What's similar to 5-string Slinky sets? Can't use EBs on my Spector.

Bubba Love · #1 01-01-2008, 08:24 PM

I've encountered a really REALLY annoying problem with my Spector Rebop 5. I love EB Hybrid Slinky strings but I can't use them on this bass! I found that I couldn't fit the B string (.130) on the bass. This is because the excess winding on the ball end of the string makes the string very fat in the last inch or so which does not fit through the bridge. This excess winding is something I have noticed on every other set of bass strings from EB but not on strings made by other companies.

So what's closest to the hybrids in terms of tone and feel? Looking for your recommendations for nickel rounds really. Or has anyone found a way round my problem?

Darkstrike · #2 01-01-2008, 08:29 PM

You can file down the bridge a little bit, enough to let the string fit, carefully with a needle file.

davedamage · #3 01-01-2008, 08:37 PM

or you can crimp the b string with a pair of pliers. i do that on the DRs i use on my warwick.

Bubba Love · #4 01-01-2008, 09:24 PM

I thought about filing, but this is a bass I may well be selling in the near future. I didn't want to modify it!

With regards pliers, I've just given that a try, but it's not working. Perhaps I've got pathetic arms but I just can't get it to get any thinner. I've emailed EB customer service to see what they say.

tdogg · #5 01-01-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davedamage

or you can crimp the b string with a pair of pliers. i do that on the DRs i use on my warwick.

ive had the same problem with some strings on my 'wick, but DR does make tapered strings

sjb64 · #6 01-01-2008, 09:33 PM

I had a bridge with a similar problem. All I did was take an old B string and just use it as a file to ream out and enlarge the hole in the bridge slightly by pulling it back and forth.

Bubba Love · #7 01-01-2008, 09:48 PM

I'm tempted to just get some tapered strings and stick a middle finger up at EB, but only a little one because I do love their strings.

Seriously this is so annoying. I'm not saying Spector's bridge design is perfect, it's actually a perplexing design, but this is EBs fault. Anyone who knows their strings knows what I'm talking about with the fat end. It's messy and I'd guess it's unnecessary.

Jake of Bass · #8 01-02-2008, 01:29 AM

I realise this probably won't work as you'd lose consistency through all your strings, but anyway... would buying a set of EB 4's and then a single tapered B string work?

Only problem I can think of is the difference in tone between string types/brands.

Bubba Love · #9 01-02-2008, 05:04 AM

Yeah, that's something I'm trying to avoid, cheers anyway.

I just ordered a set of D'addario EXL nickels, looking forward to seeing how they compare.

Bubba Love · #10 01-04-2008, 03:16 PM

Update:

This is why EBMM are AWESOME. I just got an email (pretty prompt too) saying they've been in contact with Spector, who have said they've had this complaint before and have put in a request to change the design on the Euro bridge. They also said that if I sent them their bridge they'd file a little so it accepted my 0.130. Great service from Spector, extra brilliant service from EBMM!

kyral210 · #11 01-04-2008, 05:16 PM

That is unbelievable customer service!

Personally, I much prefer the D'addario tone to the EB any day you mention! See how the new strings go, and if you like them and they fit, don't bother having your bass filed away.

I had a screw missing from my Schecter Custom-5 and they sent me a few spare saddles + keys, pretty cool since they have a minimal presence in the UK.

DavePlaysBass · #12 01-05-2008, 03:45 PM

Try some Sadowsky Nickels. They have the Taper B. I have a set of of Nickel Blues that I like a lot.