Ibanez Upright Bass

[hemmerlinj]

Re-hashing this thread a bit. I just got the Ibanez about 2 weeks ago. I'll be honest in that I had made the choice to get it simply for fact of it being Upright-esque. I like playing it in the physical sense, but am not as crazy about the sound. So I've started searching for different string options. Hoping that they would make a difference. Here's what I've tried

All the sets I've tried have been either 45-105 or 50-110 in gauge sizes. I think only one set was 50-110. Everything so far has been flat wound bass strings for electric bass. Nothing made for the EUB style of basses. I'm waiting on that set to arrive in the mail. The Daddario NS bass guitar/cello strings.

1. LaBella Deep talking bass steel flatwounds. Had a good feel, but sounded way to metallic and electric bass sounding. Also like they were round wounds. Bow ability was iffy. Maybe a different rosin might have helped, but I have what I have. These could sound good after a lot of time being played. Perhaps on a different instrument first. But what's the point if I couldn't get the bow to work well.

2. LaBella deep talkin bass black nylon tape wrapped flats. These felt like a limp noodle under my fingers. Which surprised me as I have a set of these on my fretless and they are very stiff in feel still after 2 years I think a heavier gauge might yield better results. Sound was once again too much EBG like. And what will keep me from trying a different set of these is the lack of bow-ability. The nylon surface must be too smooth to allow the bow to vibrate the string. I could barely get a sound out of it.

3. Ernie Ball Slinky Flats. I think these were the 50-110's. These were junk. Didn't even get to really try them. The G-string broke before I could get it up to pitch. I was pretty pissed. Worthless junk as far as I'm concerned. The reviews I read placed these as a hopeful in that several reviews said the highs were much more controlled and subdued in these strings. But, now I just say piss off to EB-strings.

4.Daddario Chromes. I have seen anything about which strings come in this bass, but I'm almost sure that it was these. They sound similar to the ones that were on it when I brought it home. Which leads me to my current conclusion:

The strings that are on the bass are so far the best options. After having having been running a bow over them for about a week their sound and general characteristics have changed to be more Upright-esque. Except for their being too much sustain. Arco style sounds awesome even though I'm not that great at it. And proper eq is yielding better results the more I mess around with it. I should note that it sounds best run thru my Two Note Le Bass pedal.

I'll update with any new info as I get it.

Cheers!

 

[ClassicJazz]

Re-hashing this thread a bit. I just got the Ibanez about 2 weeks ago. I'll be honest in that I had made the choice to get it simply for fact of it being Upright-esque. I like playing it in the physical sense, but am not as crazy about the sound. So I've started searching for different string options. Hoping that they would make a difference. Here's what I've tried

All the sets I've tried have been either 45-105 or 50-110 in gauge sizes. I think only one set was 50-110. Everything so far has been flat wound bass strings for electric bass. Nothing made for the EUB style of basses. I'm waiting on that set to arrive in the mail. The Daddario NS bass guitar/cello strings.

1. LaBella Deep talking bass steel flatwounds. Had a good feel, but sounded way to metallic and electric bass sounding. Also like they were round wounds. Bow ability was iffy. Maybe a different rosin might have helped, but I have what I have. These could sound good after a lot of time being played. Perhaps on a different instrument first. But what's the point if I couldn't get the bow to work well.

2. LaBella deep talkin bass black nylon tape wrapped flats. These felt like a limp noodle under my fingers. Which surprised me as I have a set of these on my fretless and they are very stiff in feel still after 2 years I think a heavier gauge might yield better results. Sound was once again too much EBG like. And what will keep me from trying a different set of these is the lack of bow-ability. The nylon surface must be too smooth to allow the bow to vibrate the string. I could barely get a sound out of it.

3. Ernie Ball Slinky Flats. I think these were the 50-110's. These were junk. Didn't even get to really try them. The G-string broke before I could get it up to pitch. I was pretty pissed. Worthless junk as far as I'm concerned. The reviews I read placed these as a hopeful in that several reviews said the highs were much more controlled and subdued in these strings. But, now I just say piss off to EB-strings.

