Using Gut strings on an acoustic bass guitar?

Lokire · #1 06-12-2006, 06:36 PM

I posted this on the double-bass side as well, but I'll try here too:

I have a short scale (30" string length), fretless Kinal Kompact bass:

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...nal%20Kompact/

And I've been thinking about the possibility of trying some light gauge (maybe cello?) gut strings on it. Right now it has TI Acousticore's (Brass wound nylon core strings), and I like the tone, but I really want to bring out a little more of an upright characteristic, and thought gut strings would be perfect for that. Would this be feasible? Any suggestions or thoughts?

Thanks!

ArwinH · #2 06-12-2006, 06:50 PM

My rob allen sounds more acoustic than my double bass through an amp at high volumes. No gut strings there.

Lokire · #3 06-12-2006, 06:53 PM

Yeah, well, I don't have a Rob Allen now do I?

Though Rob Allens are definatly the most upright sounding electric basses I've ever heard/played.

chadds · #4 06-12-2006, 07:22 PM

I've had great results with Labella tapewounds on my Taylor ABG. That's what's on Rob Allen basses. Readily available. One set lasts about 150 years. And on a fretless until the Universe starts to contract.

chadds · #5 06-12-2006, 07:26 PM

You have to get them for your scale because you can't cut them they will unravel. Try BP sales or any of the internet string co. Just strings is another I think.

Lokire · #6 06-12-2006, 07:33 PM

Haha, thanks guys, but I'm looking for info on gut strings specifically. Believe me, I know about all the other options. I've tried RotoSounds short scale black nylon tapewounds and didn't like the tension, or tone much. I love the Status-Graphite Tapewounds though (have a set on my DeArmond right now), and once I've got some more cashflow will get another set to cut down and try on the Kinal. Either that or a 6-string set of the LaBella's and tune the ADGC strings down to EADG (that's what I've done with the Acousticores that are on it now, worked great!)

I've cut down a couple sets of regular scale strings for the short scale and haven't had any problems yet.

ArwinH · #7 06-12-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokire

Yeah, well, I don't have a Rob Allen now do I?

Though Rob Allens are definatly the most upright sounding electric basses I've ever heard/played.

oops, I was referring to the tapewounds on the roballen. Since I imagine the sound of our two bases can;t be too castly different.