Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
SBassman said he tried them on a Kala U-Bass and "they flat out didn't work" so I'm not holding high expectations. I have a custom made u-bass with tuning machines that are too small for all these fat strings, but it looks like Weedwackers can be shaved/tapered, so they might fit.
I have to say, since the Pahoehoes on my GT sound and play so well, I'm a little reluctant to change them right now, especially with what Bassman said.
I have to say, since the Pahoehoes on my GT sound and play so well, I'm a little reluctant to change them right now, especially with what Bassman said.
If you invested in them, you should give them a try at some point. Maybe I missed something.
But, for me, while I was trying to put them on, it felt like there was zero elasticity. I felt like I was going to snap the neck, so I bailed out.
I'm looking for new wide slot chrome tuning machines for my custom u-bass so I can try the Weedwackers, but I too am concerned for the total lack of elasticity. I tried shaving off some of the nylon coating so they will fit the tuners I have, but it's not at all easy. I even tried grinding it off with a Dremel, but could not be precise enough. I'll keep trying while I continue to search for wide slot chrome tuners, but may have to settle for black ones. Then I think, if I do that, to just get a set of black Pahoehoe strings that I know will be good.
I'm hoping that you go the Paehoehoe route. They work fantastic on the Microbass, and my gut tells me that the weedwackers are going to do terrible things to your new bass. I think that if I were going to try those I would possibly nail one end to a board, and then stretch a 2' length somehow to the other end of the same board with perhaps some pencils or pieces of wood under the strings for makeshift bridge and nut. Then see if that piece will even make a sound and see if it feels like too much tension to put on your bass to produce that sound. I would hate to see you snap the neck on your Goldtone! Hey but if you do mine is for sale already strung with Paehoehoes! Seriously though good luck with your experiment!
In looking at the description of the Weedwacker strings, it specifically says they were designed to use on a stand up for "...slap playing. The slap sound gives a good clean click without heavy metallic overtones like steel strings do. AND they are more flexible, lower tension than steel, and easier to handle in every way than steel strings."
The question is how they handle on a sub-short scale like the 23" MicroBass or my 21" custom u-bass.
The question is how they handle on a sub-short scale like the 23" MicroBass or my 21" custom u-bass.
I've been playing a Kala ubass for years but really want something a little bit longer scale. Has anybody compared the GT Microbass 23 vs 25 yet? Would love to hear thoughts on the scale and feel of the two basses
Gold Tone has a demo on their web site on both the 23 and 25 in scale basses. If I find it I will post it on this site for all that are interested unless someone else beats me to it.
strings for a 41" scale will not work on a 21" instrument (it's half the length, so you could tune it an octave higher, but this will most likely destroy the u-bass which is build for much lower string tension).
Thanks BB, I couldn't find the video on the 25. Can you share if you know where it is?
My ubass had the misi preamp and it failed. My wife just got me the GT micro bass and I love it . the intonation is better than the ubass. I still love my ubass its one of the first ones made in Calif. It is getting fixed.
I have new tuners coming and will carefully try the Weedwacker strings. If they feel like they will not tune easily, off they go and into the trash.
Ended up buying a 23" micro bass today. I tried the 23 vs the 25. The bigger body of the 25 felt too much like a regular sized ABG. The 23 seemed like a good compromise between the kala and the ABG. I'll try it out at a few rehearsals and the next gig to see how it works.
+1!
I use a Kala Cali 5 which has 23" scale and I think it's a great comprise between size, tone, and playability.
Sorry Cultrvultr, I have not found the link but I did find this one for the new solid body. I will continue looking. My memory was wrong, it was not on their web site it was on YouTube.
Just found the 25 1/2" scale acoustic video, Mike shows several instruments so wait until 6:13 into the video to see and hear the new acoustic.
Just found the 25 1/2" scale acoustic video, Mike shows several instruments so wait until 6:13 into the video to see and hear the new acoustic.
Thanks for the links BB! I was impatient and wanted to really try the two scales together. Was glad I did and ended up liking the 23 more.
