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Circle K strings...

#961
So I've had these strings on my bass for a couple of weeks now, I bought a .106 4 string balanced set and while I do like the tone, I kind of feel like the low end punch is reduced... I also feel the highs are a bit harsh. perhaps I need to break them in?
I used .105 DR Hi Beams before and didn't feel like I needed to break them in like I do with these.
They also feel like they have less tension. I play with a pick the majority of the time and like higher tension strings; so I was wondering,
would going with a heavier gauge increase the tension and/ or add some more bottom end?
 
#962
AmpedSilence said:
So I've had these strings on my bass for a couple of weeks now, I bought a .106 4 string balanced set and while I do like the tone, I kind of feel like the low end punch is reduced... I also feel the highs are a bit harsh. perhaps I need to break them in?
I used .105 DR Hi Beams before and didn't feel like I needed to break them in like I do with these.
They also feel like they have less tension. I play with a pick the majority of the time and like higher tension strings; so I was wondering,
would going with a heavier gauge increase the tension and/ or add some more bottom end?
Click to expand...

To answer your question plainly, yes, and maybe (respectively).

Circle K's are made very flexibly, so I always recommend getting one gauge larger than what you normally prefer. It'll increase the tension and make the string a bit more taught.

As for the tone, increasing string tension actually reduces the fundamental and accentuates the second, third, etc. harmonics. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as our ears tend to predominately hear the second and third harmonics, so it may add to the low end you feel like you're lacking.

I use the .112 set almost exclusively (although I have a .106 on my fretless) and none of my basses suffer from lack of low end. What bass are you using? How are you EQing?

The strings can be a bit zingy when they're new, but I don't find them to be harsh in the slightest. In my opinion, the frequency response is remarkably even and very responsive to EQ adjustments.
 
#963
I'd say let them break in... I have had no problems getting plenty of lows out of mine. I assume your DR Hi Beams were steel (can they be nickel?), but I would say nickels do outshine these strings in that low "boom" a little bit. Steels? Not in my experience. The wrap on these is steel-nickel hybrid as I recall.

I also think these strings have a more hi-fi sound to them which is different for some players, and they take a little longer to break in than many other strings, so keep that in mind. Still, compared to steels in general, I think these have a greater low end.
 
#964
FunkMetalBass & cassius987 - thanks for the info!

I suppose I should let them break in a bit more. perhaps I'll get a heavier gauge if it doesn't arrive to a less "zingy" tone, which I'm certain it will, eventually ... :)
I am all for a modern hi fi sound, I tried flats when I first picked up bass 4 years ago and when I switched to EB Slinkies (on a whim) I was in tonal heaven; I knew roundwound was for me from then on! now its just a matter of choosing nickel or steel..
I had to bump up my low and mid knobs on my amp and roll the highs way back. I also turned down the tone knob on my Squier 60's CV P bass, which I don't really like to do; I like the mid growl I can get with the tone knob adjusted up, thats why I felt the high zingy sound was a bit harsh.

Raising the gauge seems like it could help me out too then... I definitley will give that .112 set a try next time! (hopefully later than sooner!)
 
#966
AmpedSilence said:
They also feel like they have less tension. I play with a pick the majority of the time and like higher tension strings; so I was wondering,
would going with a heavier gauge increase the tension and/ or add some more bottom end?
Click to expand...

The Circle K set is: .106 .079 .059 .043
The DR Hi Beams is: .105, .085, .065, .045

It seems pretty likely that the Circle K set is less tension than the DR set, and possibly would be less rigid at equal gauges as well. The DRs are round core (possibly part of what you hear in the highs?) and stainless steel (likely to have stronger voltage output). I would definitely not shy from trying a higher-gauged set, but I'd also spend a lot of time with pickup height adjustments and amp EQ (turn down the tweeter as well!) before spending money if it's unnecessary. I have the .102 set and there's plenty of note fundamental/punch.
 
#967
So I just got a new bass that has terrible strings on it, so I'm going to take this opportunity to restring both of my basses. I've never played a balanced set before, but I've always felt my low strings were a bit too floppy. I'm primarily a pick player that plays pretty hard, if that helps. Looking for some guidance here.

One bass is a 4 string that will be tuned CGCG, which will need to be a custom set because of the two 5th intervals there. I'm leaning towards 130 086 065 043 for that set, which will keep the tension around 42-43 lbs on each string.

My other bass is a 5 string and going to be a bit trickier to figure out, because I retune from ADADG to standard BEADG and back during shows. I would say that I spend about 1/3 of the time in standard and about 2/3s of the time in the dropped tuning. The problem is that if I pick a gauge that will keep the low A and D at the proper tension, then they will be up over 50 lbs when I tune up to standard. So should I try to come up with a compromise gauge that will have it around 35 when dropped, and 45 when in standard? Something like 150 112 079 059 043 ?
 
#971
bigchiefbc said:
So should I try to come up with a compromise gauge that will have it around 35 when dropped, and 45 when in standard? Something like 150 112 079 059 043 ?
Click to expand...
Yes absolutely this ... and this is the method that Skip of Circle K has recommended in the past. Essentially you are choosing a balanced set for the average tuning of A#D#ADG, therefore minimising the tension imbalances in your 2 tunings.

CGCG ... nice tuning.
 
#973
AmpedSilence said:
FunkMetalBass & cassius987 - thanks for the info!

I suppose I should let them break in a bit more. perhaps I'll get a heavier gauge if it doesn't arrive to a less "zingy" tone, which I'm certain it will, eventually ... :)
I am all for a modern hi fi sound, I tried flats when I first picked up bass 4 years ago and when I switched to EB Slinkies (on a whim) I was in tonal heaven; I knew roundwound was for me from then on! now its just a matter of choosing nickel or steel..
I had to bump up my low and mid knobs on my amp and roll the highs way back. I also turned down the tone knob on my Squier 60's CV P bass, which I don't really like to do; I like the mid growl I can get with the tone knob adjusted up, thats why I felt the high zingy sound was a bit harsh.

