Acoustic Bass String Innovations: Aquila Flat Spirals and Round Spirals

[timendous]

Thanks for the post. Perhaps tell us where you purchased them.

Yikes I'll have to check, I know it was from an online string retailer.

 

[SBassman]

I view strings on a bass the same way I view heads on drums.
Good strings and good heads make All the difference.
You don't want to cheap out there.

[In all my drumming life, playing a bazillion gigs across many years, I was always complimented on the tone of my drums. And yet, I was always playing super low end drums - with the best heads.]

We will see over time what the facts are on the longevity of these strings.
If you are someone who wants sparkly, boingy bass strings all the time, these may not be for you.
If you are someone who loves warmth, these are for you, and, the warmth increases as the string ages.

I now have two identical basses strung with these - one set is several months old now, and one set is brand new. The several month old set gets better and better with age.

In other words - I expect to use these same flats on these basses - across years, not months - thus rendering the cost less relevant.

Know that these are not a big margin situation for the manufacturer. These are expensive to make. Worth every penny and then some.

 

[mikeoso]

Nice looking bass. I like the slotted headstock. What is it?

It's a custom built by Jose Mota, intended for use in a fado ensemble. The body is 25" long, 19" wide, 6" deep....roughly similar to an Earthwood. 32" scale. Currently wearing Roto tapes.

 

[Maxra]

There's a YouTube vid on installing Aquila synthetic core strings someplace, but I can't find it - any ideas? Also, most bass strings are made with length for a 4 in line headstock, but many ABG's are 2 a side, so you have to cut the strings. With synthetic core 34" strings on e.g. my 32" Alien, do you have to allow for that stretch by cutting them still shorter than usual? The problem didn't arise on my 23.75" Guild Jumbo Junior bass with D'Addarios, as the OE strings seem to be made for that exact scale length.

Also (OT)...

Sorry for thread drift, but did you try GHS bronze pressure wounds? Kind of new string. Seems like should be good, more bass less twang vs. bronze rounds.

I had GHS bronze pressure wounds on a 32" Warwick Alien. Good acoustic sound and volume for a light gauge string (42-90), less tension, noticeably less string noise than rounds but they don't eliminate it. Took them off to try for more DB sound, no answers yet on that.

 

[Wannabebass]

A question for @Mimmo : earlier in a thread you said that 30-34" scales were covered by the 220U "long scale" set. Are there recommendations for cutting these strings to fit the 30" scale ABG? Many thanks for all your contributions here.
Andy

 

[Mimmo]

A question for @Mimmo : earlier in a thread you said that 30-34" scales were covered by the 220U "long scale" set. Are there recommendations for cutting these strings to fit the 30" scale ABG? Many thanks for all your contributions here.
Andy

Yes Andy, you can cut the excess of string in safety . Mimmo

 

[Wannabebass]

Yes Andy, you can cut the excess of string in safety . Mimmo

Thank you so much! Should I do a hard bend or kink at the end of the remaining part of the string before cutting and winding onto the post?
Also wondering if these strings are in Canada yet. If not I will just order from the US. thanks again.

 

[Wyrdlow]

I shall certainly be trying these out... when I can find some! Having failed to find any in the UK I went direct to Aquila's website. https://aquilacorde.com/en/flat-spirals-bass-strings/
They do sell them direct, but... they're out of stock! I'll keep checking in with them.
The description is very appealing - thanks for bringing them to my attention!

 

[HaphAsSard]

I shall certainly be trying these out... when I can find some! Having failed to find any in the UK I went direct to Aquila's website. https://aquilacorde.com/en/flat-spirals-bass-strings/
They do sell them direct, but... they're out of stock! I'll keep checking in with them.
The description is very appealing - thanks for bringing them to my attention!

Apparently there has been a planned delay in distribution in some countries including the UK:
Mimmo Peruffo

 

[Wyrdlow]

Apparently there has been a planned delay in distribution in some countries including the UK:
Mimmo Peruffo

Thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye out for them.

 

[SBassman]

If I may tr to fill in some info. Mimmo can correct me where I am not accurate.

Most of Aquila's strings are manufactured via extrusion of synthetic materials.

These copper strings are a copper wrap over a synthetic "sugar" bioplastic core. They don't have the same production capacity for these as they do for the extrusion.

For whatever it is worth to you - for me, they are well worth the wait. These are very special strings.
Until Mimmo comes up with the next innovation I don't see myself using any other strings on an acoustic bass.

And also consider the Rounds. I have written more about the Flats because I really love the sound of flats. But in my past, I have been turned off of the flats of other companies because they are typically very stiff and higher tension. With Aquila, we have a flat that is beautifully warm while being so comfortable and softer to the touch.

But, if you prefer rounds, know that the copper Round Spirals by Aquila are far superior to the stock strings - or any phosphor bronze string. If it takes a wait to get them, it will be worth the wait.

