• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Circle K strings...

#501
cassius987 said:
I've only ever heard the opposite of that "almost everywhere" which equates to just two sources in guitar/bass magazines. But I don't really care whether I'm right or not about this--maybe my memory sucks and I'm thinking opposite of what I read. Like I said I prefer CK strings as they are now...
Click to expand...

Most people on TB and even some string manufacturers claim that steels are scooped and nickels have a bump in the mids.

I do agree though. I don't want Circle K to change their formula.

I would like to see some flats though.
 
#502
KingRazor said:
I thought steel strings had a scooped mid range. That's what I read around here usually, anyway. The aggressive sound really depends on what brand of steels you get.
Click to expand...

Sure, it may be scooped, but which part exactly? The midrange is huge. It's entirely possible to simulate the scoop by cutting everything between 200 and 700 Hz and boosting 800 to 1.5 kHz, which is more or less the upper midrange. You will still have a scooped sound in the regards that the low/mid midrange is cut and falls out, but the upper midrange aggression still leaks through.

It's really nice to combine this with a P-bass, because the location and design of the pickup tends to focus more on the midrange, so it balances the tone a bit.
 
#503
FunkMetalBass said:
Sure, it may be scooped, but which part exactly? The midrange is huge. It's entirely possible to simulate the scoop by cutting everything between 200 and 700 Hz and boosting 800 to 1.5 kHz, which is more or less the upper midrange. You will still have a scooped sound in the regards that the low/mid midrange is cut and falls out, but the upper midrange aggression still leaks through.

It's really nice to combine this with a P-bass, because the location and design of the pickup tends to focus more on the midrange, so it balances the tone a bit.
Click to expand...

Good point.

The low mids are generally the part I boost the most on a bass anyway, so nickel strings on a P bass is great for me. :)
 
#508
Maiden Bass said:
Has anyone ordered Circle K singles to build your own set (for the gauges you are used to) or would it just be better to order one of their sets (which are sort of weird gauges to me)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I will be doing this with my next bass, but I haven't done it yet. I might have to email skip about it, though, and get his thoughts on my idea.

The gauges seem weird, but the entire premise is that the sets are supposed to have consistent tension across each string, and it's true that they do a good job of that, varying usually by no more than 3 lbs across all strings.
 
#511
Bassman8416 said:
Thank you so much guys...I will be ordering beginning of next week. Its crazy I have have been searching for the right strings and just have not found them yet..DR's, Ken Smith, D'Addario, R Cocco, Dunlop, SIT and Thomastiks.
Click to expand...


Finally have found the best strings I ever touched. Tone, feel....nothing compares. I have had tendinitis problems on and off the past few months and tried the 124(B)-5 string balanced set...and I am so grateful to have trusted this thread and try these.
 
#512
Bassman8416 said:
Finally have found the best strings I ever touched. Tone, feel....nothing compares. I have had tendinitis problems on and off the past few months and tried the 124(B)-5 string balanced set...and I am so grateful to have trusted this thread and try these.
Click to expand...

I was a bit hesitant, but hopeful, when ordering my first set. I ordered before this thread had more than a page, and I only ordered a 4-string set because I didn't want to be out a lot of money if they didn't work out. After buying that set, I immediately* bought an 8-string and two 6-string sets. They are my favorite strings and I recommend them to everyone.








* whenever finances allowed
 
#513
Maiden Bass said:
Has anyone ordered Circle K singles to build your own set (for the gauges you are used to) or would it just be better to order one of their sets (which are sort of weird gauges to me)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You really should at least try a tension balanced set, they feel amazing. The gauges look strange because instead of the conventional gauge steps of .005, which create big jumps in tension for the smaller gauges, the Circle K gauge step changes from .001 for plain strings through .002 for the smallest wounds, .003 .004 .006 .008 to .010 at the .190 string. The tension jump between adjacent gauges is therefore kept roughly constant. It's an extremely well designed set of gauges.
 
#514
I have been a Rotsound Swingbass 66 Stainless Steel user for 20 years (now using the Billy Sheehan sigs for more drop d stuff). I am thinking of making the switch to either the Balanced 112 or Drop tuned Drop Tune Standard 112 so I am wanting input please.

The change in strings re spurred on for three reasons: 1) I changed by pickup from EMG 35P and 35J to EMG 35DC's 2) i change from a standard preamp to an ACG Filter based pre-amp 3) Due to a medical condition, I am rarely playing with my fingers and more with a pick.

I tell you this because while I certainly love the net gain in tone I received, it seems the Rotos may way too bright and have less focused depth than I want (but I don't want a "muddy" low end). How would the Circle K's compare?
 
#516
FunkMetalBass said:
Circle K's definitely have more of the defined low end that you'd be looking for, so I'd highly recommend getting them.
Click to expand...

Well, the issue for me is still retaining the ambient brightness of the string. I want that piano tone, but want a full, yet focus low end without mud.

EDIT: I went ahead and pulled the trigger on them. I will string the E next to the E of the Rotosound to give a direct A/B comparison as the Roto's are pretty new still.
 
#517
TheWoodShed said:
Well, the issue for me is still retaining the ambient brightness of the string. I want that piano tone, but want a full, yet focus low end without mud.

EDIT: I went ahead and pulled the trigger on them. I will string the E next to the E of the Rotosound to give a direct A/B comparison as the Roto's are pretty new still.
Click to expand...

Good idea.

I don't think they'll have the brightness of Rotos, but they have more than enough for me.
 
#519
cassius987 said:
They change character a lot depending on how you attack. That's how it is for my 4003FL with a BS100-4 set anyways. Soft attack=few harmonics, a hard attack decreases sustain and increases brightness.
Click to expand...

This in many ways mirrors my impression of Alloy52 strings I've used, probably no coincidence as the 52-48 nickel iron that makes up Alloy52 would be close to analog to the every-other-nickel-stainless CircleK uses. It's a nice behaviour as you can change your tone through your technique rather than running back to your amp.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back