Circle K strings...

[groov'ster]

I am looking to order a CK balanced set for my MTD535 and usually use MTD SS 130 which is tapered. Depending on where I am playing I might use standard tuning or down a half step. If I order a CK .124 or .130 set how much if any difference would I see?

If there is less tension I wouldnt mind that at all but would I need to go with a larger gauge?

 

[rockstarbassist]

I am looking to order a CK balanced set for my MTD535 and usually use MTD SS 130 which is tapered. Depending on where I am playing I might use standard tuning or down a half step. If I order a CK .124 or .130 set how much if any difference would I see?

If there is less tension I wouldnt mind that at all but would I need to go with a larger gauge?

When I had my 535, I used MTD .135s SS's on it.

These strings IMHO honestly don't "feel" as big as their gauge size, and I'm not sure if it's b/c of the tension or what, but my low E (on my NS-5XL) is a .124 and that would feel way small to me for a low B but if you're used to it, it could work. I would go with the .130 set though. They're very flexible and feel quite natural. I would love to try these with a balanced set on a 535. Would be a real treat to play.

 

[ixlramp]

My concern with using the BADG strings is that the B string will be so fat and the A string would be so much smaller. I'm not a great bass player by any means so i like to bounce back and forth between the octaves on the B and E strings alot so i don't want a huge difference in tone when i do that.

Oh and also ... although there is no escaping a jump in tone from A to G, I think their tones will be more consistent if they are at equal tension.

I assume you are permanently in AGCF and not retuning to BEAD.

 

[RonnieP]

Hey thanks for all the input guys! this is definitely a new adventure in tuning for me. i think i will try the balanced 166's

 

[ixlramp]

I am looking to order a CK balanced set for my MTD535 and usually use MTD SS 130 which is tapered. Depending on where I am playing I might use standard tuning or down a half step. If I order a CK .124 or .130 set how much if any difference would I see?

If there is less tension I wouldnt mind that at all but would I need to go with a larger gauge?

So you're using 45-65-85-105-130? You'll notice the A D strings are tightest and the B is much looser. Whereas the CK balanced sets have equal tension on each string. So a CK 130 set will have the B the same tension but EADG much looser. The CK 124 set will have a slightly looser B and very much looser EADG.

B strings are usually under-tensioned and floppy in most sets, you might like to choose the CK 136 set which will tighten the B and loosen the EADG relative to the MTD set.

 

[tylerwylie]

So you're using 45-65-85-105-130? You'll notice the A D strings are tightest and the B is much looser. Whereas the CK balanced sets have equal tension on each string. So a CK 130 set will have the B the same tension but EADG much looser. The CK 124 set will have a slightly looser B and very much looser EADG.

B strings are usually under-tensioned and floppy in most sets, you might like to choose the CK 136 set which will tighten the B and loosen the EADG relative to the MTD set.

I was using the .136 for a while, before dropping a fat set for ACGCFBb tuning onto my 6 string and the .136 B is awesome. Another thing to consider is their 'Traditional Tension' sets progress in tension much more evenly than everyone else, so if you want that awesome B but still want some 'thicker' EADG strings that's another area where Circle K shines.

If you look at this set: .136 .100 .076 .058 .043

You'll see you start off at 39.2, 38.7, 40.2, 42.7, 42.8 instead of something like this from D'Addario:
.135 .105 .085 .065 .045 comes out to 36.1, 40.3, 48.4, 51.3, 42.8.

So even the Circle K Traditional Tension sets are likely to be more balanced than most offerings by other manufacturers.

 

[groov'ster]

So you're using 45-65-85-105-130? You'll notice the A D strings are tightest and the B is much looser. Whereas the CK balanced sets have equal tension on each string. So a CK 130 set will have the B the same tension but EADG much looser. The CK 124 set will have a slightly looser B and very much looser EADG.

B strings are usually under-tensioned and floppy in most sets, you might like to choose the CK 136 set which will tighten the B and loosen the EADG relative to the MTD set.

Thanks..thats the info I was looking for. I'm gonna give em a try and will report back. Thanks for your info too tylerwylie.

 

[Proletarian]

I would love to try these on my 6 string but sadly it is string through and I am specifically told to not buy them on the site for that reason Guess my old Jazz will get new strings instead!

 

[G On Bass]

I would love to try these on my 6 string but sadly it is string through and I am specifically told to not buy them on the site for that reason Guess my old Jazz will get new strings instead!

No option on the bridge to topload?

 

[Proletarian]

It does, but it seems like an awkward position to string through. The saddles seat on the left and the top load holes are under and right of the adjustment screws, so the string ran around the screw when I first strung it. That was about 6ish months ago and I haven't bothered since lol.

 

[knucklehead G]

Can we get a pic of the bridge? That seems like an odd design. Not saying it isn't possible as, well, this is the internet, but pics help everything.

 

[Proletarian]

I'll try to get a camera, my iphone doesn't seem to take a clear pic that shows the bridge

 

[G On Bass]

It does, but it seems like an awkward position to string through. The saddles seat on the left and the top load holes are under and right of the adjustment screws, so the string ran around the screw when I first strung it. That was about 6ish months ago and I haven't bothered since lol.

What brand/year is the bass? Is it the stock bridge?

 

[ixlramp]

I would love to try these on my 6 string but sadly it is string through and I am specifically told to not buy them on the site for that reason

They might possibly be usable if the break angle over the saddle is shallow, like a Warwick, the full gauge will sit in the saddle. The taperwound section is 1.625" long.

Circle K are developing strings with a longer tapered section for string-through.

 

[G On Bass]

After reading through all these posts, I pulled the trigger on a set of standard balanced 136's.

