Trouble with Pyramid Strings/ Hofner Icon

docrobert · #1 01-07-2010, 08:51 AM

Hi!

I've bought recently a Hofner Icon and couldn't wait to put some flatwound string on it, so I got the Pyramid 640 electric bass flatwound strings.
Being a newbie, I was planning to send my bass to a luthier to install the strings and make all the required adjustments, but I thought "how hard can it be to put some strings on it?", and did it myself.
The problem is, the E and A strings ended up with a complete muffled sound, while the D and G sound all right. At first I thought I've made a mistake, but I couldn't find anything wrong, there was nothing touching or muffling the strings.
I would wait to see if the strings would settle after some time, but that meant I wouldn't be able to play my bass, because the volume difference between the top and the bottom strings was enormous, the only way to play it was using only the 2 top strings.
I've installed my old strings back..
Do any of you know what may be causing this problem?

odysseios · #2 01-07-2010, 09:31 AM

Perhaps it could be a defective set, i know is a typical Pyramid/Hofner problem and in these cases the maker could be ready to replace the set.
It's also possible after a period of use the strings will sound good: on my Ignition Hofner (= Pyramid) strung there was a dead spot on the E, 4th fret, but after 20-30 days it's desappeared, so it was the string.

edwinhurwitz · #3 01-07-2010, 07:35 PM

I had dead string problems with both Pyramid sets I bought. One A and one E. They replaced both and the E replacement was also dead. That was the end of my expensive experiment with Pyramid.

fuNKmaster83 · #4 01-09-2010, 06:34 AM

strange i have pyramids on all my basses for 3 years now... tried different sets custom winding... no problems

they have a good customer support...

Caksi · #5 01-09-2010, 06:47 AM

It is the gauge problem, I assume...

THe feel of the Pyramid Gold's is incredible, but they are just too boomy, and the E string on both sets I've tried was sustainless as piece of rope... I use Chromes, and they are "singers". Also tried Thomastik - great strings. There are always Hofner strings, for 50 euros per set

and I think you should try D'Addario Chromes... a little bit more tension, but thick attack!

**pringlw** · #6 01-09-2010, 06:52 AM

I use Pyramids on my fretless. They are very thumpy strings but that's what I'm going for when I reach for that bass.

Here's what mine sound like on a Rickenbacker 4001 fretless;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HHr3Ub8Jm4

mccartneyman · #7 01-09-2010, 07:47 AM

I bought Pyramids for my Icon and the G string was dead. Replaced it with a spare TI I had and it sounded fine. Now have LaBella Beatle Bass Flats which sound better than the Pyramids IMO.

docrobert · #8 01-11-2010, 10:45 AM

Thank you!

I think it was a defective set then... I wish I knew that, since I've already bought another set.

Another problem I have is a cold metallic tone behind the strings' natural sound. I think I've detected the source, it resonates from the area between the tailpiece and the bridge. If i press my hand on it the metallic tone decreases, as it does when I turn down the pickup nearest to the bridge.
Is that normal, has anyone had the same problem?
Is there a way to fix it?