I'm demo-ing a set of the Jens Schoenitz “polished" silver on nylon core strings. I found out about these strings while searching for a bass (and/or Luthier for a custom build). I was really excited about Jens’ Mummel and Zett basses, then happy to learn that he has also developed his own strings for his instruments. He's worked with both the Lenzner and Pyramid companies to make his custom sets. *One thing to point out; these Schoenitz strings sets aren't a high volume production set of strings. They are designed primarily for his builds and as replacement sets for his customers. So his custom ordered sets can take quite a few months to be fulfilled, and they aren't readily available.
If you've seen Jens’ instruments, they take the concepts and history of the guitar building deep below Baritone Guitar and right into the "extended bass range" (Low B strings). I like that his approach is so detailed and thorough—and his craftsmanship is amazing!
Here's some of what Jens wrote me about the string sets and his approach:
Installation
G .050” 1.27mm
D .056” 1.42mm
A .070” 1.78mm
E .089” 2.28mm
B .118” 3.00mm
They were an easy Install with ball-ends and no silks (36±" installable length). The strings are polished/smoothed so their initial appearance may seem odd to some. I don’t mind it as my priority is sound / feel.
This is the ‘Heavy’ set with a .118” B string. They have similar gauges to TIAC, TIJR, Lenzner Fisoma 2716, Aquilastrings Round Spirals, Aquilastrings Flat Spirals. As a comparison to the EB world; these would be considered Med-Lights or Lights.
The Galli Synthesis (Chrome flats on Nylon core) are another nylon core string but a very different string altogether (heavier attack and a very short decay).
First Impressions
Unfortunately, I did not have a Schoenitz Mummel or Zett to try these strings on—but maybe someone can convince Jens to send me one to test out for a couple of weeks?
My first impression was amazing. The smooth finish is exactly what I was looking for, not to mention the wonderful tension and tone. I needed to adjust (raise) my action/setup to "dial it in” a little better, but overall I was very excited. They ‘sing' beautifully without being too brilliant/metallic and they harmonize perfectly all the way up the neck—especially the low B above the 12th fret! While that may not be an issue for most, it was a deal-breaker for me with most sets—especially heavy stiffer sets that have the inability to play chordal passages in tune across the neck.
In general, these strings are like the aforementioned TIAC, TIJR, Lenzner Fisoma 2716. I think this set’s character would fall right between the TIJR and the Fisoma “Standard’ 2716 Set—a little ‘stiffer’ feel than the TI’s, but smoother/deep tone than the Fisoma 2716s—similar to the Aquilastrings Round Spirals.
These strings will not satisfy the ‘big thump and short sustain' crowd, but if your ABG speaks better with less tension on the top or is a very resonant instrument, these could be a contender. They have a nice quick attack, a sweet singing tone, and a moderate sustain with a mild decay.
B string
Nice tight tone with some punch, not floppy, AND intonates well across the whole neck.
I had a bit of a "Sophie’s choice" upon installation. I have two ABG (one Spruce/Walnut and one Carbon Fiber) and needed to pick which set to use on which bass? I mistakenly chose the Balor, and feel in hindsight that the Schoenitz polished set would have been even better on the Furch instead. The carbon fiber Balor 5 is already a very aggressive sounding instrument with a mid-forward tone—with very Jazz Bass attitude—which is one of the things I love about the Balor! But this string set gets a little lost in the Balor’s voicing. Not an issue with either component, just a stylistic choice. I will (as some point
) and do a swap to see how each bass plays with the other's set.
Demo
This is an acoustic-only recording.
All tracks are dry/no plugins.
Headphones suggested.
Gear:
Emerald Balor5 bass
Warm Audio WA-47jr Mic
MOTU 8Pre-ES into Logic Pro
Lumix DCG-100 HD/30fps
0:00 Title
0:13 Full Range - Across the neck
1:03 Low Groove with Double stops
1:48 Chordal Passages
If you've seen Jens’ instruments, they take the concepts and history of the guitar building deep below Baritone Guitar and right into the "extended bass range" (Low B strings). I like that his approach is so detailed and thorough—and his craftsmanship is amazing!
Here's some of what Jens wrote me about the string sets and his approach:
Installation
G .050” 1.27mm
D .056” 1.42mm
A .070” 1.78mm
E .089” 2.28mm
B .118” 3.00mm
They were an easy Install with ball-ends and no silks (36±" installable length). The strings are polished/smoothed so their initial appearance may seem odd to some. I don’t mind it as my priority is sound / feel.
This is the ‘Heavy’ set with a .118” B string. They have similar gauges to TIAC, TIJR, Lenzner Fisoma 2716, Aquilastrings Round Spirals, Aquilastrings Flat Spirals. As a comparison to the EB world; these would be considered Med-Lights or Lights.
The Galli Synthesis (Chrome flats on Nylon core) are another nylon core string but a very different string altogether (heavier attack and a very short decay).
First Impressions
Unfortunately, I did not have a Schoenitz Mummel or Zett to try these strings on—but maybe someone can convince Jens to send me one to test out for a couple of weeks?
My first impression was amazing. The smooth finish is exactly what I was looking for, not to mention the wonderful tension and tone. I needed to adjust (raise) my action/setup to "dial it in” a little better, but overall I was very excited. They ‘sing' beautifully without being too brilliant/metallic and they harmonize perfectly all the way up the neck—especially the low B above the 12th fret! While that may not be an issue for most, it was a deal-breaker for me with most sets—especially heavy stiffer sets that have the inability to play chordal passages in tune across the neck.
In general, these strings are like the aforementioned TIAC, TIJR, Lenzner Fisoma 2716. I think this set’s character would fall right between the TIJR and the Fisoma “Standard’ 2716 Set—a little ‘stiffer’ feel than the TI’s, but smoother/deep tone than the Fisoma 2716s—similar to the Aquilastrings Round Spirals.
These strings will not satisfy the ‘big thump and short sustain' crowd, but if your ABG speaks better with less tension on the top or is a very resonant instrument, these could be a contender. They have a nice quick attack, a sweet singing tone, and a moderate sustain with a mild decay.
B string
Nice tight tone with some punch, not floppy, AND intonates well across the whole neck.
I had a bit of a "Sophie’s choice" upon installation. I have two ABG (one Spruce/Walnut and one Carbon Fiber) and needed to pick which set to use on which bass? I mistakenly chose the Balor, and feel in hindsight that the Schoenitz polished set would have been even better on the Furch instead. The carbon fiber Balor 5 is already a very aggressive sounding instrument with a mid-forward tone—with very Jazz Bass attitude—which is one of the things I love about the Balor! But this string set gets a little lost in the Balor’s voicing. Not an issue with either component, just a stylistic choice. I will (as some point
) and do a swap to see how each bass plays with the other's set.Demo
This is an acoustic-only recording.
All tracks are dry/no plugins.
Headphones suggested.
Gear:
Emerald Balor5 bass
Warm Audio WA-47jr Mic
MOTU 8Pre-ES into Logic Pro
Lumix DCG-100 HD/30fps
0:00 Title
0:13 Full Range - Across the neck
1:03 Low Groove with Double stops
1:48 Chordal Passages
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