strings for my 1/4 Kaye

juice421 · #1 12-04-2006, 11:18 AM

I need advice on strings. I just bought a bass online, it was listed as a Kaye 1/2, but when it got here I found it was a 1/4 (now I know, Kaye didn't make a 1/2). Being a girl, I wanted a smaller bass for the shorter fingerboard (I struggle with my 3/4 to get the reach). Well, this little 1/4 size is a pleasant surprize - I can reach all over this finderboard. But I notice the size won't give me the volume I'm used to with my 3/4. So I'm going to try and compensate with strings. I'll also set it up to play through an amp (I use a tubed pre-amp and a Behringer BHL 450A bass amp), but I would like to be able to play it in smaller jams without plugging in.

It came with gut strings - the first time I've ever played gut. Wow! What a great sound and feel! The strings are very old, and the G string had even broken at some time between the bridge and the tailpiece and had been tied back together! Still sounds great. Can't keep it in tune, tho. So I'm looking for new strings that will at least try to sound like gut, give me some volume, stay in tune and work well when amped (yeah, I want it all)

. Any suggestions?

Musicaljuice

bejoyous · #2 12-04-2006, 01:05 PM

Try looking at the Lemur catalog www.lemur-music.com . They have a ton of different strings and discriptions of each kind. You'll probably find what you are looking for there.

When you want to upgrade Peter Chandler, the maker of my bass, makes a very good 1/2 bass with a detachable neck. The one he has now sounds just as full as his larger sized ones. Here's the plans so you can see what it looks like.

http://www.violins.on.ca/books/plans/frenchhalf.gif

**Francois Blais** · #3 12-04-2006, 01:19 PM

There isn't much choice for a quarter bass.
I suggest you fill out your profile:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/profil...do=editprofile
We don't even know if you're playing arco, jazz, etc.
From there, we're likely to give better suggestions!

Best regards,
François

juice421 · #4 12-04-2006, 04:07 PM

I play bluegrass and have my own band, Hunter Crossing, you can check out our band page here http://nnba.org/HunterCrossing.htm

**Francois Blais** · #5 12-04-2006, 06:18 PM

What kind of tone are you looking for?
Many bluegrass bassists are looking for a gut-like kind of tone, but others for more brightness and sustain.

juice421 · #6 12-04-2006, 10:40 PM

I'd like to have that warm, full, tone with as much volume as the little bass can put out. Not much sustain at all.

Musicaljuice

**Francois Blais** · #7 12-05-2006, 06:04 AM

I still suggest that you fill out your profile.

That said, quarter size bass strings are available in:

Helicore orchestrals
Thomastik Spirocores
Pirastro Chromcors
Pirastro Flexocors (although I have to find a reseller who offers them yet)
Corellis (medium gauge only)
Innovations (Honey type only)
Super-Sensitive Red Labels
Super-Sensitive Stellars

There may be others.
Those who could give the most volume are probably the Spirocores.
However the Innovation Honeys are likely to give the tone you're looking for, and may give good volume too.

Other suggestions?

juice421 · #8 12-05-2006, 05:55 PM

Many thanks, Francois. I know I am starting an expensive journey to find the strings that are right for me. Your feedback and suggestions will help. Cheers...

jgregpegleg · #9 02-19-2009, 04:41 PM

It would be cool to get an update on juice's string search.

I would like to resurrect this thread as I just purchased a '52 Kay 1/4 size for $400. Ultimately I will be playing with my fingers/pizz. and slap. The strings that came on the bass are very high tension. I have played Innovation Rockabilly strings on a 3/4 and immediately liked their sound and loved their feel.

Two thoughts.
1. Will the shorter scale affect tension? For example, the Innovation set that I liked the feel of, will they have a lower tension when used on a 1/4 size? I don't have direct experience and have just read some examples of lower tension on smaller basses; BUT having read it does not mean it is true or true to a degree of concern. Any first hand experiences would be great.

2. Why couldn't I use a set of 3/4 strings on a 1/4 size? Besides maybe having to mod the nut and bridge, having excess hanging, and poking out eyes I don't see why not. There may be ideal fits, but I have always clipped my electric strings to fit if needed. If the answer is that the strings need to be in position for a silk wrapping to do the winding around the tuner post; then why do numerous brands and styles of similar strings not have silk wrappings at all?

Thanks in advance for any experiences or facts with these queries.

**Francois Blais** · #10 02-20-2009, 06:37 AM

He didn't logon on TB since past november, so don't hold your breathe waiting...

MR PC · #11 02-21-2009, 08:02 PM

Francois, what are your thoughts on string tension using a 3/4 set on the 1/4 size Kay?

I know that the string length on the 1/4 size Kay Bass is something like 35 1/2 inches. (a friend has one that needs strings and I'm wondering if one of my old sets of Correlli 370's will work)

Thanks!

**Francois Blais** · #12 02-22-2009, 09:39 AM

The only way to answer is to try it.
There will be of course less tension than strung on a 3/4, but it may work.
Fractional strings are usually designed for less tension anyway.
The problem is the extra lenght...
*Don't cut* the strings before the silked area at the peg end.
Maybe you could try making knots at the bottom end?

MR PC · #13 02-22-2009, 05:57 PM

Excellent advice! I'll try tying knots on the bottom end then, and report back. Thanks again.

Wally Malone · #14 02-25-2009, 07:22 PM

I have a 1/4 size Kay as well. I've had Spirocores on it since I bought it somewhere around 2001. I've been thinking about trying Correli 350B, Bob Gollihur sells them for under a $100. I only play amplified, the sound is not very big unamplified. With proper EQ I can get a sound comparable to a much bigger bass. I do not play with a bow (don't currently have one). I had spoken with Bob G's son who uses the equivilent Correli's on his 3/4 and really likes them.

Please post when you get the new strings and let us know what you think of them.

Wally