I talked to an out of town dealer last week. They expect to get a couple in their next delivery.
The huge delays between NAMM appearances and product hitting the shelves, are getting really tiresome....
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The huge delays between NAMM appearances and product hitting the shelves, are getting really tiresome....
The Guild looks to be almost exact copy of the Taylor in that it also uses super light (.090 E string) nylon core strings. I would expect a very similar playing experience, although would be surprised if it comes with the near perfect setup that Taylor has.
After owning more than a dozen ABG’s, never seen any that came close to Taylor for nut / saddle setup and fretwork. Intonation is freaking amazing for a fixed bridge. And the string to string balance of the pickup is very even, another first for this category. IMO it is a fantastic instrument well worth the price, though I also hate the stock strings. More on that later, I been doing some experimenting....
After owning more than a dozen ABG’s, never seen any that came close to Taylor for nut / saddle setup and fretwork. Intonation is freaking amazing for a fixed bridge. And the string to string balance of the pickup is very even, another first for this category. IMO it is a fantastic instrument well worth the price, though I also hate the stock strings. More on that later, I been doing some experimenting....
If someone comes up with a string set that deals with the clatter, I will definitely consider grabbing a Taylor.
Meanwhile, a number of Guild clips suggest that it might already be there.
Time will tell...
Meanwhile, a number of Guild clips suggest that it might already be there.
Time will tell...
So, after asking on a couple different threads about string options for the Taylor mini I decided to take one for the team... tried some alternate nylon core / metal wound strings: the Gold Tone / Labella silverbacks (.049 - .115) and the Kala Ubass silver plated (.050 - .110).
The Kala have a multi-strand core like classical guitar strings. They have a dual metal wrap (silver plated bronze I believe); the E string is tapered at the ball end for easier installation, and all strings are tapered (i.e. just the first wrap is present) at the tuners. I put them on with a bit of trepidation, tuned up, plugged in and... Ahhhh... SO much better sounding then the Taylors; much beefier tone, with a nice low mid fullness that was totally lacking before and which even EQ could not fix. Compared to the Taylors which sound like a guitar that is tuned down an octave, these sound like BASS! Still a lot of string noise, but careful playing along with rolling off some highs brings a great tone IMO.
The GT / Labella are very interesting, with a solid nylon core and a single metal wrap (also silver plated bronze afaik). There is no tapering possible, so these are more challenging to install for the E string (on both sets the A-G strings are easy to install and fit right into the split bridge pins). I had to widen the groove leading from the pin hole to the saddle slightly using a nut file, and at the tuner I used pliers to flatten the wrap so it would fit into the tuner slot. No way it would fit down the hole of the tuner. Once tuned up the E string has been holding fine for 2 weeks now (over-wrapped so the strings are locked in). For my tastes, these strings are a notch better then even the Kala's, with a nice deep sound and less finger noise though there is still some noise compared with flats or rubber Ubass strings. I LOVE playing the Taylor now, and would not hesitate to use it on an acoustic gig.
Compared with my Breedlove ABG / TI flats the Taylor has less growl and less complexity in the upper register. The longer scale and the flats also have a smoother feel, not just because they are flats but something about the response is just more refined. However, the Taylor is really fun and due to the shorter sustain works really well on certain kinds of feel, especially up-tempo stuff. To me, it's another great flavor of bass to have in the quiver.
Note that for both of the string sets, I had to install the E string in the traditional way at the bridge with the ball end tucked in front of the pin rather then through the pin slot. Not sure I see a big advantage to the split pin design, it's a bit easier to install the strings but I never had any issues with traditional bridge pins so to me the new Taylor pin design is maybe a case of a solution looking for a problem. Time will tell!
Initially I did not enlarge the nut slots, and surprisingly the Kala set played ok that way. However, some of the strings did bind so that tuning was not smooth. I was lazy and did not take care of the issue right away, brought the bass to a rehearsal and ended up breaking the A string at the tuner; I think that it built up too much tension when I tuned up since the string was sticking in the slot. I then re-sized the nut slots, installed the Labellas and haven't had any issue since.
It's been a total of three weeks now since I first mounted up the Kala's. These strings are definitely higher tension then the skinny little Daddarios, but I haven't noticed any bulge in the top at the bridge. Also did not have to adjust the truss rod. But if anybody wants to try them, just be aware that it's only been a few weeks and I'll feel much more confident after 6 months to a year. I'm willing to take the risk because I could not stand the sound of those wimpy strings.... IMO the heavier gauge strings make this into a whole different instrument.
