Newbie question

2cvhound · #1 06-23-2009, 01:13 PM

Hi folks

I have a battered DB which has been sitting around for at least 20 years. It was owned by someone who used it for Jazz I think. The strings are rather strange because their approx gauges are

E - 2.8mm
A - 2.1mm
D - 2.8mm
G - 2.1mm

Measurements are approximate using a steel pincer tool. Obviously these are not correct. I am new to DB playing , having done a lot of classical guitar as a teenager and electric bass, with some fretless. I have little knowledge of DB. Can anyone recommend a starter set of strings (preferably cheap!) and what gauge? I plan to use the thing for messing around trying a bit of folk/jazz/rockabilly/all sorts. I also plan to get a rudimentary pick up to amplify it.

I am reasonably happy about restringing it - one at a time, I know - having done classical/electric/bass etc many times. Should I oil/grease the machine heads, or wait and see how stiff they are when I restring?

All advice welcome

Rob

**Francois Blais** · #2 06-23-2009, 01:32 PM

Do they all look like steel strings?
Maybe the A&E are, but the top ones are gut?

2cvhound · #3 06-23-2009, 01:39 PM

Not sure how to tell the difference. The D&G are a bronze / yellow colour. The E&A are more steel / grey.

Rob

AndreasH · #4 06-23-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2cvhound

Not sure how to tell the difference. The D&G are a bronze / yellow colour. The E&A are more steel / grey.

Rob

Any pictures?

2cvhound · #5 06-23-2009, 04:13 PM

I take some photos tomorrow of the strings & the DB. I have just spotted a sticked inside saying "Made in Czechoslovakia"

Rob

Andrew McGregor · #6 06-23-2009, 06:18 PM

Also tell us what the silks colours are, if they're still there.

2cvhound · #7 06-24-2009, 03:12 PM

Finally managed to get some photos - the card reader on the PC has just died! Hopefully these photos will show both the gauges as the strings go across the nut, and the silk colours:

Gold top with blue grey to the lower part on the A & E, The D is a single colour - dark rich brown, and the G is blue/grey. The strings are flatwound, the top two D&G being golden/yellow, the other two being grey.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cvhound/3657490975/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cvhound/3657488127/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2cvhound/3658278738/

Just realised my amp is also going to need some work - it was secondhand and rather battered when I bought it in 1985!

Rob

simonwilmer · #8 06-24-2009, 05:54 PM

Going by the metal loops at the tailpiece ,they look like Rotosound.