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String set recommendation for Ibanez Mezzo (32" scale)?

#21
Another update. Been playing around with the sound I want, damn near there. I did raise my bridge a little bit (maybe 1 or 1.5 mm) and now have the sound without the without the occasional clank when I pluck with a bit of gusto (pretty much all the time) bottom end is mellow, top end has a slight harshness. Yep, been trying to emulate Geddy Lee's sound a bit. Just want the top end to bite through when I'm up on the neck. Still using the extra light LaBella strings (.039 .056 .077 .096) stainless steel flat wounds. I have been kicking around the idea of a different set of strings, but I love flats and really like my setup and still able to play fast passages.
Has anyone ever tried rounds, pressure wounds or ground rounds on the first two strings and flats on the last two strings? Might be a cockup waiting to happen, but been thinking about trying it.
 
#22
Supadope said:
You might want to try a set of DR High Beams. They are a little heavier gage than other short scale sets.

DR Strings SMR-45 Hi-Beam Short Scale Bass Strings - .045-.105
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I finally figured out my problem with string buzz and clanking, I was playing to close to the neck. Saw a few vids and noticed guys like Richard Sinclair, Geddy Lee and a few other well known bassists were playing over the "J" pickup, or even a little closer to the bridge.
Gave a different tone and took 2 or 3 weeks to get my fingers strong enough to play rhythm properly, but well worth adjusting my style. No Clanks, No Buzz and not a bad tone either.
 
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#23
sonojono said:
The electronics were extremely noisy, I actually really like the pickups and could’ve left them with the Bartolini preamp (as I did for a solid two weeks) but I was looking for a specific tone which the Dimarzios achieved significantly!

Might look into another Mezzo to keep the pickups stock and change out the preamp. As much as I wanted to love the preamp, I just can’t get over how harsh they sound with the treble setting for chordal work..

I still have the original electronics for safe keeping!
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Ok, I've gotten to the point where I agree, the electronics are way too noisy. What sort of sound are you getting from the Dimarzios? What sort of sound did you get with the original pickups and the Bartolini preamp? Just checking my options LOL
 
#24
Possum Willy said:
Ok, I've gotten to the point where I agree, the electronics are way too noisy. What sort of sound are you getting from the Dimarzios? What sort of sound did you get with the original pickups and the Bartolini preamp? Just checking my options LOL
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The sound I get with the Dimarzios are deep/punchy sound which pairs extremely well with Flatwounds. The Barts with Dimarzio package does sound nice when you raise the treble full, it’s like adding a sprinkle to your pickups.

I can’t recall how the bass sounded with the original pickups and Bartolini preamp. But, I am in the position where I don’t engage the preamp and just play strictly passive cause of how good the Dimarzios sound on my Mezzo. YMMV
 
#25
focusbob said:
I have an Ibanez Mezzo (medium, 32", scale) bass that I really like, other than the fact that I am experiencing a lot of string buzz (particularly on the low E string) with the stock strings - I have set the bass up according to Fender's recommendations (so string height should not be the culprit). I'm wondering if a different string set would solve this problem? What strings to folks like best for the Mezzo? Thanks!
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Another way to eliminate buzzing and popping, especially if you pluck, play closer to the bridge. The strings won't have as much oscillation and the tone will be a little clearer.
 
#26
sonojono said:
The sound I get with the Dimarzios are deep/punchy sound which pairs extremely well with Flatwounds. The Barts with Dimarzio package does sound nice when you raise the treble full, it’s like adding a sprinkle to your pickups.

I can’t recall how the bass sounded with the original pickups and Bartolini preamp. But, I am in the position where I don’t engage the preamp and just play strictly passive cause of how good the Dimarzios sound on my Mezzo. YMMV
Click to expand...

Great answer, thanks very much!
 
#27
#28
Hey all,

Just wondering if anyone could comment on the tone of the E string on the mezzo/medium scales in general. I have had a few short scales but could never accept the tone on the E string, also found the bass too cramped.

Love the sound of 34 but not the length, so am super close to pulling the trigger on the mezzo. I play rounds, will make it passive and have new hardware ready to go. Am totally happy with less tension on the strings - was fine on the SS I just hated the E string sound.

...Did I mention I hated the E string tone?
 
#30
Plenty of differing types of strings you can use on the Mezzo, as opposed to really short scale (30 inch and under) basses. There's a Jazz set by Thomastik specifically made for 32 inch and it's light gauge, not cheap, but sound beautiful and almost no finger noise. At least we don't have to change stings all that often.
I have so much more feel on lighter gauges and have found I look at the fretboard much less.
 

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