Reggie Hamilton CS 5 string - best strings for even tone!??

Rocksolid · #1 08-09-2010, 05:21 PM

Driving myself nuts reading threads about strings - so I thought I would just start another to make things worse...

Looking to put new strings on my Reggie. The Fender site says the factory strings were Stainless with taper wound B (.135") and E - however these aren't available anymore.

The bass plays great - feel across all strings is good. I just want to get the B string sounding a little cleaner to better match the rest of the bass. I just have Daddario XL's on there til I decide what to go with.

I'm tempted to put Regular Slinky's on there since they sound so good on my EBMM SR5. But there is this voice in the back of my head saying get some thing with a TW B and E such as: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Please give me your thoughts and experiences and also recommendations!

Thanks.

Rocksolid · #2 08-18-2010, 05:47 PM

Bump - any insight??

pickles · #3 08-18-2010, 08:34 PM

There's nothing really special about the Reggie in terms of what strings to use. Same advice as goes for a Fender J5 or a Sadowsky. To get a good B string sound, there are a few sets that do it a lot better than the others. Since you're used to nickels, I'll suggest things with warmer tones:

DR DDT
Sadowsky Blue Label Nickel
Pedulla Nickel
Carvin (made by Labella, cheap and darn good)

A Music Man 5 is much less picky about strings than a J5 is, so slinkys or XLs are good on them. That "sweet spot" pickup is one factor, and I also think the narrower, thicker necks help. With a J5 (or PJ5) you'll usually get better results with one of the above.

Joe Smithberger · #4 08-19-2010, 05:30 AM

Look at the Circle K Balanced sets

PeterChampagne · #5 08-19-2010, 05:45 AM

TI Flats! That .136 B string is killer!

Rocksolid · #6 08-20-2010, 06:00 PM

Carvin Strings - I'm from Australia and have never seen them here. Where is the best place to get them in the US?

The Sadowsky Blue string were one of the strings I had considered.

What about DR Low riders with a .130" hex core B string?

pickles · #7 08-20-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocksolid

Carvin Strings - I'm from Australia and have never seen them here. Where is the best place to get them in the US?

Direct from www.carvin.com.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocksolid

The Sadowsky Blue string were one of the strings I had considered.

Great strings with an A- B string. Solid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocksolid

What about DR Low riders with a .130" hex core B string?

I'd say B+ on the low B, and a great set otherwise. Stiff and bright.

Rocksolid · #8 08-21-2010, 07:48 PM

Well it looks like Sadowsky Blues could be the go then! Sadowsky Basses are certainly known for being one of the better 34" scale B strings and the strings must contribute in some way.

Thanks to all who contributed - especially Pickles!

rodl2005 · #9 08-24-2010, 12:03 AM

I've a RH Sig STD & I like Fender strings on it better'n most others. Tho now apparently D'addario are making Fender's strings... so....????

Rocksolid · #10 10-01-2010, 05:26 PM

Got the Sadowsky Blue Stainless strings on this bass now and am blown away.

Consistency across the strings is top class. B string is nice and stiff. These will be going on my CS 64 Jazz next also.

pickles · #11 10-02-2010, 02:02 PM