The Kala have a multi-strand core like classical guitar strings. They have a dual metal wrap (silver plated bronze I believe); the E string is tapered at the ball end for easier installation, and all strings are tapered (i.e. just the first wrap is present) at the tuners. I put them on with a bit of trepidation, tuned up, plugged in and... Ahhhh... SO much better sounding then the Taylors; much beefier tone, with a nice low mid fullness that was totally lacking before and which even EQ could not fix. Compared to the Taylors which sound like a guitar that is tuned down an octave, these sound like BASS! Still a lot of string noise, but careful playing along with rolling off some highs brings a great tone IMO.
The GT / Labella are very interesting, with a solid nylon core and a single metal wrap (also silver plated bronze afaik). There is no tapering possible, so these are more challenging to install for the E string (on both sets the A-G strings are easy to install and fit right into the split bridge pins). I had to widen the groove leading from the pin hole to the saddle slightly using a nut file, and at the tuner I used pliers to flatten the wrap so it would fit into the tuner slot. No way it would fit down the hole of the tuner. Once tuned up the E string has been holding fine for 2 weeks now (over-wrapped so the strings are locked in). For my tastes, these strings are a notch better then even the Kala's, with a nice deep sound and less finger noise though there is still some noise compared with flats or rubber Ubass strings. I LOVE playing the Taylor now, and would not hesitate to use it on an acoustic gig.
Compared with my Breedlove ABG / TI flats the Taylor has less growl and less complexity in the upper register. The longer scale and the flats also have a smoother feel, not just because they are flats but something about the response is just more refined. However, the Taylor is really fun and due to the shorter sustain works really well on certain kinds of feel, especially up-tempo stuff. To me, it's another great flavor of bass to have in the quiver.
Note that for both of the string sets, I had to install the E string in the traditional way at the bridge with the ball end tucked in front of the pin rather then through the pin slot. Not sure I see a big advantage to the split pin design, it's a bit easier to install the strings but I never had any issues with traditional bridge pins so to me the new Taylor pin design is maybe a case of a solution looking for a problem. Time will tell!
Initially I did not enlarge the nut slots, and surprisingly the Kala set played ok that way. However, some of the strings did bind so that tuning was not smooth. I was lazy and did not take care of the issue right away, brought the bass to a rehearsal and ended up breaking the A string at the tuner; I think that it built up too much tension when I tuned up since the string was sticking in the slot. I then re-sized the nut slots, installed the Labellas and haven't had any issue since.
It's been a total of three weeks now since I first mounted up the Kala's. These strings are definitely higher tension then the skinny little Daddarios, but I haven't noticed any bulge in the top at the bridge. Also did not have to adjust the truss rod. But if anybody wants to try them, just be aware that it's only been a few weeks and I'll feel much more confident after 6 months to a year. I'm willing to take the risk because I could not stand the sound of those wimpy strings.... IMO the heavier gauge strings make this into a whole different instrument.
Like you I’m underwhelmed by the D’Addario Strings - the novelty soon wore off! I’ve found that they are virtually unusable for recording unless you completely change your playing technique, so I’ve ordered a set of La Bella silverbacks. Just wondering how you’re getting on with them and if there are any signs of issues with tension on the body or neck?
Today, I took off the E string and put on a D'Addario Chrome .100 flatwound on my Mini Bass. It sounded so much better it was ridiculous!! The tension was not anything that would hurt the neck as far as I could see. Still very loose, but tunable. I took it back off because the intonation was too far off as you went up the fretboard. The strings that come with the Mini use a .090 for the E. I can see for sure now that there must be a good option for strings out there. Good flatwound strings in a .037 to .090 would probably make it a truly stageworthy instrument for me.
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scotch
It's not rocket science!
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I don't have any issues with the strings either. It requires a slightly softer touch, but it still sounds fantastic. The biggest adjustment for me is adjusting to the short scale.
Cheers,
L
scotch
It's not rocket science!
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The for and against comments say it all really. Therein lies the problem - Taylor’s insistence that there is no choice. Is this the first musical instrument ever produced for which the manufacturer says there is only one manufacturer string option and backs this statement up (I think I am right in saying this) by saying any other strings may damage the guitar?! I think they may have concerns over string tension on a body and neck that were designed and produced for a 6 string guitar.
There is no doubt that the strings are an acquired taste that demand a different approach, which in itself adds to the unique feel and sound of the instrument. Anyone considering buying one of these should think very hard about what they want it for unless there are more string options. It’s great for sitting on the couch and getting a buzz from the buzz but not so great when you try and gig, record or amplify it - and the tuner goes berserk trying to deal with the harmonics these strings produce.
