FWIW - I've found DR Fat Beams to sound almost identical to Sadowsky strings... like splitting hairs.
There is a "feel" diference in that the Fat Beams are slightly lower tension FWIW - but sound, very close.
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FWIW - I've found DR Fat Beams to sound almost identical to Sadowsky strings... like splitting hairs.
There is a "feel" diference in that the Fat Beams are slightly lower tension FWIW - but sound, very close.
Get this:
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Here is the Sadowsky set-up guide:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Once you go by the Sadowsky set-up, and mess around with things a bit to experiment, you see how something seemingly as small as 1/64th an inch really impacts the feel of a bass. That could be string height... pickup height, etc...
It's not only good to know how to do these things yourself - its also time well spent IMO. Plus, you find your own personal "custom" set up. Everytime I get a bass, I put on my own personal custom setup on each instrument - and they are all just about identical unless I want to make one bass different for some reason.
Good stuff to do on your own...
Modern Growl said:
Agreed. As soon as I have the space , that's my plan.
EDIT: Gah. That setup guide is only in imperial measurements. My brain just imploded...
I've also felt SS hold tone much longer than nickels, which is a big part of the reason I play them.
FWIW, anyway.
Yep, and just to expand a little, it's not an exposed core (like the LaBellas, and some SITs) or even nearly exposed core (like the GHS Contact Cores or the DM SR2000's). This means, IMHO, the Sadowsky strings will have better and more consistent tone. You get those exposed core taper strings and I swear they bring a lot of unpleasant overtones to the table. The nearly exposed core ones aren't as bad, but I definitely like the Sadowsky type taper better (which there are other vendors that do as well, and I would suppose for the same reason).
The bottom line is better bridge break angle survival without sacrificing tone, with a side benefit of easier seating in the bridge at the ball end.
Try denatured alcohol tube treatment instead. It is amazing how well it works. I like the fact that there is no extreme temps or water involved. A quick soak for a few hrs usually does it. I keep a set or two extra in rotation.
I felt that was as well for a very long time. I thought that for my particular M5-24 that there was NO better match than DR Fatbeams. I've been using SS Blue Labels on my MV5 for quite a while so I gave them a try on the M5. Honestly, not like splitting hairs on that bass. The difference was remarkable. The search is over. The Fatbeams are a thing of the past for me now.
I just use one end of my dining table...you don't need to have a special workbench or anything. Gotta kitchen counter, table or a desk you can clear off (temporarily if needed)? Put a towel down and get to work.
I just use one end of my dining table...you don't need to have a special workbench or anything. Gotta kitchen counter, table or a desk you can clear off (temporarily if needed)? Put a towel down and get to work.
Yeah, heck - I set up my basses in my lap sitting on my woodshed stool.
That StewMac Ruler I gave you the link to measures in many different ways. One of which is 64th inches, which is also the set-up guide's measurements too. You shouldn't have a problem there...
LizzyD said:I just use one end of my dining table...you don't need to have a special workbench or anything. Gotta kitchen counter, table or a desk you can clear off (temporarily if needed)? Put a towel down and get to work.
Yeah, I change my strings on the kitchen table on a Guinness bar towel. I just figure that learning to do my own setups will take long enough that I'll be in the way. I just I should just give it a go anyway...
Modern Growl said:
You're hardcore, man.
Modern Growl said:
True. Because I'm looking to make the string heights match specific values, it could be on any system and I'm still just trying to make the string meet a certain line on the ruler.
I've just fell into doing it that way...
Example:,
If I took a bass off my wall and started to play it and noticed the action was off (high or low) - I would make a quick trussrod adjustment with the bass in my lap.
I would then check the action with my Stewmac ruler to make sure its where I want it (about 5.5 / 64th inch on the E string), tune up and play.
I've done this so many times, I just do my set ups in my lap now. I never felt the need to lay the bass out like its a patient on a surgery table
Chef
In Memoriam
I use my kitchen island as my workbench.
My wife don't care as we split 6 years ago (not over that issue!)....
With the convenience of the Sadowsky trussrod wheel, I have in fact pulled a bass out of the bag, strapped it on, found the action needed a tweak, and done that on stage while wearing the bass.
My wife don't care as we split 6 years ago (not over that issue!)....
With the convenience of the Sadowsky trussrod wheel, I have in fact pulled a bass out of the bag, strapped it on, found the action needed a tweak, and done that on stage while wearing the bass.
People would probably be scared to watch me adjust my neck.
First of all, I do everything in my lap, I rarely measure action, I just eyeball it, bouncing strings around for relief and such. I just know my needs that well. But adjusting my neck I always do at full string tuning/tension.
If I'm reducing relief, tightening the rod, I'll brace body with my feet, and fulcrum the neck on my knee at the mid point of the neck, and pull the headstock backwards just enough... JUST enough... to "defeat" string tension. Works really well, but looks kinda' scary.
First of all, I do everything in my lap, I rarely measure action, I just eyeball it, bouncing strings around for relief and such. I just know my needs that well. But adjusting my neck I always do at full string tuning/tension.
If I'm reducing relief, tightening the rod, I'll brace body with my feet, and fulcrum the neck on my knee at the mid point of the neck, and pull the headstock backwards just enough... JUST enough... to "defeat" string tension. Works really well, but looks kinda' scary.
Chef
In Memoriam
Chef
In Memoriam
Chef said:I'd wager this is true, especially if you're making your Bass Face while you do it....
I gotta ask, what's Your Bass Face
Chef
In Memoriam
Vic said:People would probably be scared to watch me adjust my neck.
First of all, I do everything in my lap, I rarely measure action, I just eyeball it, bouncing strings around for relief and such. I just know my needs that well. But adjusting my neck I always do at full string tuning/tension.
If I'm reducing relief, tightening the rod, I'll brace body with my feet, and fulcrum the neck on my knee at the mid point of the neck, and pull the headstock backwards just enough... JUST enough... to "defeat" string tension. Works really well, but looks kinda' scary.
+1. It's really this easy. I do the same way all the time.
