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Strings for new acoustic bass

R

rimtism123

Mar 25, 2009
225
5
Birmingham, AL
www.myspace.com
#1
Hi, I just bought me an acoustic-electric bass for when my band does acoustic gigs. (Ibanez AEB5EBK) Its my first one I've ever owned but I was wondering what different strings would sound like with this type of instrument. I know they come with Bronze rounds..but I was wondering if any of you play with steel rounds, flats, etc. with yours?

If so, could you tell me what kind of tone, or sound I will get with different kinds of strings? My main concern is switching and it affecting loudness and brilliance. Bc I would also like for it to sound nice unplugged.
 
#5
I tried a couple of different types - SS, NPS and went right back to the Round Bronzes for their better tone and projection when amp'd or not.

I like the string zing with them as they add a lot of character to the sound and they get really close to upright sound if you turn the presence down and flatline the EQ.

Bronze is so ----- well, bronze!

Be careful adding a lot of excess tension to the bass though. There are horror stories out there - and don't go fat strings if you have peg retainers on the bridge.
 
#7
He's concerned about brightness and volume and you guys are recommending nylon strings? :eyebrow:

Putting nylon strings on your bass will greatly affect your volume and brightness. They will make it less bright, and lower in volume.

I put steel roundwounds on mine. They make the bass loud and bright. Flats will give you less volume and sustain. A thumpier sound more like an upright. Bronze strings turn your fingers black. I'm pretty sure steels are brighter and louder than bronze, but I haven't left the bronze on any of my acoustics long enough to really make a fair assesment.
 
#8
There are probably a lot of threads about acoustic bass strings. A search may be more helpful than a new thread. That said, I personally love D'Addario Phosphor Bronze strings on my Thunderchief. I've only tried a few strings on there, lots of other people have different favorites.
 
#9
Joe Nerve said:
He's concerned about brightness and volume and you guys are recommending nylon strings? :eyebrow:

Putting nylon strings on your bass will greatly affect your volume and brightness. They will make it less bright, and lower in volume.

I put steel roundwounds on mine. They make the bass loud and bright. Flats will give you less volume and sustain. A thumpier sound more like an upright. Bronze strings turn your fingers black. I'm pretty sure steels are brighter and louder than bronze, but I haven't left the bronze on any of my acoustics long enough to really make a fair assesment.
Click to expand...
LaBella 760N's are stainless steel round wound strings inside a nylon tape wrapping. The tape is smooth to the touch and eliminates finger noise and fret buzz.
 
#10
I have mine strung up with Thomastik Infeld Acousticores, and though they're pricey (and you may need a new nut), they do the trick pretty well. I've tried the tapewounds and regular rounds, but these are just the right mix of good acoustic and good amplified sound for me. YMMV.
 
#12
You can forget having much volume unplugged. You can practice solo, but a couple decent acoustic guitars playing chords will generally cover you up. Plugged in, bronze rw will probably be the zingy clean brightest string available, but bronze = short life unless you spring for some coated bronze, which robs some of the zing.

The cool thing about piezo pups is that you can use non-metallic core strings which can yield some cool tones and allow a low tension feel for easy-on-the-hands playing. There are a lot of points between. I would be careful using steel flats that are high tension. Acoustic bass guitars are not all that stout under high tension.
 
#13
I've had black tapewound strings (GHS 3060 ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) on my ABG for a couple of years and I like them a lot. I picked the GHS brand over Fender & LaBella because they are a little lighter gauge and I felt they'd be a safer bet. I was surprised that there wasn't a bigger difference in unplugged volume when compared to the regular round wounds &/or bronze strings I've used on it. I really like the sound I'm getting with these strings and I particularly like the lack of finger and fret noise with them. The fret clacking with the bronze strings was awful.
 
#14
I have had good results with DR Rare acoustic bass strings. They really seem to retain the brighter, more defined "acoustic guitar" sound that is visually associated the with the ABG. They do produce the finger noise associated with acoustic guitars, if that is a concern.
 

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