Double Bass EUB String recommendations

[raycoman]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I'm a professional guitar builder of many types, and a semi-pro guitar & bass player (Electric Bass). I am experimenting in building a couple of EUB's, but I have little experience with some stand-up bass specifics, so I'm learning. My question to you all is what kind of strings do you prefer for EUB, and what range of options are there? A few pieces of criteria pertaining to the EUB's I plan to build:

1. These will be standard electric bass 34" scale
2. The strings need to be optimal for both saddle transducer use, as well as megnetic pickup use (akin to the NS omnibass)
3. For use in both arco & pizzicato style (mainly pizz)
4. These will be 5 string fretless basses
5. They will likely be used mainly for bluegrass, blues, and rock

I know D'addario makes a set that meets this criteria, but I want some further perspective from players. Cheers, and thank you.

 

[mongo2]

I've been experimenting with 30-34" scale 4 string EUBs (essentially an electric bass mounted on an EUB stand) and use regular electric bass strings, mostly flatwounds and nylon tapewounds, but I don't play arco.

 

[Francois Blais]

Since the scale is the same as a BG, I think you'll be limited to BG strings.
I'm with mongo2 as for suggestions.

 

[TheSuzie]

*** Edited - OOps - I missed the part about 5 strings - much of the info below will not help in the case of 5 strings tuned low B unless you can find a short DB string that will work for the B. 8( ***

If you use DB strings, you will likely need a 1/4 size set. My former 1/4 Kay had about 35" playing length. They probably will work if you have appropriate afterlength and pegbox/head length. Some sets will be better than others if you are using mag pickups so Ymmv about that. Double check what I say. These are available as 1/4

Corelli 350B - I think these are steel core with tungsten alloy wrap. I may be wrong about the core. It could also be a novel alloy.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product/1657-STRING_SET_CORELLI_350B_1_4_SIZE_UPRIGHT_BASS_STRINGS.html

Pirastro Obligato - Synthetic core with metal wrap

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Super Sensitive Red Labels - Solid core, Stiff and Thumpy IME Was the standard for student strings in many school systems that were seeking long life and lower cost.

http://www.swstrings.com/catalog/showStringGroup.jsp?groupId=312S&subcategory=Bass




For electric bass guitar strings, I would likely stick with D'Addario Chromes or maybe GHS Precision Flats (I have not used the GHS) and experiment with different gauges to get the response I wanted.

If you just want some placeholder strings figuring that the player will replace them, you can get plenty of cheap Chinese strings. When I get an instrument that comes with those, I swap them out and keep the cheapos for backup. Some of them don't sound too bad.

Peace,
S