Conklin String with Exposed Core

pfunker · #1 10-14-2007, 01:27 PM

Hello,

I would like to know if the Power Steel Strings from Conklin/SIT have an exposed core bridge side?

I know Snakeskin Strings have an exposed core, but i need a 165 gauge string and it doesn't exist as a Snakeskin model.
Only in Power Steel...

I sent an email to Conklin, and i am waiting for the reply, but maybe someone here can help me?

A link for the Conklin strings :

http://www.conklinguitars.com/accessories.html

Thank you so much!

Pfunker

Bass Thunder · #2 10-14-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

Hello,

I would like to know if the Power Steel Strings from Conklin/SIT have an exposed core bridge side?

I know Snakeskin Strings have an exposed core, but i need a 165 gauge string and it doesn't exist as a Snakeskin model.
Only in Power Steel...

I sent an email to Conklin, and i am waiting for the reply, but maybe someone here can help me?

A link for the Conklin strings :

http://www.conklinguitars.com/accessories.html

Thank you so much!

Pfunker

Yes it is an exposed core, not taper core - I'm looking at one right now.

pfunker · #3 10-14-2007, 04:13 PM

Ok thank you for your answer!

Just to be sure, you are speaking about the POWER STEEL, correct? I cannot find any info about the exposed core on this model...

This is a good news, but i never tried the Conklin SIT strings, i hope the quality is good and the sound piano like...

pfunker · #4 10-14-2007, 05:09 PM

Me again...

Could someone tell me the difference between "exposed core" and "taper core"?
Sorry i am french and a bit lost...

Basically, i am looking those kind of strings

I guess this is exposed core?

Fbass website states ""Taper core" strings have a short length over the saddle that is a bare wire, rather than wound, providing a looser feel and cleaner fundamental.
"

So is it the same?

Thanx for helping me.

KSB - Ken Smith · #5 10-14-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

Me again...

Could someone tell me the difference between "exposed core" and "taper core"?
Sorry i am french and a bit lost...

Basically, i am looking those kind of strings

I guess this is exposed core?

Fbass website states ""Taper core" strings have a short length over the saddle that is a bare wire, rather than wound, providing a looser feel and cleaner fundamental.
"

So is it the same?

Thanx for helping me.

I believe the FBass quote is incorrect. We came out with Tapercore Strings in 1983 and made up that name "Taper Core" which is actually a trademark of Ken Smith Basses. Not the design, but the name. Anytime you have a stepped winding it is in someway Tapered. There are several brands now offering versions of this idea. On the description from FBass, he is actually describing a Piano String which was first introduced to the BG by I believe Rotosound. We came out with our version in 1981 for a 6-string Bass we made for Anthony Jackson and did some things slightly different with the string design. We called these "Bare Core" as the String was Bare and only the Core was showing over the bridge saddles. The Tapercore was done to combat a few problems players had in using these 'lower to the bone' style strings as well as a problem we had with Rotosound. Since it wasn't worth the fight and we discovered the Tapercore fix, we stopped producing them.

So, bare string/core wire showing is a Exposed or Bare core style piano design and one wrap over the bridge (done in various ways between makers) is dubbed 'Tapered'.

I am in a way honored that almost every string brand has not only copied my idea but borrowed the name as well. That's fine.. so now.. 'show me the money!'..lol

pfunker · #6 10-14-2007, 06:58 PM

Thank you so much for the answer!
So if i understood well, a string is made of 1 core and 2 wraps.

Exposed core string shows only the core on the saddle, and the Taped core string shows the first wrap over the core...?

Am i correct?

Actually, i tuned the bass drop A : A E A D G, A the lowest string (instead of a B). It is a 145 gauge and too mudy for my playing and the that sound i want. I play with a pick and i hope to get that same sound the E delivered but on the lowest A.

I hope it is possible even if i know the string tension will not solve all the problem.

What do you suggest? Neck is a 34" long, string through body, Ibanez ATk bass.
Will the core fit on the saddle?

Which strings would be best? Exposed core or Taped core?
Only available on the web so i would like to be sure before buying!

Thanx for sharing.

knuckle_head · #7 10-14-2007, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

Actually, i tune the bass drop A : A E A D G, A the lowest string (instead of a B). It is a 145 gauge and too mudy for my playing and the that sound i want. I play with a pick and i hope to get that same sound the E delivered but on the lowest A.

I feel you on reaching that A.

Best thing to do for your A is find a 3 wrap that is .145 or greater, but I don't think there is one to be had. Dean Markley makes the thickest 3 wrap that I am aware of at .135.

If I may suggest - consider the Conklin Snakeskin .150 for the A. If it were my set to do and I started with that .150 the balance of my set would be .105 .080 .060 .045. The Snakeskin 4 string set is close to that, and there is a good chance that it will sound pretty cohesive.

pfunker · #8 10-17-2007, 02:46 PM

Ok thank you for the reply Knuckle Head!

