The Pyramid strings available at Schneidermusik and here at Thomann Invalid Link Removed are also pretty expensive. The little research i did into length suggested they do fit a 35" scale, but i can't be totally sure. But hey another possible alternative.
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Circle K strings...
- Thread starter James Hart
- Start date
Thanks - the Pyramids actually work out as the cheapest option so far. Just need some money and I can begin my balanced tension journey!
So Very Tired, here's an excellent place to build a custom set: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
USA, but TB members get a discount. Labella and others do .145s. I believe the owner knows the winding lengths of the strings too.
The next lighter balanced set i recommend is 135 100 75 55 40.
A .145 is the only gauge that can be retuned from B to A without flop and flubby tone.
USA, but TB members get a discount. Labella and others do .145s. I believe the owner knows the winding lengths of the strings too.
The next lighter balanced set i recommend is 135 100 75 55 40.
A .145 is the only gauge that can be retuned from B to A without flop and flubby tone.
Ah yes, I've heard good things about basstringsonline. They may work out cheaper even with the extra shipping costs. I've looked at a couple of set options and I think I'd probably try the 135 first - it's probably closer to what I'm using and there's less chance of me having to file the nut to accomodate a new B.
The bassstringsonline.com site looks really good and probably beats any of the UK and EU custom set prices. That's even without the TB discount (which I presume is for supporting members rather than registered users). I've fired them a message to see which strings available as singles would fit my bass and I'll have a whole new set of options!
Well thanks everyone for your patience with a n00b (when it comes to buying strings at least). This thread has helped me massively with understanding the concept of balanced strings, even if I haven't ultimately gone for Circle K this time.
Thanks to ixlramp for pointing me towards bassstringsonline.com and confirming what I'd already half-decided - that 135-100-75-55-40 would be a fairly even set to try out.
Massive thanks to Jason at bassstringsonline.com for a fantastic website, great choice, low prices and customer service that's second to none. I've ended up buying a set that I couldn't make up in the UK and if I could, it'd probably be the same sort of delivered cost as Jason can do from the other side of the Atlantic. Top marks.
I wavered for a while between Dean Markley Blue Steel and the nickel-plated version of the same, as being long enough for my bass and at the lower end of the price range while still being a decent brand. In the end I decided that the change to balanced tension is enough of an experiment this time, so I'm sticking with the material I know and have gone for the nickel-plated version. I'm sure to post something about my findings (in a different thread) after I've played them for a while.
Please resume normal Circle K service!
Thanks to ixlramp for pointing me towards bassstringsonline.com and confirming what I'd already half-decided - that 135-100-75-55-40 would be a fairly even set to try out.
Massive thanks to Jason at bassstringsonline.com for a fantastic website, great choice, low prices and customer service that's second to none. I've ended up buying a set that I couldn't make up in the UK and if I could, it'd probably be the same sort of delivered cost as Jason can do from the other side of the Atlantic. Top marks.
I wavered for a while between Dean Markley Blue Steel and the nickel-plated version of the same, as being long enough for my bass and at the lower end of the price range while still being a decent brand. In the end I decided that the change to balanced tension is enough of an experiment this time, so I'm sticking with the material I know and have gone for the nickel-plated version. I'm sure to post something about my findings (in a different thread) after I've played them for a while.
Please resume normal Circle K service!
Circle K is having a sale today ("Like" their Facebook page):
https://www.facebook.com/circlekstrings
Wish I needed some strings.
It's a good coupon.
https://www.facebook.com/circlekstrings
Wish I needed some strings.
It's a good coupon.
If they'd put that up yesterday I may have gone for it. Very good discount. Oh well, maybe next time.
I'm looking at going balanced after finding that the difference in tension on my Lightwave VL5 is the only real complaint I have.
The stock strings, according to Chris are similar to DM SR2000s (SS hex core) gauges are; .044, .060T, .078T, .098T, and .125T.
I was wondering if anyone has experience with both sets of strings and could suggest what gauge for circle K might put the tension for the strings just above what I might expect for the E string on a long scale bass.
I don't plan to detune.
Chris from lightwave suggests that .130 is probably the highest I could go, but I was wondering if the taper on the Circle Ks might allow me to get to .136?
The .130 puts me at the same gauge as the E on my stock strings, so I figure the tension should be roughly the same?
Correct me if I am wrong. It's my understanding that a higher gauge on the same scale requires higher tension to achieve the same pitch. I'm a bit poor to experiment with multiple strings at the moment.
The stock strings, according to Chris are similar to DM SR2000s (SS hex core) gauges are; .044, .060T, .078T, .098T, and .125T.
I was wondering if anyone has experience with both sets of strings and could suggest what gauge for circle K might put the tension for the strings just above what I might expect for the E string on a long scale bass.
I don't plan to detune.
Chris from lightwave suggests that .130 is probably the highest I could go, but I was wondering if the taper on the Circle Ks might allow me to get to .136?
