sets. I'm assuming I'll have to by the low B string separately after I pick up a regular 12 string set. My bass is custom made and similar to the Hamer 12 string B12S. Mine is a 30.2" scale.

[FunkMetalBass]

Or you could individually order it all. JustStrings.com sells numerous singles. Circle K does as well.

EDIT: I've been trying various combinations of D'Addario strings, and here are a few for JustStrings:

[all strings individually]
.130 - .105 - .085 - .060
.060 - .045 - .035 - .025 (x2)
Total: 53.92

[twelve-string set + individual B-strings]
D'Addario EXL170-12
.130
.060 (x2)
Total: 45.89

[5-string bass set, two 7-string guitar sets]
D'Addario EXL160-5
D'Addario EXL110-7 (x2)
Total: 27.66


All of those prices are without shipping, of course. It's curious that it's cheaper as you increase the number of leftover strings.

[DarrenD]

Yes I thought that was ironic as well. I think the 3rd option will be the way to go. Thanks for concepts. The prices are more reasonable than I thought.

Off on a side note, do they make 12-saddle bridges? Mine has an 8, so each octave string has to be the same gauge in order to keep the intonation correct. I heard of some people changing the octave gauges to get a different sound, but if it's with an 8 saddle bridge I would assume it would have intonation problems.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by DarrenD

Yes I thought that was ironic as well. I think the 3rd option will be the way to go. Thanks for concepts. The prices are more reasonable than I thought.

Off on a side note, do they make 12-saddle bridges? Mine has an 8, so each octave string has to be the same gauge in order to keep the intonation correct. I heard of some people changing the octave gauges to get a different sound, but if it's with an 8 saddle bridge I would assume it would have intonation problems.

I believe Jaquo is having a similar one custom made through Hipshot, but otherwise, I've never seen one with individual saddles.

[okcrum]

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

Or you could individually order it all. JustStrings.com sells numerous singles. Circle K does as well.

DH will make you custom sets as well.

[ixlramp]

Originally Posted by DarrenD

My bass is custom made and similar to the Hamer 12 string B12S. Mine is a 30.2" scale.

I see that the B string will be going to the 3rd post, but because of the 30.2" scale you'll need to carefully choose a short-scale B string that tapers between nut and tuner. Winding the full gauge of a B string around the tuner post could break the string, and will cause over-sensitive and unstable tuning.

So you might need to find a short-scale 5 string set for the main strings. But the octave strings can be 34" scale strings since they will be gauge .060 and under and can have their full gauge wound onto the posts with no problem

DR short scale 5 string set ...
http://www.amazon.com/DR-Strings-STR.../dp/B001DEKAL6

Gauges for the octave strings ... 60 45 35 25 or 60 45 32 25.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by DarrenD

Off on a side note, do they make 12-saddle bridges? Mine has an 8, so each octave string has to be the same gauge in order to keep the intonation correct. I heard of some people changing the octave gauges to get a different sound, but if it's with an 8 saddle bridge I would assume it would have intonation problems.

In the thread link below there is a pic in post # 28 of what my 15 string hipshot bridge looks like.



15-string Prat Bass for Jauqo III-X




What company made your 12 string?


























Hipshot endorser.

[DarrenD]

Thanks for the tip regarding the low B and tuners. I never thought about that, and I had a hard time finding a short-scale 5 string set until now.

Jauq I can't wait to see that finished 15 string. I was thinking about going that direction as well. My next custom build will be a 15 string with body tuners (for one set of strings). And now that they make those separate saddle bridges it gives me more motivation.

A guy named JC Harper is making my 12 string. He is based out of Montana. It's a 5-piece lamination of purple heart and maple. The fretboard is cocobolo. Here are some older pics from the beginning stages of the build, and I'll post more when it's finished:





My main gigging bass at the moment is a Kramer XL8. It is an amazing instrument. Heavy, but a really nice player.



I used to have a Hamer B12L 34", but I prefer shorter scales.

[JAUQO III-X]

I remember the Kramer XL8 models. Nice sounding basses but yes heavy.


I prefer short scaled double and triple course basses as well.

[DarrenD]

Btw, is there a forum or thread devoted to octave basses at all within talkbass? I did a quick scan but couldn't find anything. There's the 12stringbass.net which is a nice little site but there is no discussion area.

Also ixlramp I love that B12s. I almost had one a few years ago - it was orange quilt with ebony/boomers.