A Message to Bass String Manufacturers

[conttador]

The only one I can think of makes basses that only go up to 5 strings and yeah, I share your frustration…

Thankfully there’s plenty of string manufacturers that do make 6 strings sets…

I like their strings so much that I’m willing to overlook that and buy some other brand for 6 strings…

 

[HaphAsSard]

I'm so pro-market that I don't develop emotional attachments to any business. So there's one that eventually goes belly up? (Maybe because it was perceived as being too vanilla, and failed to cater to niche needs? Maybe not - it's beside my point anyway.)
...Oh well: screw 'em.
Seriously. Fog 'em all the way to Tipperary.
I'll manage. I'll adapt. I'll find someone else that wants my business. It's the market, baby.

 

[HelpImaRock]

j/k I get it, I saw a post from someone earlier in the thread about the lack of proper-length strings for Schecter Hellcat and other Bass VI-alikes. I would commit to a prepaid group buy of at least 2-3 sets of those.

FWIW, the best solution right now is to buy some custom baritone sets from Stringjoy. Their baritone .095 has the proper speaking length. I'm probably going to do that soon. But there are no options for flats.

 

[Killing Floor]

Dear 3% of 8% (6 string, bass v guitar) string aficionado, check out Stringjoy. You can custom blend the string gauges individually and they’ll jump through hoops to gain your confidence. 6 string basses are cool. But making strings is expensive and not everyone can sneak in enough profit to support corner case business.

 

[swarfrat]

Just send them a message.

You can send them a message via a few routes:
https://www.sweetwater.com/c586--Bass_Guitar_Strings
Search: 6555 results found for "bass strings"
Bass Guitar Strings | Musician's Friend
and even Amazon.com : bass strings

 

[EngrSorenson]

Asking or suggesting politely and respectfully is always better than demanding.

Maybe, but who ever remembers the customer who saunters in all reasonable and polite?

Just send them a message.

This might be too aggressive though. I imagine this is being said like a mafia guy.

 

[BassFalcon]

as a 6 string user here..

i get it. i can only by sets including low b and high c.

luckily, there really is no shortage of strings. i have lots of options, most are pretty damn good.

i wish ever single variety of string were available in a 6 string set. but, i'm understanding that this is not realistic.

i 100% understand that companies have to use sales as a guide for what they can keep in stock. but, i don't think creating another diameter of the same string is that much of a big job that it would really cost them money? The problem would likely be that they cant charge significantly more for those extras.

if they offered this, and lets say adding the C string cost you $8 more rather than the $2 or $4 or whatever you'd expect, then you would not be willing to spend, and that's where the problem comes from.

have the companies in question tested these waters: would the "guy who needs the B, or C, or both" be willing to pay the appropriate markup to make this mutually beneficial? I really don't know. it's not a huge part of the market and if you consider all the factors its quite remarkable that there are so many choices for 6 string players these days.

Speaking of a C string being possibly marked up to $8 more….5-string double bass strings….my preferred strings are pretty reasonably priced as DB strings go and are about $240 for a set of 4. The low B string is an additional $130. For a single low B string. Keep in mind that’s pretty average for a double bass low B too, they can get higher.

 

[Element Zero]

If you are going to produce a string, make it available in a low 'B' and a high 'C' or don't bother. You know who you are...

 

[Element Zero]

Adorable.

 

[bordinco90]

Please stay in business during these tough times. We’d look pretty stupid standing in front of a crowd with no strings

This is why I've stocked up on flats!

 

[superheavyfunk]

Speaking of a C string being possibly marked up to $8 more….5-string double bass strings….my preferred strings are pretty reasonably priced as DB strings go and are about $240 for a set of 4. The low B string is an additional $130. For a single low B string. Keep in mind that’s pretty average for a double bass low B too, they can get higher.

That is absolutely bananas. A set of five strings is the same cost as a cheap electric bass?!

 

[red_rhino]

Also, please make the strings strong enough for garrotting...

See? This is why knowing the string tension is important. You don’t want to discover that the string you choose is too floppy when you’re mid-garrot.

(Come on! You know we’ve all thought about it. At least once.)

 

[superheavyfunk]

Also, please make the strings strong enough for garrotting...

garroting
noun

1. The act of strangling a person, or compressing his windpipe until he becomes insensible: practised especially in committing highway robbery.

 

[BadSanta1281]

Dear string manufacturers...

Please don't give me any more choices when it comes to strings.
I'm confused enough as it is.

Thank you.

 

[6-3-2]

Maybe, but who ever remembers the customer who saunters in all reasonable and polite?

This might be too aggressive though. I imagine this is being said like a mafia guy.

I didn't think of that kind of message, but I'm sure we'd see some amazing 5-6 string options IMMEDIATELY

 

[NeonVomit]

lol I just go to the store and buy whatever's cheapest.

 

[Watchootognbout]

If you are going to produce a string, make it available in a low 'B' and a high 'C' or don't bother. You know who you are...

I use S.I.T. PowerSteel stainless on my sixers.
I don't need to go everywhere else.

 

[fourfinger]

Dear Bass Guitar Manufacturers:

Why must you continue to make 5-string and 6-string basses? Please don’t bother, because not every string on earth is available in high C or low B.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Dear UK bass string manufacturer of note: the lack of gold silks to match my new gold bass is ....distressing. I suggest you do something about this. Your address has been noted. Yours nitroglycerinically, RR

 

[Iristone]

I use a Chinese brand called 'Earthworm'. They make an ADGC string pack that I don't see a use, except if tuned down to EADG and played like Funkmasters.