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Strings & Spector experts : help me to find a B string that fits !

M

Maxime01

Jun 25, 2019
39
62
#1
Hey folks,
I have a 2009 Spector Euro 5LX. I love this bass but as everyone knows, most non tapered B strings don't fit the bridge. I like a lot tapered strings but they are sometimes hard to find (I'm French). And I don't want to widen the bridge.
I would like to know which standard (= non tapered) sets fit this bridge (no matter the brand). My goal is to have a "list" of all the sets I could use in case I'm not able to find tapered strings AND to discover new strings. For exemple, I'd love to try Ernie Ball Cobalts but I don't know if its B string is suitable for this bridge.
I remember that DR DDT and Dean Markley Blue Steel fit, but I've had trouble with Rotosound, DR lo-Riders and others.
Thanks for all !!
 
#2
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#3
michael_t said:
DR DDT vs. DR Lo-Riders... Were they different gauges?

Assuming you prefer stainless steel over nickel-plated steel, how about this one? B, E and A are tapered in this set...

43-127 Custom Light Top/Medium Bottom 5-String Tapered, Long Scale, XL ProSteels Bass Guitar Strings | EPS300-5 | D'Addario
Click to expand...

No ! That's why that was really weird (and disappointing) : sames gauges (45-125), so I was pretty confident for the lo-riders...
Thanks for your suggestion, really apreciate it. I don't think i could find it in France (we have only standard sets from d'Addario), but I will try.
I like both stainless and nickel but nickel seems to fit more for my playing. My favorite are the Fodera's but really hard to find too. That's why a "normal" (and popular) set that fits would be great.
Cheers !
 
#4
Maxime01 said:
I like both stainless and nickel but nickel seems to fit more for my playing.
Click to expand...

D'Addario XL Nickels are one of the most popular and readily available strings, and tapered low B's are available as singles. I don't think they offer any factory 5-string sets with a tapered B, though.

What about Dunlop? Are they easy to find where you are? Super Bright Nickels are now available as a factory 5-string set with a tapered low B, 45-65-85-105-125T (DBSBN45125T).
 
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#5
If you liked Dean Markley blue steel but you need an alternative maybe try Apex cryos or Sfarzo Touchtones. I can find both on eBay. Also I see Warwick black label strings on many European listings. They would be easy to get and I would think it would fit since they fit Warwick basses with their quirky 3d bridge system. In France I would think that you could get thomastik and Mayones brands easily. From Italy you have Markbass and Galli who both make really nice strings. Rotosound would probably be absolutely available. They don't last as long as blue steels would but they sound good for the time being. Best of luck and I hope you find good sounding strings for you.
 
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#7
Maxime01 said:
Hey folks,
I have a 2009 Spector Euro 5LX. I love this bass but as everyone knows, most non tapered B strings don't fit the bridge. I like a lot tapered strings but they are sometimes hard to find (I'm French). And I don't want to widen the bridge.
I would like to know which standard (= non tapered) sets fit this bridge (no matter the brand). My goal is to have a "list" of all the sets I could use in case I'm not able to find tapered strings AND to discover new strings. For exemple, I'd love to try Ernie Ball Cobalts but I don't know if its B string is suitable for this bridge.
I remember that DR DDT and Dean Markley Blue Steel fit, but I've had trouble with Rotosound, DR lo-Riders and others.
Thanks for all !!
Click to expand...

I have the same issue with my Warwick Corvette. The only non tapered B string I've found that will fit in the tail piece is Warwick brand strings. They can be purchased mail order from their web site so you don't have to worry about availability. Hope this helps.
 
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#8
EB Cobalt Flats should work for top loading bridge.
EB strings fit up to a 35" scale generally.
Theyre about ~36" from ball the where the silk winding starts.

Daddario super longs will fit.
SIT has a multi scale set with the tapered B E A strings that would work also.
 
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#10
michael_t said:
D'Addario XL Nickels are one of the most popular and readily available strings, and tapered low B's are available as singles. I don't think they offer any factory 5-string sets with a tapered B, though.

