Please forgive the long intro, but I want to tap into the collective wisdom of this group... and that requires a bit of a run-up.
*Deep Breath... Here Goes*
I'm looking for some thoughtful advice on string choice. I've researched the existing threads about strings, and it's been generally informative...but much of the advice given to EUB players falls into two categories:
a) "Buy a proper bass" b) "Get lessons"
So, to forestall those kind of answers... I'm going to do both - But, in the meantime, I still want to get the best response out of my existing instrument.
The other challenge with the information that I've seen (here and elsewhere) is that the string recommendations seem to be based on music being played, rather than the instrument itself. On some level, this makes sense - But, you don't use acoustic guitar strings on an electric guitar (unless you're going for a special effect)... the instruments use different "physics" to get the job done - Which is why the strings are built differently.
So, for example: One big difference between acoustic DB and EUB is that volume is less of an issue ... I appreciate that the "state of the art" of EUB is still developing, so there are no straight answers - but I suspect that the "automatic" answers for Acoustic Basses may not stand.
Finally, there seems to be a bit of an assumption that "it's not worth putting $200 strings on an EUB" - Well, I'm no luthier, but I beg to differ - A significant proportion of electric Bass tone (whether it's upright or horizontal) comes from string choice.
*Yikes very long lead in... I hope this doesn't discourage responders*
My instrument:
Modified Stagg 3/4 EUB
(This is on the higher side of 3/4 ... close to 7/8 - Distance bridge to nut = 41.4 inches/106cm)
Pickups
2x Piezoelectric pickups E/A D/G
Strings
(Factory which I suspect to be Super Sensitive Red Label )
Even with the B.S. strings, the tone is very good - Rich, muscular - bright without being brash. I'd say it compares favorably to any high-end EUB.
Intended Purpose:
Close (very close) accompaniment to spoken-word, beat poetry.
Technique: pizzicato and some harmonic tapping.
Tone:
As a starting point, I'm looking to emulate jazz tones. So, musicality is important to me (as opposed to rockabilly thump). Also, because I want to play a little with harmonics, a string that "rings" a little might be a good choice.
I've checked out a few that I like the sound of [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
and I really like two in particular:
Pirastro Jazzer
and Labella Black Nylon
(I preferred both of these over the famous Pirastro Evah's and Pizzicato)
Thanks in advance for any and all enlightenment on this
*Deep Breath... Here Goes*
I'm looking for some thoughtful advice on string choice. I've researched the existing threads about strings, and it's been generally informative...but much of the advice given to EUB players falls into two categories:
a) "Buy a proper bass" b) "Get lessons"
So, to forestall those kind of answers... I'm going to do both - But, in the meantime, I still want to get the best response out of my existing instrument.
The other challenge with the information that I've seen (here and elsewhere) is that the string recommendations seem to be based on music being played, rather than the instrument itself. On some level, this makes sense - But, you don't use acoustic guitar strings on an electric guitar (unless you're going for a special effect)... the instruments use different "physics" to get the job done - Which is why the strings are built differently.
So, for example: One big difference between acoustic DB and EUB is that volume is less of an issue ... I appreciate that the "state of the art" of EUB is still developing, so there are no straight answers - but I suspect that the "automatic" answers for Acoustic Basses may not stand.
Finally, there seems to be a bit of an assumption that "it's not worth putting $200 strings on an EUB" - Well, I'm no luthier, but I beg to differ - A significant proportion of electric Bass tone (whether it's upright or horizontal) comes from string choice.
*Yikes very long lead in... I hope this doesn't discourage responders*
My instrument:
Modified Stagg 3/4 EUB
(This is on the higher side of 3/4 ... close to 7/8 - Distance bridge to nut = 41.4 inches/106cm)
Pickups
2x Piezoelectric pickups E/A D/G
Strings
(Factory which I suspect to be Super Sensitive Red Label )
Even with the B.S. strings, the tone is very good - Rich, muscular - bright without being brash. I'd say it compares favorably to any high-end EUB.
Intended Purpose:
Close (very close) accompaniment to spoken-word, beat poetry.
Technique: pizzicato and some harmonic tapping.
Tone:
As a starting point, I'm looking to emulate jazz tones. So, musicality is important to me (as opposed to rockabilly thump). Also, because I want to play a little with harmonics, a string that "rings" a little might be a good choice.
I've checked out a few that I like the sound of [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
and I really like two in particular:
Pirastro Jazzer
and Labella Black Nylon
(I preferred both of these over the famous Pirastro Evah's and Pizzicato)
Thanks in advance for any and all enlightenment on this
