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Beatle/Violin Bass flatwound/groundwound strings considerations

G

Gear_Junky

Jul 11, 2000
491
9
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#1
Hi. I'm sorry if I'm bugging anyone...

I've been asking around about various strings people like on their viola-type basses (especially non-hofners, i.e. Rogue, Epiphone, Jay Turser, Brice, Douglas, etc. Mine is a Brownsville - pretty much exactly the same as those others).

Ok, so I've made peace with the idea of paying even $40-50 for flatwounds - supposedly they can last for years or even a lifetime.

But at this price point "trying a few sets" really doesn't appeal to me - it would exceed the cost of the bass :)

I've been looking at these:

LaBella Flatwounds (for Hofner violin bass)
D'Addario Chromes flatwound medium scale
D'Addario pure Nickel half-wound (groundwound or "half-flats")

D'Addarios are $10+ cheaper and I also like the idea of chrome and/or nickel - for a warmer sound (vs. steel)

I am not so sure about half-flats, though.

I'm wondering if the "violin club members" have tried these strings, maybe even compared them and what your impressions were.

Thanks! :bassist:
 
#3
I like Paul, but i'm not particularly trying to imitate his tone. I just want deep/warm tone.

I also don't want to spend $50 (with S&H) if I don't have to.

I know I like D'Addario guitar strings - last a long time.

I'm interested to see if anyone's compared LaBellas with D'Addarios (chromes and nickel groundwounds).

thanks.
 
#5
Pyramids are WAY more than I want to pay.

I am kinda between the D'Addario Chromes (flatwound) and D'Addario Nickel Halfwounds.

Chromes are rated "mellow", half-rounds are rated "warm/bright".

can't decide! :hyper:

this is my one and only bass. doesn't the extra brightness help cut through the mix?

:help:
 
#7
Gear_Junky said:
I like Paul, but i'm not particularly trying to imitate his tone. I just want deep/warm tone.

I also don't want to spend $50 (with S&H) if I don't have to.

I know I like D'Addario guitar strings - last a long time.

I'm interested to see if anyone's compared LaBellas with D'Addarios (chromes and nickel groundwounds).

thanks.
Click to expand...

Paul HAS a deep, warm tone. That is really the essence of flats. Really, if it's a money issue, go with the D'Addarios, I have chromes on my Fender Highway One P bass and they sound great.

I think for a violin bass, LaBellas or Pyramids are the way to go. Don't know if you can get around the money issue.
 
#9
Gear_Junky said:
u guys r very persuasive! i'd like 2 see any arguments 4 the half-rounds, just 4 completeness' sake. plz!
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So the other thread you created about this very same topic (where people said the very same thing they're saying to you in this thread) isn't enough for you? How much of your time (and others) are you going to waste before you just buy a set of strings? You've spent more in time than two sets of strings would cost.
 
#10
kevinmoore73 said:
So the other thread you created about this very same topic (where people said the very same thing they're saying to you in this thread) isn't enough for you? How much of your time (and others) are you going to waste before you just buy a set of strings?
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as long as it takes, man. noone is forced to waste their time. all time is wasted voluntarily. each thread like this provides searcheable "documentation" for others in the future. :smug:

You've spent more in time than two sets of strings would cost.
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??? :confused: i only spent a few minutes typing/reading the posts. and it's not about "saving money", it's about getting the right item and not looking back. that's the way I make all my musical purchases and that's the sole reason I use forums - to get/share information. This keeps me from starting "buyer's remorse" threads, too! :D

...

that and to help keep the topic "afloat" :hiding:

btw, the other thread was about being able to use long-scales on the bass. and the other "other" thread was a long-long time ago with very few people commenting and I was hoping to get more responses this time.

and it's not my fault that Starbucks is so expensive ;)
 
#11
Gear_Junky said:
as long as it takes, man. noone is forced to waste their time. all time is wasted voluntarily. each thread like this provides searcheable "documentation" for others in the future. :smug:
Click to expand...

Multiple threads of people telling you, "buy La Bella or Pyramid flats" are of limited use to anyone. You could start a third thread about this topic and people will likely tell you the same thing.

Besides, what kind of "Gear Junky" agonizes for so long over the purchase of a single set of strings for their only bass?
 
