Before my first build: Strings

daerek · #1 08-03-2010, 09:42 AM

I'm going to build a 7-string 36"-34" scale, tuned F# B E A D G C, main thread here.

I want a punchy, midrange-heavy sound, not too bright. What strings would you suggest?

darkstorm · #2 08-03-2010, 10:19 PM

Since your haveing a custom 7 string made Id of thought youd of allready been playing long enough to have allready established fave string or two for your basses. So of course Id suggest useing those if available for this 7 string.

Jon_West · #3 08-03-2010, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Since your haveing a custom 7 string made Id of thought youd of allready been playing long enough to have allready established fave string or two for your basses. So of course Id suggest useing those if available for this 7 string.

daerek · #4 08-04-2010, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Since your haveing a custom 7 string made Id of thought youd of allready been playing long enough to have allready established fave string or two for your basses. So of course Id suggest useing those if available for this 7 string.

That's a lot of grammatical errors... Um, I mean, I have played for two and a half years. I had my first bass for two and a half years, sold it with the same strings it had when I bought it. I have only had my second bass for about a month. I don't even know what strings I have been using

Meatrus · #5 08-04-2010, 05:26 AM

While the cats right, so is Darkstorm IMO. You really should have a preference of strings by now. Just my opinion, but choosing your strings should come wayyy before choosing/building a custom bass. If you put the wrong strings (as in ones you dont like) on that 7 string, it will sound awful to you. A big part of tone comes from the strings, and no matter how great the bass is, it wont change the strings. I build too, and find knowing the how the strings sound on different basses a big help

Not meaning to sound harsh, but your description of the strings you would like isnt going to help much. My advice (as annoying as it may be

) is to buy a few sets for a four string and see which you like. Some will vary massively in tone. If you dont have a four string, you could buy a real cheap one, it will probably still work out cheaper than experimenting with 7 string sets

. There arent really any shortcuts in finding the perfect set (for you).

Hope this helps a little, and hope I'm not sounding offensive in any way.

daerek · #6 08-04-2010, 07:36 AM

Meatrus: You certainly have valid points. What I mean is, I have so far played with two sets of strings, one on my old bass and one on my new, so I don't have a lot of experience with the sound of different strings. If I had, I would have known just what strings I wanted. I don't, therefore I ask. I am pretty sure someone here knows who makes midrange-heavy, not too bright strings, as well as low F# strings.

My current bass is a fiver. I actually think trying out a bunch of different strings is a really good idea, I think I'll do that. Still, I would like to know which ones to try, which ones sound anything like what I described.

Meatrus · #7 08-04-2010, 08:55 AM

Rotosounds 66 spring to mind. Though I'm sure there will be many other strings with a sound like your describing. While Rotosound dont make a 7 string set as far as I know, they do sell Dropzone + (very heavy four string set) which would have the right gauge for F#. So they may sell the F# (175) by its self if you find somewhere that sells singles. Strings direct (in the UK) do, but I'm guessing your in the US. They also sell 6 strings sets, so you could add the drop zone single to the 6 string set, or use most of the Dropzone strings and buy some singles, which is probably your best bet if you cant find a single 175.

Another option would be doing similar with DRs new drop tuning set (forgot the name). Or go to Circle K strings where they will make you any set you want, and sell 7 string sets (I probably should have just said that at the beginning

).

FunkMetalBass · #8 08-04-2010, 09:07 AM

Circle K Strings might be a good source, but you'll have to talk to Skip about how well his balanced tension sets will work for a fanned fret. I highly recommend his strings.

Dingwall would be another good source as he builds fanned fret basses and has designed his strings accordingly.

daerek · #9 08-04-2010, 09:47 AM

Meatrus: Actually, the UK is closer, I live in Norway.

The Rotosounds and Circle Ks look like they might work, I'll see if I can find and test them.

FunkMetalBass:

Quote:

Traditional tension sets are perfect for fan fretted instruments.

http://circlekstrings.com/CKSIMAGES/...nsionChart.pdf