4.Daddario Chromes. I have seen anything about which strings come in this bass, but I'm almost sure that it was these. They sound similar to the ones that were on it when I brought it home. Which leads me to my current conclusion:

The strings that are on the bass are so far the best options. After having having been running a bow over them for about a week their sound and general characteristics have changed to be more Upright-esque. Except for their being too much sustain. Arco style sounds awesome even though I'm not that great at it. And proper eq is yielding better results the more I mess around with it. I should note that it sounds best run thru my Two Note Le Bass pedal.

I'll update with any new info as I get it.

Cheers!

I think you’ll like the D’Addario NS strings. They are constructed more like true upright strings, which is probably why they are so expensive. But they certainly give you that upright tone. At least on my NS OmniBass.

 

[laklandplayer]

Re-hashing this thread a bit. I just got the Ibanez about 2 weeks ago. I'll be honest in that I had made the choice to get it simply for fact of it being Upright-esque. I like playing it in the physical sense, but am not as crazy about the sound. So I've started searching for different string options. Hoping that they would make a difference. Here's what I've tried

All the sets I've tried have been either 45-105 or 50-110 in gauge sizes. I think only one set was 50-110. Everything so far has been flat wound bass strings for electric bass. Nothing made for the EUB style of basses. I'm waiting on that set to arrive in the mail. The Daddario NS bass guitar/cello strings.

1. LaBella Deep talking bass steel flatwounds. Had a good feel, but sounded way to metallic and electric bass sounding. Also like they were round wounds. Bow ability was iffy. Maybe a different rosin might have helped, but I have what I have. These could sound good after a lot of time being played. Perhaps on a different instrument first. But what's the point if I couldn't get the bow to work well.

2. LaBella deep talkin bass black nylon tape wrapped flats. These felt like a limp noodle under my fingers. Which surprised me as I have a set of these on my fretless and they are very stiff in feel still after 2 years I think a heavier gauge might yield better results. Sound was once again too much EBG like. And what will keep me from trying a different set of these is the lack of bow-ability. The nylon surface must be too smooth to allow the bow to vibrate the string. I could barely get a sound out of it.

3. Ernie Ball Slinky Flats. I think these were the 50-110's. These were junk. Didn't even get to really try them. The G-string broke before I could get it up to pitch. I was pretty pissed. Worthless junk as far as I'm concerned. The reviews I read placed these as a hopeful in that several reviews said the highs were much more controlled and subdued in these strings. But, now I just say piss off to EB-strings.

4.Daddario Chromes. I have seen anything about which strings come in this bass, but I'm almost sure that it was these. They sound similar to the ones that were on it when I brought it home. Which leads me to my current conclusion:

The strings that are on the bass are so far the best options. After having having been running a bow over them for about a week their sound and general characteristics have changed to be more Upright-esque. Except for their being too much sustain. Arco style sounds awesome even though I'm not that great at it. And proper eq is yielding better results the more I mess around with it. I should note that it sounds best run thru my Two Note Le Bass pedal.

I'll update with any new info as I get it.

Cheers!

I just got my Ibanez 804 last week and I immediately took it to my tech to have the nut lowered and neck adjusted. I brought the bass home and rubbed the fingerboard down with a green scotch brite pad and then saturated the fingerboard with StewMac fingerboard finishing oil overnight and it soaked it all up.
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I like the bass a lot, the stock strings have a little too much "mwah" for me but he bass sounds really good, you just have to work on your amp EQ a little. Oddly enough, my tech had a gently used set of the NS Bass/Cello strings that he gave me but I haven't had time to install them.
Please update us with your impressions of the NS strings.

 

[hemmerlinj]

I think you’ll like the D’Addario NS strings. They are constructed more like true upright strings, which is probably why they are so expensive. But they certainly give you that upright tone. At least on my NS OmniBass.