Raising the gauge seems like it could help me out too then... I definitley will give that .112 set a try next time! (hopefully later than sooner!)
Click to expand...

A.S., we're in the same boat. I've used primarily DR stainless (hi-beams, DDT's) on a Cirrus 4 and a Jackson 5 for years, and also play primarily with a pick. When I got my custom 5er last year the sets I wanted were not available locally so I just put some D'Addario ProSteels on it to get by. Overall they were fine, but a month ago I put on a .150 balanced set on my bass (comes with a .112 E).

There was a slight drop in highs but nothing that should deter anyone from getting them. I boost the highs and upper mids only slightly and that more than compensates for that. What really pleases me is the beefier, fuller tone I get without sounding mudded out.

As my electronics are a Bartolini system (and by nature have a more prominent bottom end) I cut some of the low end out and that adds definition to the tone, especially helping the B. Not that it sounds bad, not at all - but for the venue I play in and the music style it helps me cut through more without loosing the 'body' of the sound that the bass provides.

And, the higher tension helps me keep the action low (34" scale) for picking on the heavy side. I noticed a little buzzing last night while practicing in my bedroom so perhaps the weather is causing my neck to move a bit (I'll have to check it) but measuring between the top of the 12th fret and the bottom of the strings, all of mine are from 2 ~2.6-8 mm above the fret.

I would say go with the heavier set. Others here have said that while CK's are slightly less-bright than stainless, that the brightness they have lasts longer (DDT's were my favorite, had less of the initial fade of the hi-beams and lasted longer before they tapered off). Time will tell, but for now I'm pleased. My experience has also shown that upping the gauge will give you that bottom you want. There are other factors like bass construction, etc. which can't be ignored but having tested myself & keeping all else equal, the thicker strings helped without hurting on the top end.

I had debated initially about getting the .146 w/.106 E but am glad I got the thicker set.

Best wishes,

Eric
 
#974
bigchiefbc said:
So I just got a new bass that has terrible strings on it, so I'm going to take this opportunity to restring both of my basses. I've never played a balanced set before, but I've always felt my low strings were a bit too floppy. I'm primarily a pick player that plays pretty hard, if that helps. Looking for some guidance here.

One bass is a 4 string that will be tuned CGCG, which will need to be a custom set because of the two 5th intervals there. I'm leaning towards 130 086 065 043 for that set, which will keep the tension around 42-43 lbs on each string.

My other bass is a 5 string and going to be a bit trickier to figure out, because I retune from ADADG to standard BEADG and back during shows. I would say that I spend about 1/3 of the time in standard and about 2/3s of the time in the dropped tuning. The problem is that if I pick a gauge that will keep the low A and D at the proper tension, then they will be up over 50 lbs when I tune up to standard. So should I try to come up with a compromise gauge that will have it around 35 when dropped, and 45 when in standard? Something like 150 112 079 059 043 ?
Click to expand...

Hi BigChief,

I see that you already placed your order; IMO the .150 balanced set would be fine. While I only occasionally have to drop-tune my E to D (and really never have to drop to A - but did to play around with it) I feel this set would be ideal for that.

Personally I wouldn't want to go any tighter on my lower strings (and am going to see if Skip has a set in between, say, 40 lbs) but YMMV. Let us know how your bass turns out.

Eric
 
#977
Just recieved an email from Skip....

Re: Bulk Order Discounts:

"We'll be posting Volume discounts soon with price breaks at 5, 10, 15 pieces/sets

Keep an Eye on the Web site!!...

but Skip also added....if there is something you need before the changes take place I can write an order up.


Thanks Skip for the Help..



Order on its way!!!

Randyt
 
#979
I'm thinking of swapping out the stock strings on my new Dingwall ABZ for some variety of nickels, and the Circle K's offer so many choices.

I've read that the 36-37" scale strings will fit. What gauges will give a similar tension and feel compared to the stock Dingwall strings? I've also read that the tension balanced sets will actually have a decreasing tension from B to G, which isn't really a bad thing, to me.

Finally, how do they feel, being a nickel/steel hybrid? I hate the feeling of steel strings, so if the CK's are anywhere near as rough as the standard set of SS, then I'll have to pass.
 
#980
TheEmptyCell said:
I'm thinking of swapping out the stock strings on my new Dingwall ABZ for some variety of nickels, and the Circle K's offer so many choices.

I've read that the 36-37" scale strings will fit. What gauges will give a similar tension and feel compared to the stock Dingwall strings? I've also read that the tension balanced sets will actually have a decreasing tension from B to G, which isn't really a bad thing, to me.

Finally, how do they feel, being a nickel/steel hybrid? I hate the feeling of steel strings, so if the CK's are anywhere near as rough as the standard set of SS, then I'll have to pass.
Click to expand...

Lots of good questions here. According to Skip, he designed the "Traditional" Circle K sets from Dingwall scale specs to give balanced tension, so getting a Traditional set with a B-string equivalent (actually, I'd recommend one gauge larger) to what you normally use should give a similar feel. If you'd like to make your own custom set, I've attached a scale-variable Circle K tension chart. Just determine the scale for each string and pick some tensions.

The strings are very smooth and flexible - not rough and rigid like the ProSteels I've used. Even the larger gauges with huge outer windings tend to feel very soft and comfortable. FWIW, most "nickel" strings are some sort of nickel/steel hybrid or a nickel-plated steel wrapped on a steel core.
 

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