Idiotic double-ball query

[dbflats]

Why idiotic? 'cause I already pretty much know the answer. So here goes:

I have two identical MusicYo era Spirit XZ25s, purchased somewhere around 2004. Back then, I strung both with step wound, flat wound double ball strings, then available from Status Graphite. These strings suited me well and in fact one of the basses still has the original flats I put on it back then and they sound great.

I wanted to stock up on additional strings of this type now I've started playing again, but Status no longer can offer those or any flat wound dbs.

Here's the silly part-does anyone out there know of any way-someone hoarding new old stock-or what have you -whereby one might magically score some of these?

I've pretty much read all the headless bass/string threads on here so no need to talk about string adapters. Won't be marring these Korean beauties with anything like that.

Thanks, dbflats

 

[pingvuiini]

Max at Pyramid Stings made custom tapes and rounds for my 23" scale uke basses back when nobody else would or could. I sent him detailed measurement diagrams and photos for each string and exactly at what length the windings and silk should start past the nut and bridge, etc. I am sure he could pull off double ball strings that would fit your bass. No harm in asking.

 

[dbflats]

Thanks ping, I'll give them a call. I have called a few other custom string companies and struck out so far, but not Pyramid.

 

[Winslow]

A possible alternative: I put LaBella Steinberger-type double-ball flats on my '80s headless, and have been very well pleased with them.

Strings By Mail is an excellent shop, and has the range of LaBella double-ball flats here:

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Good luck!

 

[dbflats]

Thanks Winslow. Going back to all the previous double ball threads here, doesn't it seem there's an issue with the Spirit models like I have, having slightly longer length than present-day Steinberg's licensed product? Or are you saying these La Bella's are satisfactory on the Spirits? Photos on the forum here of guys having to run the bridge pieces pretty far forward to get em to reach.

Or am I overthinking this? Always a possibility!

I've got the old set of flats I took off the one bass. I might just put them back on, reset the action, and call her good. But it would be nice to have backups