I used to use EB Slinkies 55-110 (I think) for drop C years ago. After switching to 5-string gauge a while back, I don't know how I ever did it any other way.
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stoner/doom bassist thread part 2: suspicious smoke
- Thread starter j-raj
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I used those same stings on my mm bongo for drop c when I had it, after I sold it the neck went goofy on the next guy when he put standard gauge and standard tuning on it.
I usually use .105's, sometimes .100's. I play 5 strings, so the B string is typically between .128-.130.
My right hand attack is normally pretty hard, but I love the tone that comes with it. I'll play lighter if the part calls for it obviously.
Speaking of strings, I'm between brands right now. I was using the blue steeles, but they're a little "clangy" for stoner rock and steel strings just wreck my brass frets (use a Warwick Corvette). I love them on my Spector for all the other stuff I do, but it just doesn't really work for my original band. I have a set of boomers on there now but I just can't stand them. Right out of the package they sound dead.
I use DR Sunbeams on a fretless and those are great, has anyone here tried them in a stoner/doom setting? Any other recommendations? I like having a decent amount of presence and attack, but not so in your face as the Blue Steele strings, you know?
My right hand attack is normally pretty hard, but I love the tone that comes with it. I'll play lighter if the part calls for it obviously.
Speaking of strings, I'm between brands right now. I was using the blue steeles, but they're a little "clangy" for stoner rock and steel strings just wreck my brass frets (use a Warwick Corvette). I love them on my Spector for all the other stuff I do, but it just doesn't really work for my original band. I have a set of boomers on there now but I just can't stand them. Right out of the package they sound dead.
I use DR Sunbeams on a fretless and those are great, has anyone here tried them in a stoner/doom setting? Any other recommendations? I like having a decent amount of presence and attack, but not so in your face as the Blue Steele strings, you know?
I never tried the Blue Steels so I really can't identify the tone but I will tell you Circle K strings have been the best string and I plan on getting some for my new bass as soon as I have money.
You'd be surprised at how awesome they work with my rig. They essentially make my ATK selector switch useless but I love the tone I get.
i found sunbeams on my p-bass to be too mellow. the nickel lo-riders worked better. I also really like the La Bella Deep Talkin' Rounds. They are SS but they are not too bright and have very nice midrange.
I played flats for about 2 years (chromes, la bella, sadowsky, fender) and they sounded great, but they do not work well with effects, and i like to use effects so i have gone back to rounds. if i ever decide to lose the pedal board i would likely go back to flats.
Yes pedals not meshing well with flats is definitely a con. Luckily I don't use many. I could actually get away with plugging my ATK straight into my SVT.
Anyone have any input on the Ibanez Iceman ICB200s? I've been gas'ing for one lately and found one cheap on CL but I've never actually played one.
Anyone have any input on the Ibanez Iceman ICB200s? I've been gas'ing for one lately and found one cheap on CL but I've never actually played one.
I owned the ICB200 for a few years. It's definitely got a good sound. Neck dives like crazy, the first thing I did was move the strap button on mine. I tuned mine to BEAD and it worked really well for that purpose. If you can pick one up cheap I'd say they're worth it if you can deal with the neck dive.
I'm not a huge fan of flats, and I definitely use lots of effects, so those are mostly out.
Are the DR Nickel Lo-Riders tapered core? I used tapered core strings for awhile and like their feel, but with so little material touching the saddle they were very clicky. That might work for Korn, but not so much for me.
And as for the Sunbeams - that was my fear; that they'd simply be too mellow. Like I said, I like a punchy, present tone. I think I'm going to try some different DR offerings.
Are the DR Nickel Lo-Riders tapered core? I used tapered core strings for awhile and like their feel, but with so little material touching the saddle they were very clicky. That might work for Korn, but not so much for me.
And as for the Sunbeams - that was my fear; that they'd simply be too mellow. Like I said, I like a punchy, present tone. I think I'm going to try some different DR offerings.
the 100-40 nickel lo-rider that i have are not tapered. not sure about the other guages or 5 string sets.
I havent found a single set of DRs I can stomach... but I always thought I didnt like Slinkys, but now thats all I use..
i'm a 5 guy, and i know xjeremiahx uses a SR5, but i don't see many others around this thread (or on the scene). why not go to a 5 instead of drop tuning? comfort? what others use? what idols use? no need to ever touch a G string?
Thanks!
Interesting. I've always hated slinkys too. Perhaps I should give them another try.
There was a time I thought I needed a 5er so I decided to try some out. They just didn't feel right. It is also a little bit of the, "they" can do it with a 4 banger and so can I, thing. Also, I am writing music in drop D presently. Anything lower than B and I would more than likely get a 5 string.
I've owned two 5 string basses so far. Both were awesome and both sat on my guitar rack. The last time I owned one I actually got pretty used to it, but I still just prefer 4s.
I go with a 4 cos a 5's neck is just way to wide for me and makes me remember why I never played football....too many fumbles.
I own a Lakland 5, but prefer a 4-string for the smaller neck. Also, I still sometimes get confused on a 5 when I'm watching my guitar players in order to figure out a part.
I had a 5 string I strung with real light gauge strings and tuned to drop C with a extra high string but I didn't use it and didn't care for it much
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