Nylon Tapewound Strings

[Gabu]

I am looking to buy some nylon tapewounds for my Ovation ABG. The problem is that it's a 5 string bass.

So my questions are:

1) What make and model do you recommend?
2) Where can I buy them?

Thanks!!!

[Herm]

I'll look around for you dude, but I've never seen them, and I've seen more than my share of strings.

Is your bass an acoustic/electric? If so, what kind of pickup does it have?

[Gabu]

Originally posted by Herm
I'll look around for you dude, but I've never seen them, and I've seen more than my share of strings.

Is your bass an acoustic/electric? If so, what kind of pickup does it have?

Howdy Herm,

It's an Ovation Acoustic Electric. I am not sure of the pickup, I guess it would be piezio?

[NOLABASS]

Carvin has tapewounds, but I don't think their nylon.

[notduane]

Originally posted by Gabu
I am looking to buy some nylon tapewounds for
my Ovation ABG. The problem is that it's a 5 string bass.

So my questions are:

1) What make and model do you recommend?

Rotosound, LaBella, and GHS make 5-string tapewound sets.

I prefer the Roto's (big ol' B on their 5'r set - .135). Come to think
of it, all Roto tapes are pretty large. But surprisingly low in tension.
They have a woody, "airy" tone to `em (i.e., through the piezo
on my R/A).

The LaBella's are a bit more up front and zing-y.

If you find that tapes are too "dark", you can always go with
phosphor-bronze "acoustic" strings. Lotsa' companies make 5'r
sets of those.

If ya' really love the tones of both, you could have a doubleneck made .

2) Where can I buy them?

juststrings.com

[Gabu]

Thanks guys!

Carvin has the Labella strings in a 5 set. I have a Carvin near by, so I am ready to roll with it.

If these don't work out, then I will try the Roto's next.

[Gabu]

Okay, I got the La Bella Nylon Tapewounds in a 5. New problem; The strings don't fit in the grooves of the nut. I am not sure that I want to gouge out the nut... But I am keeping the strings in case I decide to do that.

Also, these strings are just a tad long. I guess I really need a 32 scale rather than a 34. It suprised the heck out of me, because the neck "feels" long.

I guess I should contact La Bella about the 32" scale issue, but what do you guys think about widening the cuts on my nut?

Thanks!

[notduane]

disclaimer: I've never owned an Ovation 5'r, sooo...

Re the nut issue -- If you don't wanna' file the nut, then
I guess the Roto's are outta' the question (they're even bigger)

LaBella: .060 - .128     Rotosound: .065 - .135

(you knew this was comin eh? ) There's always Thomastik-Infeld
nylon cores. Totally different feel (VERY low tension) with a
super-sweet tone. Not as "crispy" as other acoustic strings
with their hexagonal steel cores. Another "drawback" is the price.
~$60USD for a 5'r set. If you don't like `em, you're out some $$$.

Anyhoo, you shouldn't have to do ANY nut filing with these
(.041 - .118).


Length problem...I noticed somethin' cruisin' around Just Strings.
There's a "760N5" and a "760N5-EXL" (extra long). Maybe you
picked up the EXL set?

[NOLABASS]

Another disclaimer, "If it were my bass" I would alter the nut as a very last resort. Try some of the other string suggestions first.

[Gabu]

Thanks guys. I will think on it. I don't change my strings that often, so $65 doesn't seem like that much. Although I don't know how long nylons last. I don't use a pick, and I generally don't play too hard.