Looking for help to find full-scale electric upright bass strings

[Surecure]

Looking for help as I can't figure this out...

I own a custom-built 12-string electric upright bass built by Ergo. I hadn't used it a lot so I never changed the strings. But during a recent move, one string broke and--as I intended to use it more--figured it's about time to change them all.

The problem is (as far as I can tell) these use a custom set of strings more like full scale upright bass. The distance from bridge to nut is 42.5 inches and the overall length of some of the strings (such as the D string) exceed 60 inches.

Added to that trouble: each string is doubled up with a gauge more like guitar strings (though the high C is actually 20 lb test fishing line). So I also have to find similar strings of the same length.

I've looked at standard electric upright strings (i.e. NS Design and D'Addario strings) but they are simply too short. Does anyone have any idea on where one could find strings that might fit this profile?

I've attached pics for context.

 

[ardgedee]

This is the sort of thing Kalium would be good for but I don't think they have flats.

(edit: This might be a good question for Gollihur, too.)

Is the builder available to ask?

 

[pingvuiini]

I've had great results getting custom scale length strings from Pyramid. Max was the only one willing and able to make a custom set of tapes for my uke basses back when there was only the silicon rubber strings and none of the big manufacturers wanted to get involved in such a niche market. Since then Max has also made me uke scale roundwounds for my Kalas, and as more brands of uke basses appear on the market the big string companies are finally relenting.

I sent Max detailed diagrams of the string lengths and everything came out great. I see on the Pyramid website they now have a Custom Shop where you can enter the measurements.

One important note: You don't mention where you are located. Max uses DHL to ship strings but DHL has ceased shipping to the USA because of the 'T word', so Max can't ship to the USA directly. But he is willing to ship to other countries that can forward the package to the USA. I have an order right now that he will send to an associate in Vancouver BC who will then ship to me. Just a heads up.

 

[bass player 53]

Reverb had one for sale. Google directed me to the maker’s contact information.

Jesse Blu, maker of Ergo Instruments.

Contact info:

 

[ardgedee]

Reverb had one for sale. Google directed me to the maker’s contact information.

Jesse Blu, maker of Ergo Instruments.

The proper name is Jesse Blue O'Neal

Search "AI" is bad. I do everything in my power to avoid it.

 

[bass player 53]

Ok, I got directed to a strange listing by Google. I guess AI made it worse.
When I checked in Reverb directly, it gave different information for the same listing.
You’re absolutely correct about verifying stuff that comes from AI.

 

[bass player 53]

Some more information, hopefully accurate. I don’t know if it will help.
Apologies if you’ve already done this.



Maybe you can contact Blues Angel Music and see if the builder is still there or they know where he is now. He may have old supplies.

The Gulf Coast's Best Music Store - Blues Angel Music

 

[eyvindwa]

Looking for help as I can't figure this out...

I own a custom-built 12-string electric upright bass built by Ergo. I hadn't used it a lot so I never changed the strings. But during a recent move, one string broke and--as I intended to use it more--figured it's about time to change them all.

The problem is (as far as I can tell) these use a custom set of strings more like full scale upright bass. The distance from bridge to nut is 42.5 inches and the overall length of some of the strings (such as the D string) exceed 60 inches.

Added to that trouble: each string is doubled up with a gauge more like guitar strings (though the high C is actually 20 lb test fishing line). So I also have to find similar strings of the same length.

I've looked at standard electric upright strings (i.e. NS Design and D'Addario strings) but they are simply too short. Does anyone have any idea on where one could find strings that might fit this profile?

I've attached pics for context.

Wow! A 12 string upright! What an interesting instrument. Is it bowable?

(Sorry, I am of no help regarding the strings...)

 

[Dirk Diggler]

DR will do custom sets, and you'll need long necks or completely custom lengths.
The problem with the octave strings is they are meant for guitar length, which as you know will not fit.
Again DR was great in making custom sets for my Mobius Megatar. The upper 6 strings have to be much
longer than those same gauges on guitar. Being multi-scale too the bass side was fine with standard DR long necks.

Good luck, interesting instrument for sure.

 

[trevcda]

Please post some videos of that thing being played!

 

[SC Bassboy]

Looking for help as I can't figure this out...

I own a custom-built 12-string electric upright bass built by Ergo. I hadn't used it a lot so I never changed the strings. But during a recent move, one string broke and--as I intended to use it more--figured it's about time to change them all.

The problem is (as far as I can tell) these use a custom set of strings more like full scale upright bass. The distance from bridge to nut is 42.5 inches and the overall length of some of the strings (such as the D string) exceed 60 inches.

Added to that trouble: each string is doubled up with a gauge more like guitar strings (though the high C is actually 20 lb test fishing line). So I also have to find similar strings of the same length.

I've looked at standard electric upright strings (i.e. NS Design and D'Addario strings) but they are simply too short. Does anyone have any idea on where one could find strings that might fit this profile?

I've attached pics for context.

Piano wire. It comes on big spools and you can get any length you need. However, no ball ends. Not sure if ball ends matter in this case, but it's the only place I know of that you might find what you seek.

 

[bass player 53]

Piano wire. It comes on big spools and you can get any length you need. However, no ball ends. Not sure if ball ends matter in this case, but it's the only place I know of that you might find what you seek.

I have a grand piano. My tech suggested we replace a few of the lower strings. ~$2500 for the string cost alone.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Piano wire is too stiff and inharmonic. The tapered ends of the wound vibrating strings will not fit your scale and are meant to be used with the open string only.
Cembalo wire on a spool is better but still a bit expensive (but not that much as piano wire).

 

[SC Bassboy]

I have a grand piano. My tech suggested we replace a few of the lower strings. ~$2500 for the string cost alone.

No kidding. I had no idea piano wire could be that expensive. Well, I never said it would be cheap

 

[bass player 53]

No kidding. I had no idea piano wire could be that expensive. Well, I never said it would be cheap

Well, looking into this further, the tech might have been quoting me labor too.
The Mapes company makes bass guitar strings too.
Maybe the OP can contact them.

 

[ChrisS71]

Don’t know if you’re still looking, but Jason Mendelson at Fret Nation is extremely knowledgeable and the prices are pretty good.