Looking for a change

kjpollo · #1 11-16-2009, 10:09 PM

I have a Schecter Riot 5, 35" scale and the original strings (now about 8 months old) are just too dead for me.

I usually use DR Low Riders or Dean Markeley Blue Steels but I'm looking to branch out in a new direction.

I'm a roundwound guy from way back and I'm not looking to change that but I'd appreciate some suggestions for a 35" scale 5er with a low B setup.
Price is also an issue, I dont want to drop $40+ on a lark so please keep that in mind as well.

Thanks!

gus1894 · #2 11-16-2009, 10:11 PM

So you're looking to change up the bass or the strings? I gather the strings yes?

kjpollo · #3 11-16-2009, 10:17 PM

Yep-just the strings. The bass is fine.....

HogieWan · #4 11-16-2009, 10:23 PM

You could try GHS or Roto Pressurewound. GHS will be cheaper. I really dig their tone on Js. They are a bit mellower than rounds, but not like flats and they feel more comfortable than groundwound/half-flats

gus1894 · #5 11-16-2009, 10:23 PM

Yea, I'm an idiot! Strings, of course! Man that's a good question - I've been searching through the companies I know for the last 10 minutes, and nobody simply states it. GHS Boomers make some "Long Scale Plus" that supposedly cover the 35" scale - but I don't know. I will be needing the same thing in a few weeks when my 5-string arrives.

How is that Riot, BTW? Love the look - how is the string spacing?

kjpollo · #6 11-16-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus1894

Yea, I'm an idiot! Strings, of course! Man that's a good question - I've been searching through the companies I know for the last 10 minutes, and nobody simply states it. GHS Boomers make some "Long Scale Plus" that supposedly cover the 35" scale - but I don't know. I will be needing the same thing in a few weeks when my 5-string arrives.

How is that Riot, BTW? Love the look - how is the string spacing?

LOVE the Riot. I didnt have much trouble adjusting to the 35" scale and the B is clearer than my old Carvin LB-75.

As far as string spacing, I'm really not sure!

Some things just totally slip right by me.

I would think that most strings that fit a 34" scale should fit a 35, at least when you consider the extra windings that go around the post. But this is my 1st experience with a 35 and I'd hate to waste $$ on strings that dont fit.

What kind of 5 are you waiting for?

kjpollo · #7 11-16-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogieWan

You could try GHS or Roto Pressurewound. GHS will be cheaper. I really dig their tone on Js. They are a bit mellower than rounds, but not like flats and they feel more comfortable than groundwound/half-flats

I forgot to mention, I'm done with Roto's. the just die way too fast. I like a brighter sound and new Roto's are beautiful to my ears, but they're finished in a month or so.

Pressurewounds? Thats definitely new to me.

gus1894 · #8 11-16-2009, 11:10 PM

Well, if GHS make the distance on a 35 - they have some long scale strings - I've been using GHS Boomers all but exclusively for years. They are great, have nice tone and keep their life for a while. I will let you know after I try out the Dunlops.
A fellow TBer is in the midst of refinishing an Ibanez BTB575 for me. Should have it in a couple of weeks. I am also heavily considering an MTD Kingston Heir. These are some "meaty" wide necks -which I always thought would be something I'd turn away from. But I am really digging the extra space to dig into. I have had a few 5-ers in the past, never been totally comfy with them - strings were always close together. Are the strings on the Riot tight or are they spaced more like they'd be on a 4-string? Love the look of the Riot and when Schecter nails it on a bass, they hit a homerun.

gus1894 · #9 11-16-2009, 11:12 PM

Love your Clement BTW - if I could part with the funds, Tom would be the guy to build my bass! His basses are beautiful.

HogieWan · #10 11-17-2009, 06:44 AM

You could try Circle K strings. You can definitely get some long enough. I've been wanting to try them out as the company is owned by a TBer.

http://www.circlekstrings.com/

mmbongo · #11 11-17-2009, 07:36 AM

Dunlop Nickels are right up your alley. Like DR, they are just made long so they fit just fine on a 35" scale. No messing around with all that 'super long scale' crap!

kjpollo · #12 11-17-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus1894

Well, if GHS make the distance on a 35 - they have some long scale strings - I've been using GHS Boomers all but exclusively for years. They are great, have nice tone and keep their life for a while. I will let you know after I try out the Dunlops.
Are the strings on the Riot tight or are they spaced more like they'd be on a 4-string? Love the look of the Riot and when Schecter nails it on a bass, they hit a homerun.

Thanks for the info on the Dunlops-I just saw a thread on here about them and they seem to be gaining some followers.

As far as the string spacing on the Riot, I'd say its slightly tighter than my 4's but not excessively so. I have reasonably thick fingers so I'd probably have issues if they were TOO close together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gus1894

Love your Clement BTW - if I could part with the funds, Tom would be the guy to build my bass! His basses are beautiful.

Thanks for the compliment! His work is outstanding! You should check out the Clement Club thread-we just went up to Part 2 recently.
BTW-someone is selling a GORGEOUS Clement 5 string fretted in the classifieds for a very reasonable price.

Have you checked out his website? His prices might surprise you for a fully hand-made custom bass.

EDIT: Nevermind about the Clement in the classifieds-someone scooped it up already!

kjpollo · #13 11-17-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogieWan

You could try Circle K strings. You can definitely get some long enough. I've been wanting to try them out as the company is owned by a TBer.

http://www.circlekstrings.com/

I checked out their 5 string sets. Prices are competitive but I'm curious about how long they last.

I was cracking up looking at some of the string gauges they offer. A .200 low B??? Couldnt I just grab one like that off a guide wire along the side of the highway???

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Dunlop Nickels are right up your alley. Like DR, they are just made long so they fit just fine on a 35" scale. No messing around with all that 'super long scale' crap!

I'm going to have to check the stores near me to see if anyone stocks the Dunlops.
Thanks for the suggestions!

Anyone else?

HogieWan · #14 11-17-2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjpollo

I was cracking up looking at some of the string gauges they offer. A .200 low B??? Couldnt I just grab one like that off a guide wire along the side of the highway???

Yep - crazy gauges and lengths. I wanted to try a "normal" set from them though

gus1894 · #15 11-17-2009, 09:08 PM

Just picked up a set of Dunlop Nickels for my Wick (4-string), plan to re-string tonight. Give at least a quick review in a few days after I've played them for a bit.

Yea, I know his prices might be fairly reasonable at the moment - my problem is that I'd have to sell down to my Wick and then only have the Clement - trying to really tighten the belt right now. Then I'd have to bring the Clement out to more dive-style bars - not something I'd be comfy with.

We shall see, there is always next year!

T. Alan Smith · #16 11-18-2009, 08:13 AM

I'm a BIG proponent of radical string type changes. I've often gone from Ken Smith ground wounds to Dean Markley Blue Steels to D'addario Chromes. It's like getting a whole new instrument every time.