In fact, my 5 string is tuned drop A .145. But i don't like the sound. The string is a d'addario and i don't like it at all, no brilliance, no high end, no harmonics.

I just bought the Atk, i prefer the feel of a 4 strings and the sound is perfect for the band i am playing in. It is tuned E A D G right now.
I drop the E string of the Atk as a low A, so with the same tension of the E, .105.
The sound is really better than the other bass. String is a bit floppy but notes have definition.
Strings are new, Dr Hibeams.

So from i read from internet (and from your link Knuckle Head), i have to choose between a strong gauge and good tension and smaller gauge (maybe an .135 with exposed core?) but more harmonics and definition...am i correct?

I don't know what to do as my strings and nut (i need to change it to set new gauge) budget is limited.

Is exposed core string a really good system to get good definition?

Is an A .135 is enough? Is .150 not too big? I want the harmonics...

Atk has a massive bridge and string through body system, what is the better solution?

Is exposed core long enough to run through the bridge?

Sorry for all my questions...

Cheers!

pfunker · #9 10-17-2007, 03:20 PM

What about the Dr Long Necks, .130?
I like Dr strings but is it enough for an A?
I know, i should try...

knuckle_head · #10 10-17-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

What about the Dr Long Necks, .130?
I like Dr strings but is it enough for an A?
I know, i should try...

My opinion is that .130 isn't even thick enough for a B.

.135 is where I prefer a B string.

pfunker · #11 10-18-2007, 04:57 PM

I just bought the snakeskin .150...

I hope to have a killer tone on the lower A...

Cheers, i'l post when i receive it.

Thanx again for advices.

pfunker · #12 10-18-2007, 04:58 PM

I also read that snakeskins are Dean Markley SR 2000...?

Bass Thunder · #13 10-18-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

Ok thank you for your answer!

Just to be sure, you are speaking about the POWER STEEL, correct? I cannot find any info about the exposed core on this model...

This is a good news, but i never tried the Conklin SIT strings, i hope the quality is good and the sound piano like...

Sorry for the slow response, but yes, I'm referring to the Power steel. Maybe I'll snap a photo or two tonight of "exposed", "taper", and "non taper" core strings for you.

Conklin has excellent mail order service.

knuckle_head · #14 10-18-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

I just bought the snakeskin .150...

I hope to have a killer tone on the lower A...

Cheers, i'l post when i receive it.

Thanx again for advices.

I'm looking forward to knowing what you think of it!

Bass Thunder · #15 10-18-2007, 07:31 PM

Some different strings for illustration
From left to right (or bottom to top):
Warwick .175 (F#)
Conklin/SIT .165 (F#)
Rotosound .130 (B)
Pedulla .128 (B)

The Pedulla is what I would call a taper core (not Tapercore) - 1 wrap going to 2 going to 3.
The Rotosound is a regular old fashioned wrap - one thickness throughout.
The Conklin/SIT is exposed as there is no wrapping at the end over the bridge.
The Warwick may be considered a hybrid monster taper going from 2 to 3 to 4 wraps???

For you and the tuning to low A, .150 will probably work well. A .135 is the absolute lightest I would consider for that.

Bass Below · #16 10-20-2007, 03:14 PM

I hope the .150 does it for you. My low string on my 5 is tuned to G# and I use a .165, and for me, that is barely good enough.

distrot · #17 10-22-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pfunker

Me again...

Could someone tell me the difference between "exposed core" and "taper core"?
Sorry i am french and a bit lost...

Basically, i am looking those kind of strings

I guess this is exposed core?

Fbass website states ""Taper core" strings have a short length over the saddle that is a bare wire, rather than wound, providing a looser feel and cleaner fundamental.
"

So is it the same?

Thanx for helping me.

whoa can i see some more pics of that bass

elros · #18 10-23-2007, 05:20 AM

Nice isn't it?

distrot · #19 10-23-2007, 07:42 AM

it sure is...wow, was it made by the same guy that did Yves
"7 waves" bass?

pfunker · #20 11-14-2007, 05:24 PM

Hi
Sorry for the slow response.

I received my 150 strings from Conklin after a week. Thank you Bill!
I have just the bass from the luthier and it rocks!
I tuned ADGC as my playing is better with this tunning.
A 150 D 128 G 105 C 95 if i am correct.

The bass sounds amazing, really clear and powerful, with a lot of character.
The A string just need a bit of practice but after a while, easily slapable, faaaaat low end with punch!
But the exposed core doesn't fit up to the saddle. ;p The string sounds great anyway...

So it is a success up to you guys from Talkbass!!!!
Thank you so much!

Yes the bass is a production from Christian Noguera.