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D'Addario new for 2013 thread!
- Thread starter SLaPiNFuNK
- Start date
Yep, totally digging the even tension a lot. But before I go and order boxes of strings, I might try a little experiment with even lighter strings. I remember using a set of ProSteels that started with a 35 G and loved them back in the day but then D'addario started selling twin packs of 40-95 XL's real cheap so I stopped using the ProSteels. But looking at D'addario's string tension charts, I could put together a balanced tension set starting with a 35 G out of strings I already have except for the 35, and I can likely get one at a store about 15 minutes away. So that will be my little project tomorrow.
The gauges for it seem odd...35-45-60-80, but they're all between 23.5 and 26 lbs of tension, so that should be OK, I'd think. Might just go ahead and string up a bass with the other 3 strings now and see how it feels.
UPDATE: Nah
It's fun and feels pretty balanced but a little too mushy. Got to get the action way up to keep them from rattling so much. 40-95 set it is.
Yep, 40-95 BT. Have not tried D'addario's coated strings. Tried a set of Elixirs once...not bad, but I don't think it's my thing.
I'm digging the BT sets myself Jimmy. If D'Addario released the balanced sets in the coated versions I would definitely give them a try!
If D'addario had a set of BT's in the Coated strings, I would not need another string. their coated strings sound like new XL's that had something a bit more going on in mids; like there is some extra growl out of them. But still without altering the same XL tone. Hard to explain. They are more substantial sounding than the XL's in the same 220 gauge I use. Like they vibrate more intensely. Almost like the Slowwounds used to be back in the day. It's not really different but its not really the same.
I've tried Elixers before they improved their coating, like in 1999. The EXP's are something else, way better than Elixers from my memory. They have character to them, Elixers didn't have anything special going on.
Joel, do you use a pick at all? My main beef with Elixirs was I could see that pick usage was going to wear out the coating. That's why I never tried D'addario's coated strings. But if they sound mostly like XL's, sounds good.
I've used XL's as my round-wound of choice for many years now. ...never really thought much about tension balance, but this thread's making me want to give it a try, if only just for the experience. 40-95's way too light for me, I now use 170's (45-100) or 165's (45-105), but a .107 E...? It sounds pretty hefty for my taste. Have any others made that switch, and how did it work out? ...not even sure my nut slot's big enough...
IMHO, you need to rethink your ideas about string gauges. The tension being even is way more important than mere gauge of the string. My D and A are lighter now but the whole set feels better.
slowwounds!
i remember really liking those, they sounded somehow "thicker" while still being a fully bright roundwound string.
i was disappointed when they went away.
as for the whole BT thing, does it really work out to where the strings feel more "equal", just because the numbers are closer? does bending each string feel closer to the same effort?
i'm an EB cobalt guy these days, so i'd have to try and assemble a set like this (45-105 with the right gauges in the middle) to test, not such a cheap date if it's even currently possible.
I made the switch before they even offered packaged balanced tension sets. I bought a load of singles from Bass Strings Online and just found the ones that felt the best and sounded perfectly matched. Huge A and D strings (.65 and .85) are so stiff that they are simply unplayable to me and they don't sound anything like the other strings.
So, I ended up with XL's in .42 .55 .75 .105 for my Spector (but my Lakland likes a .100 E string better). I do not use D'Addario on my 5 strings because at the time they did not offer a .135 in super long as a single, but now that they are winding the normal ones longer they may fit my 35" 5'ers.
I found it funny that when they came out with the BT sets, my set was right in between their light (which I find to light) and their medium (which I find too heavy)!
OK, I want try this. I used to play 50/70/85/105 (XL-170?) then started using XL-165 (45/65/85/105). I really like the 45 or 50 G string, but that 120 E seems a bit daunting because I use a 135 B.
So, suggestions on which BT set to go for?
John
So, suggestions on which BT set to go for?
John
hmm, you may be right.
i remember the "point" of the slowwounds was the new super-precise computer-controlled winding machines. it only makes sense that eventually the entire line would come to use them.
the regular XLs don't seem to be the same as i remember the slowwounds, but placebo effect is very possible.
I'm sure many people prefer traditional tension sets, i wouldn't want them to go without. Some people like myself prefer inverted tension (falling from low to high). So certainly balanced tension is the obvious new standard and middle ground between the 2, and the sets that should come stock on basses.
Feels more equal to me for sure, and yes, bending ends up requiring approx the same effort on all strings.
Is that the plus of balanced tension? I've never tried them. The idea sounds good. All the strings being equally tight, but then why aren't all strings balanced tension? What's a positive about unbalanced tension that's a negative about balanced tension? I like heavy gauge strings that are all pretty tight amd never really considered tension differences across the strings while playing.
