Octave4Plus?

[TheEmptyCell]

Anybody using their strings? I'm currently in an e-mail conversation with them as I get closer to ordering a set of strings to tune my Samick MCR-1 25.5" scale bass to E standard (like a 34" scale bass).

Lots of info out there about their high A (.007) guitar strings, but I haven't found any bass players using their strings.

They claim that a .104 will work on a 25.5" scale tuned to E1, just as it would on a 34" scale. I'm skeptical, BUT they'll replace them with a different gauge or string construction if I'm not satisfied.

In any case, I'll probably order them this weekend, and give some reviews once I've got the bass strung up.

[JAUQO III-X]

I currently have a set on my 15 string bass(Tripled 5 string) and they were made exactly as I ordered. The tension is very low especially on the octave strings. I have played basses with their strings on them and the strings played well and sounded very good. Once they get certain specs from you, I do know that they can pretty make any string gauge you want that would fit your specific needs.

[TheEmptyCell]

Raising my thread from the grave, in case anyone is interested. I ordered a set of strings from these guys September 29, just got them today.

Pros: Almost exactly what I ordered. 105-80-60-40 EADG nickel roundwound string set for a 25.5" scale bass tuned to E0, like your regular ol' 34" scale bass.

Tone is decent. Not as bright as most new nickels, which is something of a gripe, but I don't have to contend with that obnoxious pingy-ness.

Very smooth to the touch.

Cons: E string winding is too long and ends up wrapping the full string length on the very small tuning gear.

Tension sucks, even with the "Heavy" core. D and G have a nice snap and funky feel, loose, but not floppy or too light so they go out of tune when playing hard. E and A are pretty floppy, if I hit the E too hard, it goes out of tune (and is hard to tune).

I'm torn on these strings, because I really don't like chopping up B strings to Frankenstein a set for this bass, but for $40 I could've bought a couple cheaper 5 string sets to mangle.

I've e-mailed them to see about replacing the E and A with something heavier (and to the correct measurements), but I don't think I'll pursue that avenue if I have to buy the replacements (or if they'll take an additional 2 months to have made). Also, the website has changed since my first post, and does not explicitly state that they'll replace strings if you aren't satisfied with how they play.

[Josh Pelican]

I used these strings for my sixer setup for F#. Garry is an awesome guy to work with and I couldn't have been happier with the service I received from him. He walked me through the entire process of making the strings and e-mailed several times a day to update me. Between him, Mr. Villex, Skip, and Jauqo, I have learned so much about tuning low. Garry helped me choose a preamp for that bass (Audere Classic 4-band) and recommended I used Villex pickups. I never did buy the pickups for that bass, but I hope to some day.

The only reason I am no longer using his strings is because I tried Circle K strings. I find they sound better for the tone I am looking or.

[TheEmptyCell]

Things are being worked out, I'm exchanging the E and A for 'super core' versions at the same gauge, should have them within a week or so.

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by TheEmptyCell

Things are being worked out, I'm exchanging the E and A for 'super core' versions at the same gauge, should have them within a week or so.

That's what great cusromer service is all about.


The thing about Octave 4Plus strings is that they really are custom made for the customer. Octave 4Plus strings can only be perfect for the customer if the customer provide accurate info to help satisfy both parties.

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by TheEmptyCell

Things are being worked out, I'm exchanging the E and A for 'super core' versions at the same gauge, should have them within a week or so.

Other than a very slight change in mass, the difference the core makes is how stiff the strings is. You can't fight physics. Your E-string will have about ~25 lbs of tension on it regardless, and unless you are Jauqo, that's way too light.

A typical .105 E-string on a 34" scale has about 43 lbs of tension. To match that on your 25.5" scale, you'd need something around a .142. You'd be much better served to use a larger string with a more flexible core.

Here's more or less how the strings match up in terms of tension:

34" scale: .105 - .080 - .060 - .040
25.5" scale: .142 - .112 - .079 - .059

None of those gauges are outside the realm of Gary's ability.

[ixlramp]

Yep, the actual tension will still be very low, but the stiffness will make the string less floppy and 'feel' tighter.