Piccolo strings for a 6 string?

Ben Lesser · #1 03-24-2008, 10:08 PM

Hi,

I'm sure this has been posted before, but I couldn't think of the proper search terms to use to find what I was looking for.

Basically, I'm looking to string my Ibanez SR506 as a piccolo bass, since I've got another 6 string now. I'm going to tune it E-F, but what I am wondering is what gauges should I be looking for for these strings?

I know D'addario makes piccolo strings, but they're just for a 4 string, aren't they? So what would I be looking for to get an even sounding set for a 6 string?

Thanks a lot.

Ben Lesser · #2 03-26-2008, 07:09 PM

Bump?

jeff schmidt · #3 03-26-2008, 07:13 PM

Since there are no 5 or 6 string piccolo sets available - all of my piccolo basses are strung with sets i've constructed myself out buying individual strings.

I usually buy them online.

just figure out the gauges you want and go for it.

good luck!

Ben Lesser · #4 03-26-2008, 09:28 PM

Yeah, I figured there weren't proper sets. I don't really know what gauges I'm looking for for, especially the C and F, though.

Thanks, though.

Illbay · #5 03-26-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Lesser

Basically, I'm looking to string my Ibanez SR506 as a piccolo bass, since I've got another 6 string now. I'm going to tune it E-F, but what I am wondering is what gauges should I be looking for for these strings?

Wouldn't any heavy-gauge electric guitar set do, then? I mean, the only difference between what YOU'VE got, and a six-string electric guitar, is the two highest strings that're tuned a half-step HIGHER.

IMO, btw, this is getting to the point of semantic meaninglessness, like "jumbo shrimp."

Illbay · #6 03-26-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Lesser

I don't really know what gauges I'm looking for for, especially the C and F, though.

Here, just go Wylde.

Bassist4Life · #7 03-26-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illbay

Wouldn't any heavy-gauge electric guitar set do, then? I mean, the only difference between what YOU'VE got, and a six-string electric guitar, is the two highest strings that're tuned a half-step HIGHER.

IMO, btw, this is getting to the point of semantic meaninglessness, like "jumbo shrimp."

I had this discussion with Steve Lawson here on TB. You can use guitar strings, but you have to make sure they are long enough. From what I understand, most guitar strings are not going to be long enough. I could be wrong. Give it a try. Guitar strings are relatively inexpensive.

Joe

Ben Lesser · #8 03-26-2008, 10:12 PM

Guitar strings won't fit on the bridge of my Ibanez. I've tried before, unfortunately. The ball end is too small to stay in the bridge.

santucci218 · #9 03-26-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Lesser

Guitar strings won't fit on the bridge of my Ibanez. I've tried before, unfortunately. The ball end is too small to stay in the bridge.

cut the ball ends off your bass strings, slide them down the string to the ball end on the guitar, than place them in the bridge.

Ben Lesser · #10 03-27-2008, 09:04 AM

I managed to pull together a batch of bass guitars that I hope will help. 3 from Conklin for the high strings (which are made by SIT, anyway), and 3 from SIT for the lower ones.

I'll let you all know how it goes when I get them.

Thanks Illbay for suggesting the guitar strings, because I used that as an approximate reference for gauges.

Illbay · #11 03-27-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Lesser

Thanks Illbay for suggesting the guitar strings, because I used that as an approximate reference for gauges.

Yeah, I thought about that after I'd posted it. I'm not sure how LONG those strings would be, but I feel confident that the gauges at least would work.

I'm still a bit uncertain as to what the point is, btw. Not that I'm "hassling" you or anything, but why not just use a guitar? Or maybe a BARITONE guitar?

Ben Lesser · #12 03-27-2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illbay

Yeah, I thought about that after I'd posted it. I'm not sure how LONG those strings would be, but I feel confident that the gauges at least would work.

I'm still a bit uncertain as to what the point is, btw. Not that I'm "hassling" you or anything, but why not just use a guitar? Or maybe a BARITONE guitar?

Tbqh, I'm not really sure what the point is either.

I just wanted to try something different, since I've got another 6 string that I'm going to leave in standard.

I'm pretty bad at regular guitar, so I figured it was a cheaper alternative to buy some strings than to buy a guitar.

DopplerShift · #13 03-27-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

cut the ball ends off your bass strings, slide them down the string to the ball end on the guitar, than place them in the bridge.

That's Genius!!

jeff schmidt · #14 03-28-2008, 01:44 PM

guys - just go to a string seller online like juststrings.com - pick the guages of BASS strings you want and you're done.

you can usually get everything from a .140 to .16 in 35 scale.

For piccolo bass try using baritone guitar range guages. .80 on the heavy side to .20/.16 on the light

cloren · #15 03-28-2008, 01:53 PM

in your opinion, do you think its a bad idea to mix and match strings from different brands/sets? for example, i'm looking to convert a 5 string fretless acoustic to piccolo and was thinking about doing something along these lines

EADG mx · #16 06-08-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by santucci218

cut the ball ends off your bass strings, slide them down the string to the ball end on the guitar, than place them in the bridge.

This works for me.

Also some guitar strings will be long enough to reach at least the B and C tuners (highest and lowest, closest to the nut). I use D'addario guitar strings for my high C (EADGC) and they reach just fine on a 35" scale. Bonus for you Ben as your bass is 34".

if you want to use bass strings, get a piccolo set and get individual B, C, F etc strings (bass or guitar). juststrings and Conklin should have what you need.

if you need any help hit me up on MSN.