I’ve discarded with the plastic (don’t care what they call it, it’s plastic) top nut and saddle and the sound is definitely a touch more mellow with bone, although I’d say because of this it also slightly enhances the scraping and scratching! I did find that slightly raising the height of the nut and lowering the saddle, therefore levelling the action a bit more across the fretboard, produced a more consistent and therefore manageable level of buzz and fretting noise.
On the positive side I’d also say although this bass is a real challenge, with some devotion to technique and set up, it’s a quality instrument. BUT - if anyone from Taylor is listening, let’s have a greater recommended string choice ASAP because you will definitely sell more and stop the bad press - start with some tape/flat wounds and a heavier gauge. You know it’s worth it.
There is no doubt that the strings are an acquired taste that demand a different approach, which in itself adds to the unique feel and sound of the instrument. Anyone considering buying one of these should think very hard about what they want it for unless there are more string options. It’s great for sitting on the couch and getting a buzz from the buzz but not so great when you try and gig, record or amplify it - and the tuner goes berserk trying to deal with the harmonics these strings produce.
I’ve discarded with the plastic (don’t care what they call it, it’s plastic) top nut and saddle and the sound is definitely a touch more mellow with bone, although I’d say because of this it also slightly enhances the scraping and scratching! I did find that slightly raising the height of the nut and lowering the saddle, therefore levelling the action a bit more across the fretboard, produced a more consistent and therefore manageable level of buzz and fretting noise.
On the positive side I’d also say although this bass is a real challenge, with some devotion to technique and set up, it’s a quality instrument. BUT - if anyone from Taylor is listening, let’s have a greater recommended string choice ASAP because you will definitely sell more and stop the bad press - start with some tape/flat wounds and a heavier gauge. You know it’s worth it.
I'm not bashing the bass or Taylor, for sure. Only the strings. I am a diehard Taylor fan. I play an 814DLX when I play guitar on stage, and have a couple Mini Taylors that I love and play all the time. As for the Mini Bass, the sound I get when it is unplugged with a pick inspires me to play. It is a great bass guitar unplugged. If that is all it can be for me, I am fine with it. It is that cool just played acoustically around the house.
scotch
It's not rocket science!
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When the rubber string U-Bass first came out and started showing its face on Talkbass it had a very similar reception to the nylon-core GSmini bass. Many tb'ers decried the 'awful rubber strings' and indeed over time they now have more options. In my opinion, the whole point of the U-Bass is the rubber strings. The tone and feel is different. Different is great. Different is not every bass needs to sound and play like a P-Bass. The rubber strings require a very different playing touch and even approach to how you use the thing with its huge, deep sound.
I think this little Taylor with the nylon strings is similar. It's not a traditional ABG. There are ABGs aplenty for that. Is it gigable? Has been for me, yes. But I'm not trying to use it at the local bar for 3 Doors Down tribute night.
Make the instrument what you want? Absolutely! I'm all for it! But to call the GSmini unfit for the stage is, well,.. arguable at the very least.
I think this little Taylor with the nylon strings is similar. It's not a traditional ABG. There are ABGs aplenty for that. Is it gigable? Has been for me, yes. But I'm not trying to use it at the local bar for 3 Doors Down tribute night.
Make the instrument what you want? Absolutely! I'm all for it! But to call the GSmini unfit for the stage is, well,.. arguable at the very least.
I just put mini gs strings on my Ortega d walker. Since it is a 24.4 scale the 90 e string is better than the odw-4 proprietary strings which has a grisly uncomfortable e. The are less zingy and a better feel overall. They had to feed from the string end as the ball ends won't fit through the bridge holes. However, the strings from the Ortega may be an option as singles as they are different guages.
Are you finding any issues with intonation with the Chromes? Did you put on all four strings or just the E?
I only put the one string on for a couple minutes. Great tone. Terrible intonation because they weren't the right gauge for a Mini Bass.
Unless the lower gauge flatwound E string you have in mind is substantially more flexible than the one you tried (and I mean, not simply more flexible by virtue of its lighter gauge), I'm afraid it will still have poor intonation on an instrument whose bridge saddle was positioned with nylon-core strings in mind.
One thing I'd try is get the most flexible flatwound E on the market, i.e. a Thomastik-Infeld, and see if it does the trick (as in, yield a longer usable section of the fretboard).
A single standard scale E .1" from here
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or an even thinner .096" (a gauge they use on their Höfner Beatle Bass set, but also in their super long scalers, only the latter of which are available as singles)
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to answer the question, then the other strings, or a whole set, later.
Ayuh: at $24 minimum, an expensive try it is, as Yoda would put it.
Has anyone reached out to Octave4Plus and see if the flats they make for the Ohana OBU-22 would work on the Taylor? They are awful expensive, but would probably last for years .
