Conklin BDGT7 and GT7 - Strings

[MNAirHead]

Hello.

Time to order strings for my 2 7 stringers. (Conklin BDGT7 and GT7)

Preferences
I play with a very light touch and super low action... I prefer stainless.. out of all my basses the tapers on my graphite are preferred. I prefer unwound on the C and F. I do not change strings often.


Shopped Around
I went to Circle K -- they had a bunch of options.. unsure which ones to pick up.

Ken Smith has some light guage.

What do you put on your 7 string?

Any pointers or advice?

Tim

[velvetkevorkian]

I use Elixirs on my GTBD7- a 6 string bass set and a .022 (or possibly a .024) for the top string, which is actually a guitar string. Has more than enough length, oddly enough. That would suit you well, apart from the fact that the C and F are wound. They are maybe slightly bright but its hard to tell if its the strings or the bass' natural sound- I've not had anything else on it for a while.

The only other strings I tried were Overwaters, which were fine. Didn't make much of an impression.

Hope that helps.

[knuckle_head]

B or F# sets?

[MNAirHead]

B Sets..

I would just try something if I wasn't talking about a $100 order.

Tim

[Kwin Smith]

I've always used the Snakeskins from Conklin. They have the SIT's too, but I'm not sure exactly how they have changed in the last year. I think maybe SIT makes all of them now? (I don't change mine very often, either)

I prefer all of them to be wound, and have been hoping someone would do a 7 string set of nickels.

Subbed to see what info you turn up!

[knuckle_head]

Consider the .136 Standard Balanced set(s)

[MNAirHead]

Is this the one you're describing?

7 String Set - Balanced Standard 136
Price: $49.00
.136 .100 .076 .055 .040 .029 .020p

Learning question 1.. why not taper core for low action?.. I have fully wounds on it now and still can't get the action as low as I normally enjoy. I'd file the bridge (unfortunately it's gold)

Learning question 2.. Do you guys mean "balanced" as being put on some type of harmonic balancer OR are the strings selected to be balanced accross the spectrum.

Tim

[MNAirHead]

These are the Ken Smith I'm comparing to

KSB_AA-TCMD-7L
Ken Smith Electric Bass Taper Core Custom Bal.
Stainless Round Wound Light 7 String,
.020-.120, AA-TCMD-7L

[pointbass]

I look for the exact opposite of what you're looking for, preferring to use flatwounds and heavier gauges with more tension (I use a LaBella FM760 medium flatwounds .029 - .128 with a SIT .018 plain steel), so I'm not too much help.

But, the Ken Smiths seem to be the lightest strings I have ever played on a 7 (they came on one of my used GT7's), I wouldn't think there is too much that is lighter than that. Not sure about the Circle K's ....

[MNAirHead]

point.. if you want some flats.. pm me.. I'll boxem up and get them out (not 7s though)

The strings on my GT7 are tapered on the B and E.. stainless. have worked well.

Unfortunately they (7 string sets) are not $13 boomers.

Thanks for not calling me sissy touch....

[pointbass]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

point.. if you want some flats.. pm me.. I'll boxem up and get them out (not 7s though)

The strings on my GT7 are tapered on the B and E.. stainless. have worked well.

Unfortunately they (7 string sets) are not $13 boomers.

Thanks for not calling me sissy touch....

I'm cool with string sets for the time being, but thanks for the offer ....

My DB background is why I use heavy sets .... I actually play with a fairly light touch myself, but I guess it's still kinda heavy-handed since any light gauge strings buzz like crazy when I use them .....

[pointbass]

BTW, I'd be interested in your opinion of the Circle K's if you get them ....

[knuckle_head]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

Is this the one you're describing?

7 String Set - Balanced Standard 136
Price: $49.00
.136 .100 .076 .055 .040 .029 .020p

Learning question 1.. why not taper core for low action?.. I have fully wounds on it now and still can't get the action as low as I normally enjoy. I'd file the bridge (unfortunately it's gold)

Learning question 2.. Do you guys mean "balanced" as being put on some type of harmonic balancer OR are the strings selected to be balanced accross the spectrum.

Tim

That's the set I was referring to. You'll want a Standard Balanced set for 34"/35" scale length.

The strings are tapered. There may be bare core options at some point, but you should have no issues getting the action as low as you need it.

Balanced means that the tension from string to string is consistent. There is alot that comes with that; even individual string output/volume, even/more consistent playing technique, and consistent physical stresses on the instrument.

[MNAirHead]

Thanks. for the service... you just sold some strings.

I'll PM You.

Tim

[MNAirHead]

Originally Posted by pointbass

BTW, I'd be interested in your opinion of the Circle K's if you get them ....

I'll reply back - issue you may have is that my opinion may not be worthy for your use.

I use tapes vs flats.. normally gravitate toward tapercores etc.

I could comment on balance, customer service etc etc.

I'm afraid if I did comment it would be much like the "I like my Pbass" contextless replies we receive.

Tim

[pointbass]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

I'll reply back - issue you may have is that my opinion may not be worthy for your use.

Really, I'm more interested in the quality of the strings for their intended purpose ... by extension, a quality set of light rounds that you enjoy increases the odds of me getting a quality set of flats that I might enjoy

I'm willing to bet that they'll be cool .... I've yet to hear any negative comments about Circle K ....

[Kwin Smith]

I want to try these, too. One set just ordered...