 

[Wyrdlow]

If I may tr to fill in some info. Mimmo can correct me where I am not accurate.

Most of Aquila's strings are manufactured via extrusion of synthetic materials.

These copper strings are a copper wrap over a synthetic "sugar" bioplastic core. They don't have the same production capacity for these as they do for the extrusion.

For whatever it is worth to you - for me, they are well worth the wait. These are very special strings.
Until Mimmo comes up with the next innovation I don't see myself using any other strings on an acoustic bass.

And also consider the Rounds. I have written more about the Flats because I really love the sound of flats. But in my past, I have been turned off of the flats of other companies because they are typically very stiff and higher tension. With Aquila, we have a flat that is beautifully warm while being so comfortable and softer to the touch.

But, if you prefer rounds, know that the copper Round Spirals by Aquila are far superior to the stock strings - or any phosphor bronze string. If it takes a wait to get them, it will be worth the wait.

Thanks for the info. Wait I shall! I've always liked the idea of the ABG much more than the reality. Phosphor Bronze are not to my liking, either for feel or sound. Mine currently wears RS88s with a sponge by the bridge and a high action and it's better but... not quite.
Looking forward to trying these. Excited about strings!Who'd'a thought it?!

 

[Mimmo]

If I may tr to fill in some info. Mimmo can correct me where I am not accurate.

Most of Aquila's strings are manufactured via extrusion of synthetic materials.

These copper strings are a copper wrap over a synthetic "sugar" bioplastic core. They don't have the same production capacity for these as they do for the extrusion.

You are absolutely right: we do not have the capacity production than need for the flat spirals. Each worker can do just 2 sets per hour because there is a deal of work in these strings.
Round Spirals: I am waiting January 02 in order to have the new envelopes for these strings. Their production is so far faster than the flats.
Well guys, happy new year that it is coming soon. Here in Italy they are 10 am.

 

[Wannabebass]

I was able to order a set of regular scale flat spirals this morning from strings by mail. I'm planning to put them on my 30" scale Fender BG 29, which currently has what I think are chromes on it. (Put on by previous owner). Wondering if it will create any intonation problems changing the steel core strings out for the synthetic core?
Any ideas?

 

[Wannabebass]

Received my Aquila Flat Spirals last night and put them on this morning. Not the cleanest install I imagine, because I had to cut them down a bit for my 30"scale BG 29 ABG. Unlike a metal core string I wasn't able to just jam the string down the centre hole of the tuning post, as the holes are small, and once I stripped off some some of the silks and/or some of windings, the core is elastic and slippery and it kept coming off the post as I tuned up to pitch.
I ended up running the tail end string through the slot and then tucking it under the rest of the string as I wound it around the post. Maybe not the most elegant solution, but it seems to be working.
First impression (i.e. first 5 minutes of use) and I was underwhelmed. Sounded very similar to the chromes that I took off the bass.
After just a few hours, though, I can start to hear that they have less finger noise, much more warmth, a bit more sustain and less of the metallic tinny sound that I felt like I was hearing with the chromes.
Also intonated perfectly according to my typical clip on tuner. I was wondering if that would be an issue switching from steel core to synthetic.
Overall very satisfied so far.

 

[honza992]

Hi @Mimmo
Greetings from Italy! I've started making these archtop basses:

Scale length is 31.2", but the tailpiece means standard 34" strings usually fit perfectly. At the moment it's got La Bella Deep Talking flats, which I guess is a fairly standard choice. How would you say the tone of the Flat Spirals compares with the tone of a standard Flat?

Also, your website in Italy shows them as being out of stock. Any idea when you'll have more in?

(And if you're ever in Pietrasanta (LU), drop me a line!)

 

[honza992]

Also, @Mimmo do you have a figure for total string tension for the flat spirals?

 

[SBassman]

I now have newly purchased Aquila copper rounds on two acoustic basses.
Much, much love.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Hi @Mimmo
Greetings from Italy! I've started making these archtop basses:
View attachment 5426419

Scale length is 31.2", but the tailpiece means standard 34" strings usually fit perfectly. At the moment it's got La Bella Deep Talking flats, which I guess is a fairly standard choice. How would you say the tone of the Flat Spirals compares with the tone of a standard Flat?

Also, your website in Italy shows them as being out of stock. Any idea when you'll have more in?

(And if you're ever in Pietrasanta (LU), drop me a line!)

That bass is sweet!
Do you do 5 string fretless?

 

[honza992]

That bass is sweet!
Do you do 5 string fretless?

Hi Lance
Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

I haven't made a 5 string. The trouble with acoustic basses is that you are really fighting physics. The amount of energy needed to get the top vibrating at low frequencies is 10 times what it is for a guitar. I have my doubts that a low B would be anything but disappointingly quiet and characterless. I know you can get them - Warwick Aliens come in 5 string versions, but my guess is they are a compromise that is probably not worth making. A high C on the other hand would be really really sweet sounding.