DR Black Beauties on a Michael Kelly 5 ABG?

[YCBass]

I just got a trans black Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5 and thought it would look cool with black strings... Both DR and MK said that Black Beauties will not work, as I would lose a lot of the acoustic properties... Does anyone make black ABG strings? Or black tapewounds for ABG's?

Thanks!

[theory028]

That would look great with black strings. Unfortunately, I don't know of any black coated acoustic strings.

So you can't use electric bass strings on an acoustic? I've been having a hard time finding acoustic strings for a five string AEB. I was hoping to pick up a set of light gauge electric strings and use that. I don't care for the feel of the phosphor bronze strings. The strings on my Dean AEB are too noisy and feel weird.

I did some searching last night for people using electric bass strings on acoustic basses. I could have sworn that there were some people encouraging the use of electric bass strings.

Maybe it is just a matter of tension or scale length with the DR Black Beauties. It'd be interesting to know. Hopefully someone can provide some more insight. I'd really like some electric strings on my Dean 5 string AEB.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[Darkstrike]

I always use Electric strings on my ABG, the reason DR and MK say no is because coated strings, along with tapewound and flats, aren't acoustically as loud as rounds, if your not so worried about acoustic volume, Black Beauties should be fine. I used to use Steve Harris Roto Flats on mine(and will again), but now need more volume, so I have Ernie Balls on it.

[theory028]

Awesome. I may give some Ernie Balls a try. What gauge works the best for getting a louder acoustic sound? I'm considering the 45-130 set. I can imagine the heavier gauge being louder because of the extra mass, but they also seem like they'd be quieter because of the lower tone. I'm not sure how all of that works. I can't figure out the logic behind it.

[Darkstrike]

Originally Posted by theory028

Awesome. I may give some Ernie Balls a try. What gauge works the best for getting a louder acoustic sound? I'm considering the 45-130 set. I can imagine the heavier gauge being louder because of the extra mass, but they also seem like they'd be quieter because of the lower tone. I'm not sure how all of that works. I can't figure out the logic behind it.

On a regular acoustic guitar, heavier = louder, I can't see ABG being any different.

Heavier strings actually don't make the tone any lower, its more thicker, which also make's the volume better IIRC.

[theory028]

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

On a regular acoustic guitar, heavier = louder, I can't see ABG being any different.

Heavier strings actually don't make the tone any lower, its more thicker, which also make's the volume better IIRC.

Ah, good to know.

[Davo-London]

However, TI Acousticore strings are purposely designed for the ABGs, for folk that like roundwound EB strngs and don't like Phosphor-Bronze strings.

Check them out too.

Davo

[YCBass]

Thanks for all the input guys... Being a loyal DR user I guess a set of DR Rare 45-125 will be first... I'm really heartbroken about not being able to use Black Beauties - I had visions of the bass with black strings and it would've looked awesome.

Volume is an issue for me as that was the purpose of getting an ABG so I wouldn't have to lug around my amp for quiet acoustic sets - eventhough an acoustic guitar will still probably drown me out - so I need it to be as loud as it can be. Function before Beauty, right?

Anyone try DR Rare's?

[Ripper]

just happened to stumble upon this thread... i have my 5 string fretless dragonfly strung up with la bella black nylon tapewounds... i may have lost a little volume compared to the bronze ones, but the tone is unbelievably better... i'll see if i have a pic somewhere and post it


EDIT: ok... got my pics

[Darkstrike]

Originally Posted by YCBass

Thanks for all the input guys... Being a loyal DR user I guess a set of DR Rare 45-125 will be first... I'm really heartbroken about not being able to use Black Beauties - I had visions of the bass with black strings and it would've looked awesome.

Volume is an issue for me as that was the purpose of getting an ABG so I wouldn't have to lug around my amp for quiet acoustic sets - eventhough an acoustic guitar will still probably drown me out - so I need it to be as loud as it can be. Function before Beauty, right?

Anyone try DR Rare's?

I'd give the Beautys a shot, if they're no good you could put the stock strings back on till you get some more, and use the Beautys on an electric.

[oyobass]

I play bass, but also run sound. The other day I saw a friend of mine bring his ABG to the hall. I thought "Oh, great. another one of those thin sounding things"
He plugged in and I heard BASS, nice clear bass! Turns out he was using tapewounds, LaBella is what I remember him saying they were.

oyo

[Lokire]

Yeah, tapewounds might be a good choice. They're not going to be quite as loud as Bronze roundwounds, but they'll definitely give you a better tone, and they'll last forever and look cool too