Dingwall/Multi-Scale LIGHT Strings

[Christcr]

Okay, so I recently got a Dingwall. Then I sold it. Then I decided to give Dingwall one more chance and bought a JT-3. They are great basses, sound great, and I was able to adjust to the fanned frets and extended scale without too much trouble. But...

The VERY annoying thing for me (when it comes to multi-scale basses) is that there doesn't seem to be any reasonable choice for light gauge strings. That doesn't make sense to me because in my experience the longer the bass scale, the lighter the string gauge you can go without getting too floppy. On my 34 inch scale basses, I use either 35-95 or 40-100 gauge strings (4-string 34) and 40 - 115 or 40 - 120 (5-string). So, logically, with that 34 - 37 inch scale on a Dingwall, I should be able to go even lighter on the lower strings.

I do get hand fatigue because of the 45 - 130 strings on the Dingwall. It isn't so much the extra scale length because the neck contour feels great and the slight stretch of the fingers doesn't seem to be a huge problem. It's just those heavy assed strings (considering I'm used to MUCH lighter gauges).

So my question is if any of you multi-scale bass guys/gals out there are aware of any lighter gauge strings for Dingwalls that have the tapering like the stock strings? Anyone???

The only set I've been able to find that is even close is from Payson Strings and for C-Standard tuning. But even at that the gauges are a little strange and the B is still 125. I did get an extra 110 from them, but that is just slightly too light (although I do prefer it over 130).

What I would just love to see is gauging of 40 60 80 100 (or 95) 120 (or 115). Or something very close to that (like I said, with the tapered B, E, and A string). Is it possible to get them anywhere? At this point, I don't even care if they are nickel or stainless steel. As long as they are roundwound and light gauge.

 

[michael_t]

How about 45-58-77-98-128 (A-E-B tapered)? Still too heavy?

 

[Christcr]

How about 45-58-77-98-128 (A-E-B tapered)? Still too heavy?

Yeah, it's mainly the G and D strings that I do not like the feel of when they are heavier (I've never really liked 45). Of course, it's not that I can't play those gauges. I can, no problem other than getting tired faster, but it's mainly that I like the feel and "springiness" of lighter strings on the top side (G and D strings).

And as for the low B string, it's mainly sound on that. I have found that the lighter I go (within reason) the less muddy and more defined that low B is. On 34 inch scale, I've found 120 and 115 to be about right for what I like to hear. On 37 inch scale... well, I'm still experimenting. But I know I don't like 130 at all, and 125 much either. But it seems that for multi scale, it's either a 125 or all the way down to 110. Which is just weird.

 

[Yahboy]

how about MYXL MS custom set (with tapered E and B string )from fretnation ? then you can ask swap the 045 G with 040 gauge.

if the 130T can sound crispy with just light pluck , i think she wont harm your finger.

D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound Bass String Set Multi Scale - 5-String 45-

D'Addario NYXL Nickel Wound 5-String Set for Multi Scale Basses Gagues: .045 .055 .075 .100T .130T Fits Long Scale Dingwall Basses and other instruments with similar scale lengths. 34-37" NYXL bass guitar strings thump harder, bend farther and sound thicker than any bass string you’ve played...

fretnation.com

 

[EvilJ]

This is what led me to Newtone strings in The UK several years ago. You can customize every string just how you like them.

Welcome To Newtone Strings

Based in the heart of Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District. We hand make guitar strings, priding ourselves on the attention to detail we put into our work. This means that every single string made by our small team of skilled craftsmen, is made with care and assessed before being packed...

newtonestrings.com

 

[michael_t]

And as for the low B string, it's mainly sound on that. I have found that the lighter I go (within reason) the less muddy and more defined that low B is. On 34 inch scale, I've found 120 and 115 to be about right for what I like to hear. On 37 inch scale... well, I'm still experimenting. But I know I don't like 130 at all, and 125 much either. But it seems that for multi scale, it's either a 125 or all the way down to 110. Which is just weird.

I understand what you're saying about a lighter B (115/120) providing better clarity and definition on a 34" scale as far as a non-tapered B is concerned. For exposed-core/taperwound B's, I prefer 125/130.

If you're willing to spend $30 on a set, you can try the SIT Power Wound Nickel or the SIT Power Steels, both of which come in the gauges I mentioned earlier.

SIT Powerwound Nickel Bass String Set Dingwall Style - 5-String 45-128

SIT Power Wound Nickel Plated Steel 5 String Set 45-128 NR545128MS For MultiScale Instruments like Dingwall Basses w/ 37" B-String Scale Lengths NR545128MS - .045 .058 .077T .098T .128T SIT Power Wound Nickel Bass Strings are Nickel Plated Steel Round Wound over a Swedish Steel Hex Core. Great...

fretnation.com

SIT Power Steel Stainless Bass String Set Dingwall Style - 5-String 45

SIT Power Steel Stainless 5 String Set 45-128 NR545128MS For MultiScale Instruments like Dingwall Basses w/ 37" B-String Scale Lengths NR545128MS - .045 .058 .077T .098T .128T SIT Power Steel Stainless Bass Strings are Stainless Steel Round Wound over a Swedish Steel Hex Core. Great for all...

fretnation.com

 

[Erik Stokley]

The D and G strings from any normal long scale set are still long enough to work, so you can make your own hybrid set by just swapping those out for something lighter

You could also try going super light with paysons Drop D set. The 110 may seem less floppy if you do the full light set/ raise the action slightly and adjust relief accordingly. I play in drop G with their standard 128-44 set and still find the B string to be plenty clear.

 

[Erik Stokley]

Also kalium (circle k) makes a 114. And you can make a custom set of whatever gauge you want

 

[Christcr]

I'll have to check out several of the suggestions here. I wasn't aware of some of it. So there is hope!


I see that Kalium set with .114 on bottom and .037 on top. THAT is definitely worth a try!

 

[singlemalt]

Dr pure blues Victor Wooten set will fit on the four string, longscale Dingwalls.

Jason, at FretNation.com has a section devoted to strings that fit the multi scale basses, especially Dingwall longscale. Check in via chat or email, special orders and singles are no problem.

Payson strings is another great source. Again, contact Payson with your preferences if you don’t see stock sets you like. He has set me up extra light sets for my Dingwalls. Excellent string in nickel, steel, and even flats.

Payson strings have the taper at the ball ends too!

There are tons of choices, especially if you are playing four strings.

FretNation and Payson are super reliable and ship quickly. I liked the Kalium strings, but customer service was hit or miss.

 

[Christcr]

Just ordered a set from Kalium. 39 on the G string and 119 on the low B. Theoretically, that should be perfect for what I'm after. We'll see when they get here!

 

[Christcr]

Dr pure blues Victor Wooten set will fit on the four string, longscale Dingwalls.

Jason, at FretNation.com has a section devoted to strings that fit the multi scale basses, especially Dingwall longscale. Check in via chat or email, special orders and singles are no problem.

Payson strings is another great source. Again, contact Payson with your preferences if you don’t see stock sets you like. He has set me up extra light sets for my Dingwalls. Excellent string in nickel, steel, and even flats.

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Payson strings have the taper at the ball ends too!

There are tons of choices, especially if you are playing four strings.

FretNation and Payson are super reliable and ship quickly. I liked the Kalium strings, but customer service was hit or miss.

Yes, the Payson string choice is excellent... all except they don't seem to have anything on the low B between 110 and 125 (unless something has changed since I talked to them last). Other than that, they have tons of choices for different tunings.