New Optima RB Flats (old Maxima reproductions)

[nerkoids]

How long have they been out for?

 

[shawshank72]

Ew, just checked with FedEx shipping (personally, would have preferred DHL, since they usually have better rates to Canada) and total combined, we're looking at close to 100 dollars CND. Too rich for my blood by this method.

This is always the problem for us.
Canada sends a package to the rest of the world for $15 and when the rest of the world sends Canada the same package it's $50.

 

[nerkoids]

This is always the problem for us.
Canada sends a package to the rest of the world for $15 and when the rest of the world sends Canada the same package it's $50.

I hear ya. For example, those Harley Benton basses and guitars, which are getting great reviews (and would probably make for great modding platforms) -- to the states, it averages 34 bucks for shipping and handling. For Canada, it's friggin 72 bucks! Like, what the?

I am very thankful that Bassstringsonline and juststrings both have reasonable shipping, all things considered. But man oh man do we always get constantly hosed by countries that are supposed to be our close trading partners.

 

[nerkoids]

Just ordered a set of the RB, going on my harmony H22. Hoping for strong thump light sustain!

Where did you order them? And how much are they going for state-side?

 

[shawshank72]

I hear ya. For example, those Harley Benton basses and guitars, which are getting great reviews (and would probably make for great modding platforms) -- to the states, it averages 34 bucks for shipping and handling. For Canada, it's friggin 72 bucks! Like, what the?

I am very thankful that Bassstringsonline and juststrings both have reasonable shipping, all things considered. But man oh man do we always get constantly hosed by countries that are supposed to be our close trading partners.

Absofrickinlutely!
And don't forget the added price of the exchange rate.

 

[chris merrill]

Where did you order them? And how much are they going for state-side?

Got'm on eBay, was just under $60 shipped

 

[nerkoids]

Got'm on eBay, was just under $60 shipped

You got them from Garygear? For us, it comes out to 120 bucks CND with shipping. Wow. It's cheaper to order them from Germany!

 

[woodyng2]

I bought a NOS set of the vintage ones for less than that!
The new 4440 set has only recently been announced,and hasn't made it to most retail outlets yet.
(Will hopefully be in the $50-70 price range.)
From what i've read,they're supposed to be made just like the old ones,which were THE perfect flatwound set for a Rick bass.

 

[markjazzbassist]

This is always the problem for us.
Canada sends a package to the rest of the world for $15 and when the rest of the world sends Canada the same package it's $50.

Yes but at the end of the day you live in Canada a great country, we are stuck in the US awaiting Supreme Leader Trump to take power. I'd give my right nut to immigrate to Canada. I love your country (and Poutine). Just my wife hates the cold and refuses to move

 

[nerkoids]

Found out they were having a giveaway on their Facebook page. Five sets for the first five to e-mail them. I sent them an e-mail anyway, in the odd chance after seeing the videos I produced they might send a set.

If it goes through, I'd be willing to send them to a flats aficionado that has a Rick or Lawsuit bass for them to also make a review (and regale the world with some '66-67 McCartneyesque tones).

 

[shawshank72]

Yes but at the end of the day you live in Canada a great country, we are stuck in the US awaiting Supreme Leader Trump to take power. I'd give my right nut to immigrate to Canada. I love your country (and Poutine). Just my wife hates the cold and refuses to move

Just remember, the grass always seems greener.....
But that is a shame.

 

[nerkoids]

Just remember, the grass always seems greener.....
But that is a shame.

Actually, we do have it fairly sweet for the most part...

 

[lousybassist]

Alright, I've now rehearsed with my Optima strung Ric, and I really dig the strings. The E-string is perhaps a bit too dead/thumpy and un-sustain-y for my tastes, but as a whole I dig the strings. They feel and sound good.

 

[trothwell]

Alright, I've now rehearsed with my Optima strung Ric, and I really dig the strings. The E-string is perhaps a bit too dead/thumpy and un-sustain-y for my tastes, but as a whole I dig the strings. They feel and sound good.

Have you also used / can you compare with TI Flats?

 

[lousybassist]

Have you also used / can you compare with TI Flats?

Yes, I've used TI flats, on both long and short scale basses. However, I've never played a Ric with TI:s, so I can't make a direct comparison.

With that said, here's what I've found: The TI:s are, of course, lower tension than the Optima flats. I've often found TI:s to feel too soft for me - especially live on stage. The Optimas don't. They feel nice and flexible, but still offer some resistance for the plucking hand. (I hardly ever play with a pick.)

Soundwise, the TI:s are brighter and more modern sounding, with good sustain, while the Optimas sound old school, somewhat thuddy and plummy. The TI:s are probably the best choice of the two for those who want versatility, while the Optimas have more of a niche sound. So, if I could only use one bass with my current band, it wouldn't be one strung with Optima flats. They sound great for some of our tunes, though, and I hope to be able to use my Optima strung Ric in the studio sometime.

 

[DavyR]

Any updates on these reissue 4440 sets? Thanks...

 

[Optima Strings]

Hi, I'm André from the Optima Strings company. And I'm glad to see that you are interested in our new (old) RB Flatwound strings.
We have just prepared an shipment for Canada, but unfortunately there are no RB in it.
But I will contact Simon, our distributor, to add some sets.
But if you cannot get the strings in Canada, just contact me, I can send you some sets directly.
Price would be 65 € including shipping.

And for the first 5 of you sending your full address and telephone number to our main e-mail address, I will send a test set without any costs.

Cheers
André

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[One Drop]

Hi, I'm André from the Optima Strings company. And I'm glad to see that you are interested in our new (old) RB Flatwound strings.
We have just prepared an shipment for Canada, but unfortunately there are no RB in it.
But I will contact Simon, our distributor, to add some sets.
But if you cannot get the strings in Canada, just contact me, I can send you some sets directly.
Price would be 65 € including shipping.

And for the first 5 of you sending your full address and telephone number to our main e-mail address, I will send a test set without any costs.

Cheers
André

Invalid Link Removed

I've sent you an email, very interested in trying them on my Ric.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Hi, I'm André from the Optima Strings company. And I'm glad to see that you are interested in our new (old) RB Flatwound strings.
We have just prepared an shipment for Canada, but unfortunately there are no RB in it.
But I will contact Simon, our distributor, to add some sets.
But if you cannot get the strings in Canada, just contact me, I can send you some sets directly.
Price would be 65 € including shipping.

And for the first 5 of you sending your full address and telephone number to our main e-mail address, I will send a test set without any costs.

Cheers
André

a post above

I'd like to see @nerkoids get one - as you might have noticed from a post above, he made the only available (at the time?) Youtube customer demo videos of your other flatwounds.

Also, paging @Harper.

 

[Optima Strings]

I'd like to see @nerkoids get one - as you might have noticed from a post above, he made the only Youtube customer demo videos of your other flatwounds available (at the time?).

Also, paging @Harper.

Please send me an e-mail with the addresses and phone numbers.