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Brightest 7 string set...

M-Mittlesteadt

M-Mittlesteadt

Sep 6, 2024
1,076
3,374
65
Central WI
#1
I just recently purchased an Ibanez SR206 and it arrived yesterday and I played on it a lot last night. Beautiful bass. Plays wonderful and smooth.

It's strung with the stock, standard BEADGF six string bass tuning and it sounded and played incredible. But...having owned 5 string basses for a long time, the shorter scale leaves the low B a bit on the loose, floppy side so I think I'm going to string it up like a guitar (since I play guitar too...on those tiny little strings and uber close string spacing) EADGBE. I purposely bought a six string with the intention of stringing it up with guitar tuning anyway.

But in order to get a full set for that, I'll need to get a 7 string set and leave the low B off. Now it's a matter of finding the right 7 string set.

Who makes a really bright 7 string set? I normally order strings from juststrings.com but it's difficult to find what I'm looking for. The only set seems to be the Ken Smith 7 string set. Any others anyone would recommend?

Invalid Link Removed
 
#2
I can just buy a single string too.

Ibanez specs say the bass ships with string gauges of .032/.045/.065/.080/.100/.125

I could just restring it, shift all the strings up and leave the low B off, and add like a single D'Addario Pro Steel .028 to use as the high E string. This would give me gauges .028/.032/.045/.065/.080/.100 for a guitar like stock EADGBE.

I might have to buy two strings as I don't think they wrapped enough around the posts to extend the .032 and .045 to the next tuner post up.

EDIT: Looks like D'Addario makes ProSteels in a light gauge where I can order two singles (.028 and .032) and then a 4 string set of .040/.060/.080/.100 to make a full guitar like 6 string set of .028/.032/.040/.060/.080/.100

Thoughts?
 
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#3
M-Mittlesteadt said:
I can just buy a single string too.

Ibanez specs say the bass ships with string gauges of .032/.045/.065/.080/.100/.125

I could just restring it, shift all the strings up and leave the low B off, and add like a single D'Addario Pro Steel .028 to use as the high E string. This would give me gauges .028/.032/.045/.065/.080/.100 for a guitar like stock EADGBE.

I might have to buy two strings as I don't think they wrapped enough around the posts to extend the .032 and .045 to the next tuner post up.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Be aware that a 028 might break before reaching high E. Better look into high F singles, rather than high C ones.

How long is the distance between the C string saddle and the back of the bridge?
The Fender Super 250B6 set (pt. no. 0730250413) is made as a replacement set for the Fender/Squier Bass VI, but it might be juuust long enough (with the main, full-gauge section clearing the nut before taper) on your Ibanez. Roughly 35.5" ball to taper. Small ball ends, so you'd need a stopper of some kind (washers, old bass ball ends) between them and the bridge back-lip.
 
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#9
I ordered the Invalid Link Removed, .22 to .127 for $50. Stainless Steel. Seems to be the best deal and the perfect gauge. I can string my bass up EADGBE guitar style. I'll just set the low B string aside.

I'll keep you posted on how they work out for me. I've used Dean Markley strings on my basses before.
 
#10
Report back on how it works for you! I've been thinking of using guitar tuning on a six string bass as well, so it will be interesting to see.

What application are you thinking of using it for? Me, I'm wondering about it for helping fill out my power trio, and chords for composition without having to put down a bass
 
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#11
I've been a bass player for over 40 years. I kind of quit for a while due to health reasons. I spent a lot of time doing my own music in my studio. I also play guitar but I've never felt real comfortable on guitar. Even though I can play guitar, those tiny strings and spacing has always caused me to mute some notes or cause string buzz. I'm a good bass player, and an adequate guitarist.

Years ago I took a nice Yamaha 5 string and turned into into a six string (new nut and bridge) and I loved it. I have long fingers and a long reach, so I can actually play a six string bass like a guitar...chording all 6 strings. So my goal was to get a new six string bass and string it up same as guitar. It allows me to do full chords, while still being able to play traditional bass lines. Also, even though I played a lot of 5 stringers with a low B, by stringing it up EADGBE I can more easily just use the top four (EADG) and ignore the B and E strings if needed as I get used to playing a six stringer again. A much easier transition as I'm comfortable with playing bass and guitar.

I have some new ideas for a trio playing small gigs where I can comp some guitar with another guitarist, play standard bass lines and be more creative with one bass that does it all. I really don't have a need for a low B any longer. I won't be in a position where I'll be in a band that wants to downtune or needing a low B for any reason.

My converted Yamaha 6 string from a few years ago...

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#17
I came across this Invalid Link Removed. Yes, I didn't use the low B, but the set only cost me $50 from "Strings By Mail" (out of Michigan). The set consists of the following gauges...

.127 (low B, not used).

E - .107
A - .087
D - .067
G - .047
B - .027
E - .022

After restringing my bass to EADGBE with these strings, I've played it all night. Incredible tone. Deep, full, clear and very bright without getting "twangy". Chords sound amazing on my bass. Finger picking individual notes out of guitar chords was so much fun. The notes just rang out beautifully with wonderful sustain.

They are perfectly tapered on the ball end, with a very smooth feel for a very bright roundwound. And yes, even the thin, high "E" is a wrapped string, although it almost looks like a plain unwrapped string. I am very impressed with the feel, tone and the price is great for a 7 string set.

If you've been wanting to string your 6 string bass up in guitar tuning to EADGBE and want bright strings, this is the set to get. I highly recommend these.
 
#19
KenD said:
I have been looking at these for my 6 string. How do they feel and how is the finger noise as compared to pressure wounds?
Click to expand...
They feel pretty smooth for a bright roundwound. Maybe somewhere between the coated Elixers and Rotosounds. It's kind of funny that there is less finger noise on the EADG than the B and E. Perhaps because those thinner strings are naturally brighter and both are wrapped strings. But the finger noise isn't all that noticeable to me.
 
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