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Aquilastrings Flatwound ABG String set (Copper flats on Bioplastic 'Sugar' core)
- Thread starter Karl Kaminski
- Start date
Didn’t see that! Thank you. Only worry is the two reviews saying they broke on assembly. Wonder if it’s just an issue with trying to use flats on these smaller basses. I’ve always used slabs so this is all new to me.
Now I'm not sure if I understood your initial posted question...
If you meant using 34" scale sets on a shorter scale bass? - then definitely no, these strings will not work on shorter scale instruments by 'cutting them to fit'. Aquila has made specific sets for each scale length. Theres also Aquila Flat Spiral short scale thread, Im sure there lots of experiences there.
I can say with the 34" Demo Sets; these flats were more delicate to install than a standard 'rounds' set. The nut slots MUST be sized correctly to fit the Spirals comfortably, without any burrs, to prevent the string from catching/stretching the wrap at the nut while tuning. While I can't say why others had their strings snap, from my own experience I could imagine install-error or wrong scale length as possible causes.
I previously posted here some techniques (with a few suggested by Mimmo) that I used while installing the flats.
Hold the string "above the nut slot" while bringing up to pitch, only once the tension is close lay the string in the 'well lubricated' nut slot. (I used graphite- ie soft pencil lead)
After many Copper installs, I follow this method:
- Use proper scale length sets
- Check nut (and bridge) slots for proper size/angle/burrs to prevent pinching or rolling (not too tight OR TOO LOOSE)
- Lubricate nut slots (Simple soft 2B pencil lead works great)
- Install string prior to cutting excess (preferablely not at all)
- Hold the string above the nut while bringing up to tension
- Once string is in slot, SLOWLY bring up to pitch, watching for a smooth transition "in and out" of slot
- don't 'overload' the peg by stacking strings wraps on top of each other - try to have two complete turns (narrow diameter posts), or 3-4 wraps on larger diameter pegs.
Hope thats helpful
PS> I'm curious to hear 'where' the strings snapped (at peg, nut, or bridge)
At peg; could mean its over-loaded and pinching the string at the bottom
At nut or bridge; could be a slot too tight or burr - yes at bridge too.
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Could anyone who has these strings in the 22"-24" scale (210U) please let me know how long these are from where the end ball seats into the bass, to the end of the copper winding? I have a custom built 24" scale bass I would like to buy these for but need to make sure they fit. I need 27" to clear the nut.
I have reached out to Aquila with no response (as with other contact) so Mimmo, if you see this, might you kindly reply?
I have reached out to Aquila with no response (as with other contact) so Mimmo, if you see this, might you kindly reply?
- Dec 29, 2006
- 250
- 888
- Disclosures
- Aquila Corde Armoniche Srl owner and founder, Italy
The fact that you can be reached by email is good to know, but do you mind posting the answer to the question (how long the 210U E-string is, from the ball until where it becomes thinner) here in the thread, too? It could be useful for many members interested in trying the set on their guitar-scale acoustic bass guitars.
EDIT - for the record, length info for the uke-bass Flat Spiral set (200U) was kindly provided by @Bodeeni in this sub-short thread.
I don't remember offhand if @Karl Kaminski did the same about the long-scale 220U (4 string set) and 225U (single low B string) anywhere in this thread.
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Yes, that was the email address. My full email was:
Hello,
I am looking to order a set of your Flat Spirals bass strings but have some questions.
First, what is the length of these from where the end of the string ball seats into the bass, to the end of the copper winding? I have a custom made 24" scale bass (so 23"-25" scale strings), and due to the cost of these, really need to make sure they fit.
I need 27" from the ball to the end of the copper to clear the nut. My shortest tuning peg (B string) starts to wind at approximately 28.5" if that matters for any reason.
Second, since the B string is sold separately, do you know when and where they might become available in the US? I have contacted Strings By Mail and Strings and Beyond. Both say they have requested them but don't have a date of arrival.
Thank you for your help,
Rhoni Davis
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hi @Rhoni, Welcome to TB! (You can send PM directly to members by clicking on their avatar- send PM button.)
thats the best way for the person to KNOW that you're trying to reach them (Not everyone watches all threads all the time)
FYI, this thread is dealing with the 34" standard scale sets there are a few other short/guitar scale threads here on TB as well. You may find that info in those threads.
thats the best way for the person to KNOW that you're trying to reach them (Not everyone watches all threads all the time
)FYI, this thread is dealing with the 34" standard scale sets there are a few other short/guitar scale threads here on TB as well. You may find that info in those threads.
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Hey @HaphAsSard hope alls good!
Yes, I posted complete string info for each set earlier in the thread (just scroll back to demo set#1 —forward)
Off the top of my head, both Rounds and Flat Spiral sets have an approx 36.5±" ball to 'silk' spacing. I even 'guesstimate' they might fit a 35" scale—depending on the tuner/headstock layout.
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Thank you for the info. I have searched all the threads I could find and have not found the info in need. And as I now understand this thread is about the longer set, I did not know the "ABS" referred to that and thought it was for the strings in general, not a specific length. Clarifications aside, I still need to know the length if anyone has that info or can point me to where it can be found. Thank you.hi @Rhoni, Welcome to TB! (You can send PM directly to members by clicking on their avatar- send PM button.)
thats the best way for the person to KNOW that you're trying to reach them (Not everyone watches all threads all the time
FYI, this thread is dealing with the 34" standard scale sets there are a few other short/guitar scale threads here on TB as well. You may find that info in those threads.
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hi yes ABG AEB (acoutic bass guitars of any scale) are use interchangeably here (to some TBers dismay) — Its a regular alphabet soup 
@HaphAsSard - thanks for bringing up the string lengths. IIRC, I didn't add that info as the preproduction sets I demoed at that time were testing different silk lengths. To avoid any confusion with the official string release, I omitted that info.
@HaphAsSard - thanks for bringing up the string lengths. IIRC, I didn't add that info as the preproduction sets I demoed at that time were testing different silk lengths. To avoid any confusion with the official string release, I omitted that info.
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I have been away from the bass, and TB, for some time - doing, ahem, some Other things. I'm back at it, and I had to return to an Aquila Copper Flats thread.
I have them on my Cordoba, and after not feeling and hearing them for a while, and returning, I have to say - I have not changed my mind.
These are the finest flats on the planet at this time.
They sound so good and they Feel so good. If you play a small acoustic bass, you want these strings on your bass.
I have them on my Cordoba, and after not feeling and hearing them for a while, and returning, I have to say - I have not changed my mind.
These are the finest flats on the planet at this time.
They sound so good and they Feel so good. If you play a small acoustic bass, you want these strings on your bass.
