Best strings for F sharp?

[Josh Pelican]

I'm looking into getting my first six-string, but I'm thinking about setting it up as F#BEADG, as opposed to BEADGC. What kind of strings would be best for this? I've always been partial to d'Addario strings, using the thickest gauge (135 for the B). From what I recall they don't have F sharp strings, so this is where I need advice.

I have never played such a string, but I guess the time has come. The band I'm playing with now plays in G sharp, but they've decided they want to move from their seven-strings up to eight-strings.

I've decided buying something like a Brice HXB-406 and modifying it would be much easier than getting a custom made, or something twice as expensive. I just have no idea what to use for such a low tone.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Josh

[broadblik]

An F# string is usually a .175 gauge, Warwick may be able to help you out.

[JustDavid]

D'Addario also makes a 145, but that still won't help you.

Have you surfed through what's available at juststrings.com?

Strings are only part of the battle. Do you have rig deep enough to reproduce that register? I'd talk with Long & McQuade & see about testing this out; either rent a Vampyre for a day (Saturday to Monday is 1 day to them) or bring your rig in there when it's a good time for them.

What could occur in situations like this is guitarists go that deep & think "Hey, this sounds great!!" while basists do & think "Hey, this sounds like $1000 more in gear."

[P-BASSLOVER]

Go on the Conklin website below, they have a few choices including a 150, 165
for F# and a 190 for low C#. The strings are made by S.I.T. for Conklin.
Click on this link.... http://www.conklinguitars.com/accessories.html

[greenboy]

Frankly for most basses the exposed core SIT .165 sucks. It's exposed too far up past almost any bridge which can make it sound out of tune as you go up the neck, and it's wrapped with too many layers of fine wire which just chokes its potential. I've had better luck learning not to hit the string too hard and using .145 SS from several companies.

The Warwick .175 gets votes too, for having an intelligently-designed tapercore and less-choking, coarser wrap wire with one less wrap. I am lucky enough to have a .185 Labella prototype of similar construction, but unfortunate enough that Labella no longer plans to introuce this since Warwick entered the fray.

Still, F# on a 34-35" bass really doesn't come close to the same pitch on a bass with a longer scale - such as Knuckle Guitar Work's QUAKE with it's 39.5 scale. Awesome definition and punch!

[Josh Pelican]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Strings are only part of the battle. Do you have rig deep enough to reproduce that register?

I am currently running an Ampeg B2-RE through an Ampeg SVT-810E. I am planning on upgrading, though. What would you recommend? I was thinking of going up to the Ampeg SVT-3 PRO, but even still, I'm not sure how it will handle it.

I had some other ideas which involved brand names other than Ampeg, but I'm still looking.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by Josh Pelican

I am currently running an Ampeg B2-RE through an Ampeg SVT-810E. I am planning on upgrading, though. What would you recommend? I was thinking of going up to the Ampeg SVT-3 PRO, but even still, I'm not sure how it will handle it.

Sound taste you are seeming pretty Ampeg, so best to try & stay with that.

Cab-wise F# is pretty darn deep. Surf your butt off in the Amps forum here for what folks are finding works & doesn't work. You have a great cab, but I don't know if it's a great F# cab.

Power-wise that much depth might well want more power than usual.

[Josh Pelican]

Perfect, thanks a lot! I will look around for sure.

I will definitely check out the Halifax Long and McQuade and see if I can borrow that Warwick Vampyre to test out on my rig.

-Josh

[JustDavid]

Cleanest for them is a rental.

Or see if they have an Ampeg 8x10 there; bringing your head in isn't much hassle.