Strings for a 6-String that aren't so tight!

dhartnet · #1 09-23-2006, 09:50 AM

Folks,

Can any 6 string players recommend strings? The no-name ones that came with the bass are so tight (and cheap). I know the longer the scale, the tighter the strings are tension wise, but Im just wondering if there are any know brands that are a little more playable and less tense than other brands?

(Hope im wording it correctly)..

Dave

WillBuckingham · #2 09-23-2006, 09:54 AM

What's the scale length of the bass? Do you know what gauge strings are on there now? The manufacturer's website might have this information.

dhartnet · #3 09-23-2006, 10:12 AM

I bought one of those cheap Rogue 6-strings off of Musicians Friend (Their brand I believe) just to see if I would like to move to a 6-string eventually. The bass aint half bad for a cheapo.. (just to mess with) A 35 inch scale. Rogue strings are terrible.. Looking for a more flexible string.. I just read some good things about GR Highbeams, just looking for some tips here. If I really like it, I'll have to look into getting a "real" 6-string, but this aint bad to mess with..

WillBuckingham · #4 09-23-2006, 10:21 AM

I'm not sure that you'll find a less "flexible" string. What you'll probably want to do is find a lighter gauge string. Also, if it has flatwounds on it, you might try roundwounds. Both of these will result in strings with less tension.

Are you playing the same distance from the bridge with your right hand as you do on your main bass?

EDIT: Also, this sounds like it could be a setup problem: nut could be too high, too much relief in the neck, or extremely high action could all add to the strings feeling too "tight".

dhartnet · #5 09-23-2006, 10:33 AM

I think the lighter gauge and better string quality may do the trick. Hand position is the same, action is very low, setup and nut seem Ok to me. (Though I've been playing for 20+ years, I never really got into the nuts and bolts of doing setups, so it could very well be off).. Thanks for all your tips Will, a great help..

Dave

WillBuckingham · #6 09-23-2006, 10:48 AM

Let us know how it works out!

-Will

bassplayer2106 · #7 09-23-2006, 11:04 AM

I'm very fussy about string tension, I don't get on with over tight strings, why make things hard for yourself, vibrato etc. Try Fodera strings, I use the 120 - 28 gauge in stainless steel, they're a good long lasting string, and a good price from juststrings, compared with other US brands over here in the UK anyway.

dhartnet · #8 09-24-2006, 01:41 PM

very cool!

Thank you !

ErnieD · #9 09-27-2006, 11:08 AM

I got a 6 string Cirrus awhile back. The guy included a set of Fodera SS (Diamonds? IIRC). The bass came with some Labella, either supers steps or some kinda steps, sorry. Those Labellas felt and sounded great but they started to get fuzzies they were so in need of a change, so I threw on the Foderas he included. First off, those strings were very rough on my fingers and just did not sound or feel as good as the Labellas to me. Will be trying some new strings soon, not sure what. I get so little use of the high C string that I planned to just buy a 5 string set, which leaves my choices wide open. good luck