Suggest string for Specotr Euro 5

#1 11-11-2009, 02:03 PM

Just got a Spector Euro 5, and I love the thing. Problem is strings . . .

Didn't like the strings it came with (Spectors). Switched 'em for DR High Beams, which are my strings of choice on my Warwick and Ibanez. WAAYY too bright on the Spector. Switched High Beams out for DR Sunbeams, a little less bright, but really clanky.

I chose DR Higbeams, then Sunbeams, because round-core strings are really comfortable for me to play. But both of these strings are way too bright on the Euro 5.

Looking for strings that are just as 'soft' and comfortable as the round-core DR's, but a tad less bright and/or clanky.

Any suggestions?

ishouldbeking · #2 11-11-2009, 02:46 PM

i don't have a spector, but i have a good amount of experience with sunbeams and other nickel rounds... IME sunbeams are one of the warmest and least clanky of pretty much any nickel rounds i've tried. they take a day or two to break in, but i doubt you'd find a similar nickel round that'd be less clanky than that. you might need to look at half-rounds, ground-rounds, or flats... or play with some EQ settings. good luck!

EDIT: actually TI flats might be a good choice, since they're very soft, and not quite as dark or subdued as old-school traditional flats.

Maiden Bass · #3 11-11-2009, 07:32 PM

The main thing is that neck thru's sound different than bolt on's, plus your pickups are on the bright side.

You do not want any SS string because that will make it worse. What you need is a nickel string that's full sounding and has some brightness (but not too much) and with a natural punchy sound. The best I have found for neck thru's is (believe it or not) EB slinky in the new element shield packaging.

If you try these on any neck through bass you will like them, and they are very easy to play!

jasper383 · #4 11-11-2009, 08:09 PM

DR Lo Riders one gauge lighter than the Sunbeams or Hi Beams. Give them a week or two to properly break in.

PaulMacCnj · #5 11-11-2009, 08:21 PM

I'll second the suggestion on the DR Nickel Lo-Riders. These are great strings. They will break in and last a very long time. With the 35" scale of the Euro5LX, the .125" B string will have plenty of tension. Well, unless you really like to dig in, especially with a pick, then go with the .130" B string.

Another mellower string set is the Dean Markley NickelSteel. The top end gets pretty muted after a short while. This may be more of the tone you want.

#6 11-11-2009, 08:55 PM

Cool. Tks people!

ishouldbeking · #7 11-11-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulMacCnj

I'll second the suggestion on the DR Nickel Lo-Riders. These are great strings. They will break in and last a very long time. With the 35" scale of the Euro5LX, the .125" B string will have plenty of tension. Well, unless you really like to dig in, especially with a pick, then go with the .130" B string.

I actually would disagree with this recommendation, for what the OP is specifically looking for. I do love nickel lo riders, and i love sunbeams... but I've found sunbeams to be generally a bit warmer, and the OP wants a "soft" or low-tension round core string... the Lo-riders are hex core and have a much higher tension. Great strings, but sunbeams are about the warmest nickel round out there. No offense to anyone above, all IMHO, YMMV, of course.

DavePlaysBass · #8 11-12-2009, 11:33 AM

I just tried a set of Sadowsky flats. Great solid pocket tone with all the good qualities of flats yet they still had a nice defintion that cut thru on a 70's spaced jazz bass. They had more balls down low than TI flats by a mile. And way more definition than my experience with Labella flats.

PaulMacCnj · #9 11-13-2009, 02:33 PM

No offense taken! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I haven't tried the Sunbeams, but now you got me thinking that I should. I didn't realize they have that warm sound. The Spectors do have a lot of top end and this sounds like a way to tame that. I once tried flatwounds, but I missed the sustain and growl too much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishouldbeking

I actually would disagree with this recommendation, for what the OP is specifically looking for. I do love nickel lo riders, and i love sunbeams... but I've found sunbeams to be generally a bit warmer, and the OP wants a "soft" or low-tension round core string... the Lo-riders are hex core and have a much higher tension. Great strings, but sunbeams are about the warmest nickel round out there. No offense to anyone above, all IMHO, YMMV, of course.

#10 11-13-2009, 03:21 PM

Think I'll stick with the Sunbeams for a while, as per suggestions here. Appreciate the input!

vlad335 · #11 11-13-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan

Think I'll stick with the Sunbeams for a while, as per suggestions here. Appreciate the input!

I had the same bass and the same problem. Tried many different strings till I put a set of S.I.T. silencers on it.

Perfecto!

Maiden Bass · #12 11-13-2009, 04:46 PM

try reading this -

http://www.ipass.net/davesisk/music/...eviewDec04.pdf

PaulMacCnj · #13 11-13-2009, 10:22 PM

I just got off of the phone with Guitar Center. A set of DR Sunbeams in medium are on their way. Since I've been using DR Nickel Lo-Riders for 2 years, it's time to check out something different.

PaulMacCnj · #14 11-22-2009, 09:43 PM

The DR Sunbeams are on my Spector Euro5LX. Nice! The top end is tamed and these strings add a nice thump. The growl is less than the Lo Riders, but I'm happy with that extra punch.

There's no question in my mind, DR makes great strings.

kugelspot · #15 11-22-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishouldbeking

actually TI flats might be a good choice, since they're very soft, and not quite as dark or subdued as old-school traditional flats.

And very growly. Supposedly, they cut through almost as well as rounds. So if clank is your problem, these might be what you're looking for.