Flats for Epiphone Viola

Collider · #1 10-08-2011, 02:55 PM

Can anyone recommend a good set of flats for an Epiphone Viola bass? I've heard that, although it's a short scale bass, short scale strings aren't long enough for it.

Looking for a McCartney-ish tone but with a bit of versatility in case I need to rock out.

gary m · #2 10-08-2011, 03:37 PM

Try Rotosound RS77M flats in medium scale ...those worked for me in the past.

notverygood · #3 10-08-2011, 03:48 PM

I used LaBella beatle bass 039-096 when I had mine. They were made for the hofner and they seemed to fit well with good tension for a light gauge.

JustDavid · #4 10-08-2011, 05:18 PM

I love the sound of Chromes on mine.

I believe the Voila wants Medium scale strings, though Long might work. D'Addario had a great item on their website discussing scale length versus "stringing"(?) length. Likely still there. The issue comes up with atypical bridgings; those with a longer length between the witness point (saddle) & the strings' ball end. Like Hofner & clones or string-through-body bridges.

SLaPiNFuNK · #5 10-08-2011, 05:45 PM

The Sale Length of an instrument does not always mean you need strings that match the scale length.

You really should measure from the Ball End to the Nut of the string to determine the length of the strings you need.

D'Addario does state the best way:

D'Addario Short fits instruments where Ball End to Nut is up to 32"
D'Addario Medium fits instruments where Ball End to Nut is 32" - 34"
D'Addario Long fits instruments where Ball End to Nut is 34" - 36"
D'Addario Super Long fits instruments where Ball End to Nut is 36" - 38"

GHS for example has their strings by Winding Length... Their Long+ (Long Plus) fits instruments where Silk to Silk is up to 38" Long. for example.

LaBella Beatle bass strings are made to fit that instrument with its bridge / tail piece construction. They also have smaller diameter end windings to go through smaller tuning machines.

**jmattbassplaya** · #6 10-08-2011, 06:00 PM

Pyramid Golds are excellent on the Viola.

Audiophage · #7 10-08-2011, 06:04 PM

I played one of those with fender flats on it that sounded pretty good.

69limeRev · #8 10-08-2011, 07:16 PM

I had Thomastik JF 324's on mine. For me, they were pretty much a perfect match.

Pilgrim · #9 10-09-2011, 12:04 AM

The bass requires medium scale strings because of the bridge/tailpiece setup, and IMO there are none better than the Labella Hofner Beatle Bass set. They sound fantastic.

Collider · #10 10-10-2011, 11:38 AM

Thanks guys.

jmlee · #11 10-17-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I love the sound of Chromes on mine.

+1

boristhespider7 · #12 05-07-2012, 02:32 PM

Anyone find the E string is deader in terms of sustain with these shorter flats. I have Roto 77's on my viola and love the tone i get on the A-G string, but the E just sounds dead. Not sure if its just a Roto issue or not?

I'm guessing the E isn't thick enough to produce enough tension (its a 90). Hows the E on Thomastics and pyramids? I was thinking of trying Roto tapes, anyone try those? (as used by Macca on the rooftop gig)

Papalampraina · #13 05-08-2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69limeRev

I had Thomastik JF 324's on mine. For me, they were pretty much a perfect match.

+1

gary m · #14 05-08-2012, 01:32 PM

Love Pyramids ...have those on my Hofner Club. Definitely worth the money.

landau roof · #15 05-08-2012, 11:02 PM

I've got some old long scale Fender meds on mine.

boristhespider7 · #16 05-09-2012, 04:48 PM

So you guys using pyramids or TI's (or labellas) don't have any issue with your E strings, they ring as clearly as the other strings? ie. similar sustain

gary m · #17 05-11-2012, 08:05 AM

Boris: no problems with Pyramids in my experience. TI's are a different story to my ears -- a very dead open E in contrast with the more midrange-y tone of the three higher strings.

FYI, flatwound sets labelled as Hofner strings are actually manufactured by Pyramid and are made specifically for Hofner hollowbody basses, with special tapered ends to fit the smaller tuning posts on those instruments. Sometimes you can find one or the other for slightly less money -- but they are identical sets.

boristhespider7 · #18 05-11-2012, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary m

TI's are a different story to my ears -- a very dead open E in contrast with the more midrange-y tone of the three higher strings.

That description sounds exactly the same as my Roto 77's. Shame as the A-G strings sound great

Am tempted to try Roto 88's though ..none of you guys have mentioned them yet, as used by Macca on the rooftop gig and other recordings. Anyone got any love for 88's? Would probably have to do some nut filing though judging by their gauge

Pilgrim · #19 05-11-2012, 12:34 PM

I've sometimes heard a bit of gain difference on the E, but that's also true on some of my 34" scale basses. Usually a bit of pickup adjustment takes care of it.