What about Dunlop? Are they easy to find where you are? Super Bright Nickels are now available as a factory 5-string set with a tapered low B, 45-65-85-105-125T (DBSBN45125T).
Click to expand...

Finding a single tapered B string is a good idea, thanks.
Dunlop is pretty popular here but I hated all the sets I tried. Maybe I wasn't lucky with this company
 
#11
GTHintz said:
If you liked Dean Markley blue steel but you need an alternative maybe try Apex cryos or Sfarzo Touchtones. I can find both on eBay. Also I see Warwick black label strings on many European listings. They would be easy to get and I would think it would fit since they fit Warwick basses with their quirky 3d bridge system. In France I would think that you could get thomastik and Mayones brands easily. From Italy you have Markbass and Galli who both make really nice strings. Rotosound would probably be absolutely available. They don't last as long as blue steels would but they sound good for the time being. Best of luck and I hope you find good sounding strings for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your answer. Considering how much I loved Dean Markley BS, Apex is my number 1 choice to try. I hope they will be distributed in Europe one day. But I'll search on Ebay.
I'm really curious about Galli and Mayones. Maybe I should try them too. Thanks !
 
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#12
frankie5string said:
Really? I use DR Hi-Beams or Sunbeams on mine, and they fit. Does the low-B saddle actually have a cut-out on it for a string? If, while installing it, you bend the string over the "point" on the bridge it should stay put. I don't think those bridges are set specifically for tapered strings.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'll try it. Maybe I was too uspset to have the patience for taking my time !
 
#16
Maxime01 said:
Thanks for your answer. Considering how much I loved Dean Markley BS, Apex is my number 1 choice to try. I hope they will be distributed in Europe one day. But I'll search on Ebay.
I'm really curious about Galli and Mayones. Maybe I should try them too. Thanks !
Click to expand...
De Rien! I know Apex is a company that was formed by the Dean Markley guys before they shut down production at their string facility. I haven't seen any steel strings from Galli only nickel plate but maybe they have steels. I know if you're a blue steel fan you probably won't like nickel anything. Unless you used nickel steel Dean Markley... But anyway let us know when you find and how you like them on your Spector bass! All the strings I mentioned except for markbass, Mayones, and Apex I've actually tried and they all fit my Warwick so I'm confident they would work for you too. I haven't played anything thicker than .130 though and I know that can be why some people have issues is they like extra heavy gauge. I haven't had this problem with my Warwick. I might try a .135 b string just to see what happens and if I like the extra tension. I guess that's something to consider as well.
 
#18
GHS’ Bass Boomers .126 B-string fits into my Spector Euro 6LT’s tailpiece/bridge without any problems.

My Euro came new strung with D’Addario XLs, which had a .130 B-string, and it fit well.

If you’re a stainless steel roundwounds player, my guess is that
GHS’ Super Steels .126 B-string will also fit fine.
I’ve found GHS to be extremely consistent in regards to construction and quality control.

BTW, none of the B-strings that I’ve used and mentioned are taper core strings.
 
Last edited:
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#19
Arthur U. Poon said:
If you’re a stainless steel roundwounds player, my guess is that
GHS’ Super Steels B-string will fit fine.
Click to expand...

The only thing for the OP to be aware of is the Super Steel low B's that come in the factory 5-string sets (.121/.126) are both 36.5" in winding length (ball end to silk), vs. 37.25" for the Boomer. If a longer B is needed, the Super Steel 130B (38" winding) can be ordered as a single.
 
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#20
michael_t said:
The only thing for the OP to be aware of is the Super Steel low B's that come in the factory 5-string sets (.121/.126) are both 36.5" in winding length (ball end to silk), vs. 37.25" for the Boomer. If a longer B is needed, the Super Steel 130B (38" winding) can be ordered as a single.
Click to expand...


That completely slipped my mind on the length of the standard Super Steels B-string. Thank you, Michael.
 

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