Quoting myself...

Anyhoo, I finally got a chance to put these strings on my Lakland 55-02 (top load). My observations after an initial run (FWIW, I do all fingerstyle, little to no slap and no picks in a jam-band kind of genre):

-The gauges on the website (.136 .100 .076 .055 .040) were a little different than the ones I received (.136s .102s .076 .057 .041). No biggie. I'm trust that they know what they're doing.

- The strings are long. Really long. I got the standard set and the tops of the strings are wound out much farther than any other string I have ever seen. Kinda cool looking. They package them uncoiled in a long, straight plastic bag. You can hang it in your closet.

- They feel t-o-t-a-l-l-y- different string-to-string than any set I've played. Ever. One of the biggest problems I have had on my active basses is finding a set where the B sounds good, there is enough tension for low action and a little more aggressive playing but the G doesn't sound out of place and 'zingy'. They have apparently solved that issue. IMHO, they are really on to something here. Everything sounds exactly as it should and plays better than I hoped. The tension is perfect for me. My previous strings were hex core med/med-lights.

- As far as texture and feel on the finger, they are absolutely ideal for me. I have avoided stainless as I don't like the rough feel, but sometimes nickels get a little midrangey for me. Again, these seem to be a good bit of the best of both worlds. They feel and sound great, for me. Don't expect Rotosound type angry grind, but there's certainly enough grind there to get mighty grumpy.

So all that being said, I'm a little ticked off, because now I know I'll have to buy at least one more set for my P/J.

Even though it's been a short time, I think I'll likely be joining the Circle-Kustomer-For-Life Club. The balanced set approach makes total sense and it works. Any plans for a loyalty/repeat/bulk program? Seriously, these are my favorite stings ever.

 

[KingRazor]

Yep.

I read about some of DR's offerings and they sound like they would be interesting to try...and then I remember I already have the perfect strings...

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Quoting myself...

Anyhoo, I finally got a chance to put these strings on my Lakland 55-02 (top load). My observations after an initial run (FWIW, I do all fingerstyle, little to no slap and no picks in a jam-band kind of genre):

-The gauges on the website (.136 .100 .076 .055 .040) were a little different than the ones I received (.136s .102s .076 .057 .041). No biggie. I'm trust that they know what they're doing.

- The strings are long. Really long. I got the standard set and the tops of the strings are wound out much farther than any other string I have ever seen. Kinda cool looking. They package them uncoiled in a long, straight plastic bag. You can hang it in your closet.

- They feel t-o-t-a-l-l-y- different string-to-string than any set I've played. Ever. One of the biggest problems I have had on my active basses is finding a set where the B sounds good, there is enough tension for low action and a little more aggressive playing but the G doesn't sound out of place and 'zingy'. They have apparently solved that issue. IMHO, they are really on to something here. Everything sounds exactly as it should and plays better than I hoped. The tension is perfect for me. My previous strings were hex core med/med-lights.

- As far as texture and feel on the finger, they are absolutely ideal for me. I have avoided stainless as I don't like the rough feel, but sometimes nickels get a little midrangey for me. Again, these seem to be a good bit of the best of both worlds. They feel and sound great, for me. Don't expect Rotosound type angry grind, but there's certainly enough grind there to get mighty grumpy.

So all that being said, I'm a little ticked off, because now I know I'll have to buy at least one more set for my P/J.

Even though it's been a short time, I think I'll likely be joining the Circle-Kustomer-For-Life Club. The balanced set approach makes total sense and it works. Any plans for a loyalty/repeat/bulk program? Seriously, these are my favorite stings ever.

Glad you like them! They really are on to something with the feel, and tonally, the consistent tension makes all the difference.

Welcome to the club.

Yep.

I read about some of DR's offerings and they sound like they would be interesting to try...and then I remember I already have the perfect strings...

I find myself thinking the same thing, mostly in terms of flats. I'm not a fan of the tone, but I'm sure I'll need them (and I kind of want a set for my fretless 6 project). I'm just holding out for some Circle K's because I'm addicted to balanced tension!

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Ah interesting, they must have recently tweaked their gauges slightly. The gauges will still be chosen for balanced tension though. I look forward to the site update and fifths sets if they appear.

I'm glad I'm not alone. I've been considering an F#-C#-G#-D#-A#-F or G-D-A-E-B-F# set for a while now. It's like having all of the notes of my 8-string in the power of my 6. Plus it still gives me the drop D (or drop G) capabilities!

EDIT: Looks like you deleted your response after I'd already quoted it.
Now it shall be preserved on the internet...forever!

 

[ixlramp]

-The gauges on the website (.136 .100 .076 .055 .040) were a little different than the ones I received (.136s .102s .076 .057 .041). No biggie. I'm trust that they know what they're doing.

- They feel t-o-t-a-l-l-y- different string-to-string than any set I've played. Ever. One of the biggest problems I have had on my active basses is finding a set where the B sounds good, there is enough tension for low action and a little more aggressive playing but the G doesn't sound out of place and 'zingy'. They have apparently solved that issue. IMHO, they are really on to something here.

Ah interesting, they must have recently tweaked their gauges slightly. The gauges will still be chosen for balanced tension though. I look forward to the site update and fifths sets if they appear.

Yes equal tension on each string works so well. Traditional sets have a floppy B and the higher strings unnecessarily tight.

 

[Syco_bass]

Ahh.... I can remember the first time I drank the cool aid.

Best strings EVER!!!! Best feel, best tone, best all around strings. I can set my action lower due to the balanced tension of the set and no floppy B string. Even on a 34" scale bass.

Thanks Circle K.

BTW, how do I sign up for the "Circle K customer for life" fan club?

I'm in!!!