Best strings for an Alvarez AEB5

VictorG · #1 05-04-2011, 08:43 PM

I have an Alvarez AEB 5. It is the bass I use most all the time.
It still has the roundwounds that were installed. I really do not like the raspy finger travel those rounds make. Anyone have an Alvarez and maybe can suggest some strings for it ?

bassist4dalord · #2 05-04-2011, 08:49 PM

I've heard good things about Thomastik-Infeld Acousticore Phosphor Bronze strings, but they cost $100

Browse Acoustic Bass Guitar Strings Professional Instruments | Musician's Friend

More info on the bass and the tone you're looking for would be REALLY helpful. If it's a 5-string Acoustic like I think it is, that page above is a good place to start. Other than that, D'Addario Chromes flatwounds are pretty good. Are you going to use this bass plugged in? Details, my friend, details!!

Hope this helps.

FWIW, I use D'Addario Chromes on my Fender BG-31 acoustic bass, and it gets the job done.

wkbryan · #3 05-04-2011, 08:53 PM

I have an Alvarez 4070 from the early 1990's and I have GHS 3060 nylon tapewound strings on it, and am very pleased with them.

Joe Nerve · #4 05-04-2011, 08:55 PM

Edit: Duh, didn't realize it was an acoustic. I'll leave my post here anyway.

I'm gonna guess I'm one of the few that has an Alvarez on this board, even if I haven't played it in years.

A Dana to be exact. If you're not a fan of the raspy sound I'd say give a go at some nickel strings. Nobody ever seems to complain about DaDarrios, so I don't think you could go wrong there. I used to put blue steel strings on my Dana, for no particular reason. Just liked them at the time. I have to say though that that bass has a sound none of my other 20 or so basses can produce. Kind of Ricekenbackerish. I have one video of me with the bass and all the klang is there.

It's an old vid, and definitely not my proudest, but what the hell....

YouTube - The Nerve! For Your Love - Live @ Mercury Lounge

VictorG · #5 05-05-2011, 08:17 AM

Actually Bassistfordalord its a 5 string eletric . I know I know, most think acoustic when they hear Alvarez. Thank you anyway
Photo below

LOL Joe it is not an acoustic LOL. Actually this model is quite rare. It is a great sounding bass and has some hellashous sustain and the B-string has great tone. I just don't like that rasping sound when I move around on the neck,its annoying as heck,
You have an Alvarez too I see. I love mine also, had a few pros take a look and play it for me to get their take on it and each were impressed.
I think I'll give the nickel Plates a goo next time I get by Guitar center.
BTW NICE SPOCK EARS Oi !
Thanks all.

4x4Given · #6 05-09-2011, 09:02 PM

I've been playing an Alvarez AEB5 since 2001. Mine looks exactly like yours. I got it at MARS Music, in Fort Worth for $379. It was love at first touch. I played church bands for about 7 years and for me personally, I prefer DR HighBeams.

I've gone thorugh numerous amp setups, including Ampeg SVT and the big 810 cab, Peavey MkIII 400 with a 215 and 118 cab and wound up happiest back with a Hartke Kickback 15.