Replacement suggestions for Ibanez AGB200?

[blvtzpk]

Hi all,

I was attempting to tune my Ibanez AGB200 semi-acoustic bass last night and, due to tiredness and a bit too much to drink, I broke the A string. When I bought the bass it didn't come with any replacement strings, and, as a 'first time string replacer' I'd like to get some advice.

I believe the AGB200 was sold with roundwounds, but I do not not know the manufacturer. Searches on the Internet haven't come up with any solutions.

So...what replacement would you recommend? Should I look for a single A string, or should I buy a complete set? If so, what brand should I go with?

Please treat me gently...I am a neophyte and I have learned one main thing...

'Don't drink and tune...they don't mix.'

Looking forward to your suggestions.

 

[blvtzpk]

Would a *bump* help this request?

 

[fretlessguy]

The abg 200 is a short scale from what I read. You can order short scale bass strings from several online sites such as juststrings.com and their are string sellers here at talkbass that can help you out. Myfavorite short scale bass strings are the power round nickel set from SIT and GHS Precision flats and Pressurewound sets. You may want to check with Ibanez to be sure because some semi hollow bases require medium gauge sets even though they are short scales.

 

[Abner]

Wow. Not much love for the AGB200 around here.

What strings you want depends on the sound you want. But I do believe the important thing to remember with this bass, even though it is a short-scale bass, is that it takes medium-scale strings, due to the bit of extra space between the bridge and the tail piece. I have a set of Pyramid Gold flats on mine, and it is the set made specifically for the Hofner "Beatle" bass. (Other companies also make "Beatle" bass sets, such as LaBella.)

I do have a set of the new GHS medium-scale flats for it, but have not had a chance to try them yet.

-Alex

 

[blvtzpk]

Thanks for the replies, guys. It was via this forum that I decided on the ABG 200, and I was wanting to start using it when I broke the string...I just felt so stupid! I have taken a look at the online Ibanez information, and they don't seem to indicate what strings they used - now it's a discontinued model, I might have to write directly to then and ask them. Like I wrote above, I wonder if I should just look for a single replacement, but if I don't know what the other three remaining strings are, I don't want to have an 'incompatible' A string.

I'll look into both of your suggestions. I'm based in Japan, but not close to a big city. If I were in Tokyo I'd know to go to the 'guitar town' area (which is amazing - I've been there once). I will look online and see what I can find, but I might search the local sites to see if they have what you're recommending.

As for sound, although I realize the AGB 200 doesn't produce a big sound un-amped, I'd like to find strings that would give me the loudest sound while not plugged in - given that idea, does that narrow down your suggestions?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

 

[blvtzpk]

BTW, I found these online in Japan at a reasonable price:

Flea Signature Bass Boomers® - Standard Long Scale (Fits 34" Scale) Roundwound Nickel-Plated Steel

(I can't post a link yet but you can find them on the GHS strings website)

I love Flea as a bassist, and we were born in the same town in Australia - the match seems right for me, but for a semi-acoustic bass like the ABG 200 TBR?

 

[Abner]

First off, I don't think the AGB-200 has been discontinued. However, like with many models Ibanez produces these days, it does seem to be a bit of a mystery on just how they pick which model is available in which market. (AGB-200 has been replaced with the 5-string version AGB-205 in Australia, for example.) But you say you are in Japan, and this model is still available in Japan (at least according to their website). And not only that, the Japanese website even mentions which strings come stock on this bass:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The Boomers you are looking at may give you problems, they are made for a longer instrument. You will have a hard time trying to wrap the fat part of the strings around those tiny machine heads, and will likely break a string before ever getting it up to pitch.

Strings are usually a personal choice, but if acoustic volume is the main (or only) criteria, then round-wounds will be easier to hear (harmonic content easier to hear than fundamental bass notes), and generally speaking, the higher the tension of said strings, the louder they will be.

If local noise is the issue, maybe you could look into getting a headphone amp, such as a Tascam GB-10, and I'm sure Vox, Boss, perhaps many more companies, make something similar.

Oh, and again, the AGB-200 will take medium scale strings. Not to be confused with medium gauge strings.

Good luck with your search, and let us know how you get on.

-Alex

 

[blvtzpk]

Alex:

Thanks for the fast and detailed reply. I also appreciate you pointing what I overlooked on the site - that the strings are part of the D'Addario EXL160M series. On top of that, getting some clarification on scale vs gauge is enlightening.

You can undoubtedly tell I'm new to the field, and am therefore very appreciative of the help.

I'll hung down the D'Addario EXL160M strings and see if I can make a change without messing up big time - and I'll be sure to let you know how I go!

Once again, MANY thanks!!!