I'm hoping they'll be the ones. Especially at that price. The weather up here around NYC has delayed their arrival, so I'm getting a little antsy waiting for them.

 

[laklandplayer]

I'm hoping they'll be the ones. Especially at that price. The weather up here around NYC has delayed their arrival, so I'm getting a little antsy waiting for them.

I took time out to put the NS set on my 804 and they are fantastic! They feel great and don’t have that metallic sound like the Chromes. It’s sounds like an upright with a pickup, organic and not an electric fretless. They are a light gauge and have medium tension, very comfortable to play. You may need to loosen the truss rod a bit as the tension is lower than the steel flatwound strings. I had to raise the action a bit. I think you’ll really dig them.

 

[hemmerlinj]

I took time out to put the NS set on my 804 and they are fantastic! They feel great and don’t have that metallic sound like the Chromes. It’s sounds like an upright with a pickup, organic and not an electric fretless. They are a light gauge and have medium tension, very comfortable to play. You may need to loosen the truss rod a bit as the tension is lower than the steel flatwound strings. I had to raise the action a bit. I think you’ll really dig them.

My set of the NS strings arrived yesterday. Thru them on immediately. By far the best so far. I actually prefer a bit more tension, but I don't think they offer them. Just wish there was a natural way to cut down on the sustain a bit to make it a little more thumps sounding. But I'm still quite happy with this bass. Its a lot of fun to play. And it makes the necks of all of my other basses feel sooooooo much thinner. I don't think I'll regret buying it.

 

[Jason Hollar]

I just got to play one today at a local store. Initial thoughts:

Pros:
beautiful wood, stylish neck & body
nice hardware and solid tripod
amplified well - plenty of volume
priced under $1000
easy to follow dots and play in tune. 34” scale is instantly familiar

Cons:
a little gnarly in tone due to piezos
action way too low for my taste (but appears adjustable with bridge saddles and truss rod)
Tripod feels heavy to tote around for any pedestrian work

All in all, it’s impressive! I’d gig one ... but not planning on a purchase anytime soon.

 

[laklandplayer]

My set of the NS strings arrived yesterday. Thru them on immediately. By far the best so far. I actually prefer a bit more tension, but I don't think they offer them. Just wish there was a natural way to cut down on the sustain a bit to make it a little more thumps sounding. But I'm still quite happy with this bass. Its a lot of fun to play. And it makes the necks of all of my other basses feel sooooooo much thinner. I don't think I'll regret buying it.

You can put foam under the strings at the bridge to cut down on the sustain and get more thump.

 

[hotho45]

I now need to throw in my thoughts: being a bass player semi pro since more than 40 years, I decided to pull the trigger mid-last year. Never regret the purchase, in fact it has been my to-go bass for my Zydeco band since then. Love the mwwaah, it gave to me, also during the week it is standing in the living room. When I am coming home, I can easily throw some lines on it, to come down. Also started to try to bow it, might consider to use this as an additional sound character....love the idea. Got tons of compliments from different gigs.

 

[bumble yeti]

I picked a UB804 up about 2 months ago… I’m diggin’ it!!!
I ALWAYS wanted to play upright. Such a beautiful, expressive, soulful sound.
However… well, I maxed out at 5'5" with little hands.
I tried a lot of fretless basses over the years and never connected. Then I played one of these.
I getcha, it ain't an upright. But it is really, really nice.
It's been a loooooong time since I rolled outta bed and start practicing. I'm watching upright lessons on YouTube: Discover Double Bass, John Clayton Jazz, etc. I come home and it's just standing there waiting for me.
I'm loving this!

 

[Michael Jewels]

Hello again, everyone.
I'm pleased as punch that a thread I started two years ago has gotten so many posts, and sparked so much discussion.
Carry on.
Mike

 

[bumble yeti]

The D'Addario NS strings are out of my price range.
I reached out to GHS re: Crossovers. Elizabeth replied, "No the Crossovers won't work on the Ibanez UB804. That instrument takes regular electric bass strings, so the Precision Flats would work." Anyone try Precision Flats?
Or TI Flats, DR Legends, Pyramid Golds, etc.?

