Hi-strung 5:er (String set Q)

Liten · #1 02-21-2007, 05:18 AM

If this issue have been posted before i sure could'nt find it when searching.. and in that case, Im sorry for dubleposting.

Im looking for a 5-string set thats got the high "030" guage instead of the typical low B "120"...

Anyone seen a complete set?

I use DR hibeamers 030+ a 40-100 set on my fretless today and have to beg on my knees to get the kind gentlemen in stores to break a "6-pack" en sell a separate 030 string to me.. let just say.. IT AIN'T HAPPENING THAT OFTEN!

I end up with a bunch of 120's that will never get used...

Well If anyone has any info.. pls post..

fretlessrock · #2 02-21-2007, 09:04 AM

You have a few options. most of which you have mentioned:

Buy 6-string sets, toss/sell the B
Buy 4 string sets and single C
Buy one of the few factory EADGC sets.

Option 1 just means looking for deals on 6-banger sets. My first EADGC sets were Ken Smith 6 sets that I found on closeout at the local Sam Ash. Something like $25 a set.

Option 2 is maybe the most common way, and your best bet is online string joints that can supply singles in the same line. If you go to a site like juststrings or bigcitystrings they will list a lot of options, and you can drop them an email and see what they suggest. Of course, you are pretty much going to have to find strings that come in 6-banger sets to have the C available. I deal with Zon as they offer every string they make in singles. My current set of choice is the light nickel rounds. The only caveat I have on Zon is: measure every set when you get them. I have had duplicate gauges in two out of three orders.

and #3: Some vendors make EADGC sets. Fodera makes/made the Matt Garrison sets, and they are/were pretty nice. I think that DR might also make a similar set. An email to them should clear it up.

Good luck. If you were in a situation like me, where it is my primary tuning and I run the same sets on two different basses, then maybe a 10-set box would get your per-set cost down.

Liten · #3 02-22-2007, 02:23 AM

Many, many thanks!

Ill look the 3rd option up..

Kind regards

IanStephenson · #4 02-22-2007, 03:16 AM

I just got a cheap 5 string to tune high. As I already have a low five string, the plan is to buy a 6 set and a 4 set and make a hi 5 and a low 5 set from them.

So far though I just bought a dirt cheap 6 set on ebay.

Ian

Liten · #5 02-22-2007, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanStephenson

the plan is to buy a 6 set and a 4 set and make a hi 5 and a low 5 set from them.

Thats a great plan.. To bad I dont use 2 5:ers.. that would be perfekt!

saxnbass · #6 02-22-2007, 05:43 AM

I play a 6-string tuned EADGCF. It's hard to find 7-strings sets to toss the B and a waste of money. So I buy a 4-string set and the C and F separate. You can do the same, but leave the F off.

fretlessrock · #7 02-22-2007, 08:25 AM

Just thought of this:

http://www.labella.com/

One of the few string companies that actually lists high-C sets as part of their standard lineup. Look at their online store (String Showcase) and look at all of the 5-string sets even if they don't have the High-C set under a separate heading.

http://juststrings.com/labellaelectricbassguitar.html
lists them as well, and the prices look better.

Ken Smith strings are also pretty reasonable in 6-string sets, FYI. Under $30 in some cases.