Epiphone Jack Casady Bass Strings

cddave · #1 08-18-2011, 10:58 AM

Was just wondering if anybody here plays a Jack Casady Epiphone bass and could give some input on string preferences. I just ordered one of these bad boys and wanted to get some advice as to the best gauge of strings (flats) to order. It comes with .045 - .065 - .080 - .105. I use heavier on my Fender Jazz Bass. Thanks! (sorry for the typos)

mdogs · #2 08-18-2011, 11:41 AM

Well, I don't own one, but Jack uses DM Blue Steels so that might be a good place to start...

TripleDouble · #3 08-18-2011, 11:44 AM

I had one of these for a while, sounded great with either Lo Riders or Flats (were Chromes I think). Really, really cool bass, enjoy!

cddave · #4 08-18-2011, 11:55 AM

Thanks ... can't wait to get my hands on this guitar. Had a hollow body back in the 70's with nylons playing in an acoustic folk-rock band and wish I'd never got rid of it ... going back to my roots so to speak.

davelowell2 · #5 08-19-2011, 05:03 AM

I've got TI flats on mine.

mongo2 · #6 08-19-2011, 06:17 AM

I have D'Addarrio Chromes on mine.

Robert Mennella · #7 08-20-2011, 05:19 AM

The strings that come with the bass are Dean Markley
Blue Steel. This is what Jack personally uses on his. This is why the Epi comes with these strings. I've had my Epi since 2003 and have tried several other brands, but only come back to the Blue Steel's. I've talked to Jack about this and of course he said it's a matter of preference. Keep trying different strings until you find the right one for you, otherwise stay with the Blue Steel till you hit on something.

Pilgrim · #8 08-20-2011, 01:53 PM

I wasn't a big fan of the stock strings, but I'm a flats guy. Therefore, my Casady has Labella Deep Talkin' Flats on it...and I like the sound.

ATLbassist · #9 09-03-2011, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davelowell2

I've got TI flats on mine.

Seconded on the TI flats. They have a surprising amount of brightness for flats, and are very easy to play. They really give the bass a P-like tone.

Lonesomedave · #10 09-04-2011, 07:06 AM

try some rotosound 99's

these are round wound piano strings.

what that means is, they have a bare core exposed which goes over the bridge. you actually have to put the ball on yourself after sizing up where your particular bridge falls

my son has a set of roto 99's on his Jack Casady and loves them. the sustain is magnificent.

Lobster11 · #11 09-04-2011, 07:37 AM

IME string choice makes a much bigger difference on the JC than on most other basses: It's a whole different beast with rounds and with flats. I wouldn't say either is "better," just very different. Flats really fill out the low-mids and turn it into a monstrous low-end groover, whereas rounds really bring out the juicy mids and upper-mids that it has to offer. For me the TI flats are a perfect compromise, and their low tension (relative to other flats) somehow seems to fit the feel and character of the bass. (Actually, I think the ideal would be to have two JCs, one strung with rounds and one with flats.)

So, assuming it arrives with the DM Blue Steels, don't be in a hurry to change them; it'll sound great. Then, consider trying the TI flats (or something else) later on when they need replacing, and you can decide which you like better. (And if you try the TIs and don't like them, I'll be happy to buy the slightly-used set from you!)

Lonesomedave · #12 09-04-2011, 11:05 PM

BTW--

i think you are in for a treat, whatever strings you decide on.

that bass is amazing in terms of tone, and i don't really think you can go wrong with any set of good quality strings.

i know epiphone has the reputation of being gibson's little (and lesser) brother, but the Jack Casady is the top of their bass line and we have never been happier with a purchase.---

davelowell2 · #13 09-05-2011, 06:19 AM

Just put on some SIT Silencers. I needed a little more tension for a project that tunes down to D and the TI's didn't cut it. I've also been curious about the Silencers so I can kill two birds.

Mesa · #14 09-13-2011, 12:28 AM

La Bella 760 FL. Awesome tone live. Awesome tone recorded. You will be thrilled with that bass regardless. A tone machine.

MIJ-VI · #15 03-17-2012, 09:53 PM

Have any of you flat-wound fans encountered problems with the silk-wound portion of the strings extending to (or beyond) the crowns of the saddles on the Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass' bridge?

I'm aiming to get one of these instruments and string it with D'Addario ECB81 Chromes Bass, Light, 45-100, Long Scales straight off.

Thanks.