NBD, Semi-Hollow 5

[peterkidd]

I received my Ibanez ABG205 a couple days ago.

Sweetwater, I'm using the pictures they took of it, they are better at it than I.

I like it.

Fairly lightweight, around 8lbs, bathroom scale.

Quite comfy to play, good assortment of sounds for such simple electronics. No neckdive.

No gig or jam experience yet.

I have quite a few basses, but this one may win the beauty contest.

The B seems a bit mild, considering switching over to an E to C set, once I find some.

 

[bassist4dalord]

GASp! That is breathtaking.. What strings do you plan to use?

 

[peterkidd]

Regarding strings, I haven't found any yet.
Emailed bassstringsonline.co and asked over at strings.

If they don't exist, I'll just decide the B sounds great.

=)

 

[bassist4dalord]

Regarding strings, I haven't found any yet.
Emailed bassstringsonline.co and asked over at strings.

If they don't exist, I'll just decide the B sounds great.

=)

The only short scale B-string I know of is LaBella Deep Talkin' Nylon Tapewounds. Available in Black or White Nylon, two gauges and four scale lengths.

Keep us posted!

Invalid Link Removed

 

[peterkidd]

Hey, I now know more than I did yesterday.

Thanks, BFDL!

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Very cool, rock it hard!

 

[P. Aaron]

Very nice. Congrats!

 

[peterkidd]

I was about to install some new string (Many thanks to Jason at bassstringsonline for helping me sort through his myriad options and finding what I think will be the perfect strings for this. I'll report back after installation..) when I noticed the truss rod cover actually has a swiveling hatch for access! I've never seen that before. How many times have you been about to adjust the truss rod, but what w/ finding a screwdriver and not loosing the screws, instead just threw the bass into the woods...

 

[BobWestbrook]

You must be one of the first to own this new model. They have not been in stock yet in most places. When you are able, can you put up some sound clips?

 

[Baird6869]

Looks great. Cool bass!

 

[peterkidd]

Jason at bassstringsonline set me up w/ a set of DAD__XLB032 D'Addario XL Nickel Rounds, low B to high C.

Thanks, Jason.

I initially tried replacing the B, it was better, but I think low B on a 30" scale was pushing it , was still a bit anemic.

I switched over to the E to C set, they work very well together.

The nut accepted both tunings without complaint.

Now I am like a kid in a candy shop, assuming the candy shop sells E to C tuning sets. The C is all 'C'mon, how 'bout a solo..'.

 

[NightCat]

Very cool thread! I definitely want to do this.

 

[Angel_BF]

Hi peterkidd,

Just read this thread and rushed to create myself a user profile to be able to get in touch with you!!! I follow this forum since years ago but never really had a good reason to join. Now I have one!!!

I just bought the Ibanez AGB205 and consider to switch to EADGC tuning with flatwounds... only that EVERYBODY around me (music shop, my bass teacher, my luthier) is advising me to get a new nut, especially considering the heavy gauge the nut was originally designed for (.055-.145 G to B).

So I would really highly appreciate your feedback (now that you've certainly been playing it for a while) about how the instrument is behaving without nut replacement. Still no parasite noises coming from the strings when played open? Which string gauge did you choose? (I'm considering .032-.045-.065-.085-.105) Will it be heavy enough?

Same questions for NightCat provided you finally made the same modification on yours.

Many many thanks in advance,
Angel

 

[peterkidd]

Bonjour, Angel

Welcome aboard.

It's been a couple years now, have had no problem w/ the un-adjusted nut or neck or phantom sounds.

Quite stable, actually.

I am unable to comment on flatwound's tension but below I'll show what strings I purchased (from bassstringsonline) that I am happy with.

Note the Long Scale Strings.

I put the 'B' aside, and used the separate 'c'

I suspect flats would work fine, just keep an eye on the neck.

I hope it works out to your liking.

DAD__XLB032 D'Addario XL NICKEL ROUND WOUND Single Bass Strings and Build your own Custom String Set!
Long Scale Single String Gauge:: .032 $2.75
Super Long Scale Singles:: None
Short Scale Single Strings:: None
Medium Scale Single Strings: None
$2.75 x 1
$2.75

DADDARIO_EXL170BT_XLB145 D'Addario XL NICKEL ROUND WOUND - 5-String Balanced Tension Set
Type: Medium 42lbs - .045 .060 .080 .107 .145
$18.49 x 1
$18.49

 

[len13]

It looks like there's few inches of string length between the bridge and tailpiece...So this bass takes long scale strings? I am thinking about one of these tuned E-C. Enjoy!

 

[bholder]

I love the way those look, but 5 string and short scale just don't go together for me.

 

[bholder]

It looks like there's few inches of string length between the bridge and tailpiece...So this bass takes long scale strings? I am thinking about one of these tuned E-C. Enjoy!

Hmm, almost wonder - if they made an unlined fretless version, maybe one could just remove the existing bridge and put a stop bridge where the tailpiece is - would have to re-do the side markers though.

With that style bridge, I assume it's semi-hollow (solid from neck to under the bridge)?

 

[Angel_BF]

Merci beaucoup peterkidd

Your comments were helpful indeed! Will definitely go for it!

Thanks again.

 

[peterkidd]

Glad to assist.

Here is a measured drawing that may help in sourcing the appropriate Flats.