The .130 puts me at the same gauge as the E on my stock strings, so I figure the tension should be roughly the same?
Correct me if I am wrong. It's my understanding that a higher gauge on the same scale requires higher tension to achieve the same pitch. I'm a bit poor to experiment with multiple strings at the moment.
I can't comment specifically on what strings would fit your specific bass. I would say that .136 would probably be ideal, along with a lighter G (and probably D) - .41 and .57. But if you want a lighter B, and are happy with your current E tension, then it would be .130 .98 .73 .55 and .39 or .41 in Cricle K gauges. If making a custom set from a traditional manufacturer who thinks in rounder numbers it'd probably be more like .130 .100 .75 .55 .40.
*Disclaimer - I'm new to this whole balanced tension thing and am speaking from research rather than experience - my custom set is in transit to me at the moment.
- Aug 5, 2005
- 7,243
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
Circle K's tend to be rather flexible, so tension will be about the same, but the string flexibility may be different enough to necessitate a larger gauge.
For example, if the strings you play now are very inflexible as compared to the Circle K's, even if transitioning to strings of the same tension, you may find that they feel (but don't sound) more loose than your current strings. As a result, you'll need to go up a gauge or so with the Circle K's.
I haven't touched Dean Markeley strings in years, and I certainly wasn't aware of such intricacies at the time, so I can't compare them for you to give you a more specific answer. I can tell you, though, that many players order CK's at the same tension they normally play, but find them to be a bit "loose" and then up the gauge on the next order.
Do you have a picture of how strings fit into your bridge? I know Lightwave basses have an interesting setup that may not allow for modification or tapered string benefits.
Hi, thanks for the info.
I don't find the strings overly loose; the upper three are perhaps too tight, because I have a number of wrist problems. The E string is about right. The B is much too wobbly/flabby (although it sounds nice through my fearful cab), to the point where the actuation for fingerstyle is changing to a noticable degree. While I accept this is probably a characteristic of a B string on a long scale bass (with the exception of overly stiff strings), I don't want this to carry into my other strings, which my main concern about going balanced, as the other strings are relatively lower in tension.
I'm a terrible photographer and don't have access to a camera right now, but luckily the internet has provided me with some images.
I'm not OVERLY sure if these are the stock gauge. To me, it looks like there's a heap of room, but I'm not full bottle on strings and how the mechanism work (though logic stands that the movement of the string is the least towards the bridge/head). I'll post a pic of my bass when I wake up. When I asked Chris about the restring procedure, he said it's the same as your average bass
I expect some more info from Chris when the time is right in his part of the globe.
Thanks.
EDIT:: Chris has recommended that I stick with the 130s. He mentions that tapered strings are usually full daimeter where the doodad is, so there's mechanical problems.
Skip has mentioned that although he's spoken with lightwave engineers at NAMM, he can't make a specific recommendation.
I've decided I will buy the 130 set and a single 136 string. Although balanced is what I am looking for, I'm more than willing to make a compromise for higher tension down on the lower strings.
EDIT::: Order placed. It may have been wiser to go for the 136 set and a single 130. But we'll just see how it goes. Money will flow eventually.
Just ordered 2 sets last night (had my current set on for over a year!) Glad to see that the shipping costs to Canada are finally reasonable, I remember it being a big issue last time I ordered. Best strings around, can't wait to throw a fresh set on the 'wick!
The shipping prices are better but still double what bassstringsonline charge.
However i'd still like to give cirlce K's a shot. is anyone able to compare their tone to DR Nickel Lo-Riders?
However i'd still like to give cirlce K's a shot. is anyone able to compare their tone to DR Nickel Lo-Riders?
I just slapped a set on my Jazz 24 - 102 balanced set. These things deliver. I was a little hesitant at first to try em because I'm not really a fan of stainless steel (don't like the low-treble gank) and these strings are described as a nickel-steel blend. Thanks to Grateful giving me a spin on his new Circle K-equipped Reverend, I took the plunge. These strings do cut more than nickel plated strings, and have more sheen, but are not ganky. These strings give me the most satisfying slap tone I've ever gotten out of my Jazz. Bright enough to please a stainless convert, but the tone also has a lot of fundamental to it - a good tone for a dense mix. The feel is a little rougher than the D'Addario nickels I had on the bass before, but not much. I bet they'd feel downright silky compared to some of the stainless strings I've tried. I believe I'll be trying these on all my electrics now.
On my Spector, I found the two strings sounded fairly similar, especially when fresh and playing with a pick. If playing in standard (or close to), I'll stick with the Lo-Riders due to price. C standard or lower and I'll definitely take the Circle K's because they're perfect.
That's just my personal opinion... which is right.
Josh Pelican said:
Well my jazz bass is the only one tuned to C# standard...I may give them a shot. Thanks Mr. Pelican.