#12
kevinmoore73 said:
Multiple threads of people telling you, "buy La Bella or Pyramid flats" are of limited use to anyone. You could start a third thread about this topic and people will likely tell you the same thing.
Click to expand...

but we're not finished yet. we have yet to hear from people who've tried/like other strings. and after i try my strings, whatever I end up buying, I'll post my impressions. That's called dialog. I really don't mind you picking a fight with me (I don't know why) - it keeps the thread alive. But aren't you really wasting your time? I mean that without any sarcasm or agression. what's in it for you?

Besides, what kind of "Gear Junky" agonizes for so long over the purchase of a single set of strings for their only bass?
Click to expand...

the kind that used to have a lot of gear (some of it purchased without the benefit of research) and who had to get rid of it about 7 years ago (due to family circumstances). Also the kind that also plays other instruments and needs other gear too.

And no one's "azonizing". I don't "agonize" over reading information, especially if it's interesting to me.

btw, so far only 2 people shared their preferences here (in this thread) - you're not one of them. So, what say you? :D
 
#14
This would be better in the strings section, I suppose.

LaBella makes a set just for those basses, as above. You will not find a better set for low and warm tone. Pyramids sound great on them, too, but the difference is strictly a matter of flavour- you might find the mids on the Pyramids to be a bit throatier in the mids. There is no way for you to know which you will prefer without hearing them A/bed, and the difference is slight anyway.

On another forum I have personally read many posts from people who have put the LaBella Beatle set on a Rogue or Brice violin bass and each one has said it is a marriage made in heaven.

Groundwounds are another story, and are neither fish nor fowl. I wouldn't bother unless you were willing to experiment as I doubt many out there have tried the combination (though I could be talking smack, here).
 
#15
Gear_Junky said:
Pyramids are WAY more than I want to pay.

I am kinda between the D'Addario Chromes (flatwound) and D'Addario Nickel Halfwounds.

Chromes are rated "mellow", half-rounds are rated "warm/bright".

can't decide! :hyper:

this is my one and only bass. doesn't the extra brightness help cut through the mix?
Click to expand...
Just got off the phone with the Carvin Santa Ana showroom. They carry re-marked D'Addario 'flats'... for "$21.99" for a 4-stringer. I'm gonna get some next week (1st time buying flats). After leveling/crowning my Fender's frets less than 2-weeks, ago I'm not willing to mess them up again using rounds. Flats also appeal to me tone-wse.. sweet, low tones.
 
#16
Although I do not own a violin hollowbody, I do own a DeArmond Starfire hollowbody. I LOVE (and only use) D'Addario Chromes!! :hyper: They are the only flatwound strings I use. I have them on a Deluxe Jazz 5, a Franken-Fender Special 5, a Epiphone EB3-5, the DeArmond, a short scale Memphis P and a Fender Musicmaster. I get amazing thump and some zing (if I need it) with the chromes. I play in 2 cover bands and a blues band. Nobody ever complains. :D

I haven't tried LaBella or Pyramid cuz (like you) I don't like spending >$50 for strings! :cool:

Hope this helps! Russ
 
#18
Mushroo said:
Here you go dude:

Link Removed

$14.95 short scale flats.

[/THREAD]
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Thanks! :rolleyes: I've seen those, but they're 30" - these basses require 32" "medium scale" due to the extra length taken up by the tailpiece. I emailed Kurt about it, he first said "ok" but then got back to me confirming that they're a little short. He was checking into carrying the 32", but I don't know how long that'll take.

Thanks everyone else for your responses! very insightful - I also saw A LOT of good reviews (and only good) for D'Addario Chromes flatwounds on MF product pages.

The only place that I found praising half-rounds was a Rickenbacker forum. I realize that it's a whole 'nother animal.

BTW, I'm not "cheap" - only frugal and mindful of my other more important obligations. I don't "gig" - so I'm not in a hurry - music is a hobby for me.
 
#19
I got my Turser out of the box with rounds.The bass barked like a dog with 'em. Switched to D'addario Chromes. Not switching anymore! they changed the whole character of the bass.It has a nice round sound to it for lack of a more descriptive word. And the blue wrapping looks good as well.
 
#20
Gear_Junky said:
Thanks! :rolleyes: I've seen those, but they're 30" - these basses require 32" "medium scale" due to the extra length taken up by the tailpiece. I emailed Kurt about it, he first said "ok" but then got back to me confirming that they're a little short. He was checking into carrying the 32", but I don't know how long that'll take.
Click to expand...

Oh right, I forgot, you mentioned that in the other thread... my bad! ;)
 

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