Guitar Scale Acoustic Basses

[B-Mac]

On the Mandolin Cafe board they call the mando fingerboard extension the 'Florida', on account of its shape I think. There are many discussions on whether to just cut it off - it's got frets, but very few folks have fingers small enough to fit them.

Talking of HSCs, I think Gator might make a case for the Taylor Mini GS that fits the Guild Jumbo Mini? The Guild OE gig bags seem pretty good, unless you mix with accordionists...

My post above is an exact fit for the Guild Jumbo Junior.
You get a 10% if you register with TKL. Still pricey even with the discount.
How do I know, you may ask? Because I bought one. So I know. I don't think it fits, I know it fits, exactly.
Just sayin'
Plus the wonderful people at TKL guided me through the entire process.

 

[SBassman]

Ok, it's time for the start of commentary on Aquila Flat Spirals. I now have a set on my Cordoba 23" scale mini bass.

Quick summary first: I love them. I love the way they feel, I love the way they look, and I love the way the sound.

Ok, now some specifics. These strings are a new innovation. Starts with a bioplastic core, then wrapped with a ribbon of - copper. Yup - cooper. This makes the strings feel softer than typical flats. They have a warmer tone than the stock strings, and they feel really good to the touch.

The strings require some setup - you can't string these up the day of a gig. But, if you invest the time and get them stretched - about a week of time - they Do reach a very nice stability.

I couldn't be happier to have a real, great feeling, great sounding alternative to the boring phosphor bronze strings that all acoustic basses are strung with.

These comments are just the start. I know everyone needs more to help decide if this is an option for them.
I have two identical Cordobas now - one with the stock strings, and one with these new beauties from Aquila. I will attempt to record a couple of bits side by side - with both the stock strings and the flats. I don't have pro recording equipment, so don't expect the world with that audio, but I will do my best to capture both so that you can hear what you might hear on your bass.

More about this over the next few days and couple of weeks.

 

[Maxra]

Ok, it's time for the start of commentary on Aquila Flat Spirals...These comments are just the start. I know everyone needs more to help decide if this is an option for them...

I find the standard strings kinda strange, even if they did first enable the whole thing to work acoustically. I'd change to anything that works like or better than the OE strings and gets rid of that Pfffffft! 'seagull' sound as you move up and down the neck (OK, I got poor technique, but still...). Personally, I'd be glad to hear if they also enable you to set a lower action than the OE strings without string rattle.

I assume you bought the set identified on Aquila's website as for 23-26" scale length - look forward to your observations.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

I can say that these Aquilastrings Copper/Bioplastic sets are very flexible. Even in the final production sets, a higher action may be needed (and welcomed). But this isn't a drawback, even with a higher action, these strings are VERY comfortable and easy to play. IM real curious to hear what the gauges are for guitar-scale sets. The Standard Long-scale 34" sets were very comfortable and familiar gauges.

And I second SBassman's sentiments, they feel great 'to the touch' and 'in the hand'. Ive had a few bassists over to play them and while we can't always put it into words, we all agreed—there is something uniquely special hear.

 

[SBassman]

Ok, so here is a fairly hi res picture of the strings against the neck.

I think they are beautiful.

I am about to start trying to record some audio. It has been a long time since I have done so, and I will be doing it pretty low tech, but hopefully what I capture will help you hear these strings.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

even the silks are nice...

 

[SBassman]

Ok, here is some audio. Quality of recordings is not the greatest - again, I am equipment challenged for proper recording. But - I hope this gives you some sense of these fun strings.

First video is a short walk for the jazz standard Sugar. I had to choose That song because - these strings are built on a core called Sugar.



Next are simple fifths across and up the neck. Should give you a sense of what these strings do.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Those samples sound great!
Is that with a mic, pickup, or a blend of both?

BTW, love the Sugar sample, LOL wish I thought of that

 

[SBassman]

No amp or mic in the mix. Direct from bass to computer - literally, with an instrument to 1/8" cable.

I think I can do better, and I will do more in the future. I get serious red light syndrome with recording.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

ok, so that a sample of bass pickup. Nice, what's the bass?
Even on guitar-scale these strings still have same character as the long-scale and sound great.

 

[SBassman]

ok, so that a sample of bass pickup. Nice, what's the bass?
Even on guitar-scale these strings still have same character as the long-scale and sound great.

It's an itty bitty 23" scale Cordoba mini.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Ah Cordoba! Dig, they make some nice instruments.

 

[SBassman]

Agreed. And their mini is a great value.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

curious do you have the strings gauges for the guitar-scale set? How do they compare to other brands? I found the 34" set to be right on-par. Very comfortable, familiar.

 

[SBassman]

Good question. I will get the gauges.

I also want to record some audio with the stock strings. I have access to a second Cordoba mini - same bass -with the stocks.

I can't quote the gauges yet, but - they don't feel too big for the bass. The feel - well matched. And as we have both said, they are very comfortable.

I'm also thinking - these can be amazing for the set it and forget it Jamerson crowd who Like old bass strings. I happen to be among those. I don't like Seinfeld bass zing pop. I like warm tone. I'm thinking over time, this copper will darken like a penny, and look and sound even greater.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

About how long was the 'settle-in' period for the guitar-scale set?

 

[HaphAsSard]

these strings are built on a core called Sugar.

They obtain that from literal sugarcane, too! (Hence the "bio-plastic" descriptor.)

 

[SBassman]

Gauges are:
.110, .087, .072, .057

I'd say the settle in period is about a week - less or more depending on how much you stretch them yourself v.s. letting much of it happen naturally. Strings are very stable now.

 

[John Stephen]

Thanks for the review of the flats, @SBassman. Sounds like you are happy with the Cordoba. Did you have to do much adjustment or setup when you first got the bass? Online reviews sound pretty positive overall.

 

[B-Mac]

Good question. I will get the gauges.

I also want to record some audio with the stock strings. I have access to a second Cordoba mini - same bass -with the stocks.

I can't quote the gauges yet, but - they don't feel too big for the bass. The feel - well matched. And as we have both said, they are very comfortable.

I'm also thinking - these can be amazing for the set it and forget it Jamerson crowd who Like old bass strings. I happen to be among those. I don't like Seinfeld bass zing pop. I like warm tone. I'm thinking over time, this copper will darken like a penny, and look and sound even greater.

This was done on a synth keyboard