That's right Michael Jewels… This is all on you.

 

[Jon Moody]

The D'Addario NS strings are out of my price range.

Those are the closest option you're gonna find to make that UB804 sound closer to a legit URB. They're basically smaller length Helicore strings (one of D'Addario's double bass strings).

TI Flats would probably be a close second to that, since they're constructed much like URB strings, but the price may be prohibitive for you as well, unless you can find them used.

I reached out to GHS re: Crossovers. Elizabeth replied, "No the Crossovers won't work on the Ibanez UB804. That instrument takes regular electric bass strings, so the Precision Flats would work." Anyone try Precision Flats?
Or TI Flats, DR Legends, Pyramid Golds, etc.?

I was the one that mentioned that info to Elizabeth. Mark Gollihur (of Gollihur Music) recommends that set for the guys using a NS Omni Bass (the 34" scale version they offer), but any dark sounding set should work for you.

I'd be curious on the Pyramid or TI Flats.

 

[Jason Hollar]

Since it takes regular strings, I might try a set of Labellas which are very smooth and warm. I highly recommend the DR Legends. Also quite smooth and flexible.

 

[bumble yeti]

Since it takes regular strings, I might try a set of Labellas which are very smooth and warm. I highly recommend the DR Legends. Also quite smooth and flexible.

To clarify, you use or have used DR Legends are on the Ibanez, Jason?

 

[bumble yeti]

To clarify, you use or have used DR Legends are on the Ibanez, Jason?

D'oh! Sorry!
Home sick today. Between the bug and the meds…

 

[Jason Hollar]

Sorry I can’t give you direct experience on the EUB... I’ve been a flatwound hound for probably 20 years now.

I actually use Roto 77s on my Fender because I find them to be a good complement to the Spirocores I use on upright.

I did play the Ibanez EUB at ‘N stuff music for a good bit one day and thought the stock strings were slightly harsh and remember thinking a smoother string like the Labellas would be amazing.

Just an opinion tho.

 

[bumble yeti]

Sorry I can’t give you direct experience on the EUB... I’ve been a flatwound hound for probably 20 years now.

I actually use Roto 77s on my Fender because I find them to be a good complement to the Spirocores I use on upright.

I did play the Ibanez EUB at ‘N stuff music for a good bit one day and thought the stock strings were slightly harsh and remember thinking a smoother string like the Labellas would be amazing.

Just an opinion tho.

And that sir is where I bought my UB804.
Labella is on the list. Thanks neighbor!

 

[bumble yeti]

Those are the closest option you're gonna find to make that UB804 sound closer to a legit URB. They're basically smaller length Helicore strings (one of D'Addario's double bass strings).

TI Flats would probably be a close second to that, since they're constructed much like URB strings, but the price may be prohibitive for you as well, unless you can find them used.




I was the one that mentioned that info to Elizabeth. Mark Gollihur (of Gollihur Music) recommends that set for the guys using a NS Omni Bass (the 34" scale version they offer), but any dark sounding set should work for you.

I'd be curious on the Pyramid or TI Flats.

You are talking about the D'Addario NS710 NS Electric Bass/Cello Strings? Most I'd ever pay for strings but if they last a long time…
I apologize for my ignorance. I've been an electric bass player for 40 years but I have limited experience with flats and none with double bass.

 

[Jon Moody]

You are talking about the D'Addario NS710 NS Electric Bass/Cello Strings? Most I'd ever pay for strings but if they last a long time…
I apologize for my ignorance. I've been an electric bass player for 40 years but I have limited experience with flats and none with double bass.

Yeah, double bass strings are a LOT more than what you're used to seeing for electric bass strings. The average is around $150-$200 a set, so the NS710 strings are actually fairly priced. And if that's the sound you want...

As for longevity, that's completely up to the player, how much they play, skin pH, etc.. all the same considerations as any strings.