The Fifths Tuning Club

[khutch]

Just thinking here...

Has anyone (currently tuning in fifths) noticed that they are using their 4 stringers more than their 5/6 string basses? I have two terrific 6 string basses from Tom Clement and I've noticed that my 4's are getting much more love lately...

Both of my 6's are tuned in fifths and I really dig the high E & B strings on my fretless. It really gets that super high thumb position upright tone easily and sounds stellar doing it. But my Fender Urge II in fifths sounds awesome and covers >95+% of what I play.

So, what do you think - for us in fifths tuning - are 5/6 (or 7's) string basses dead?

John

I'm coming in late to this topic but I like having the range of my fifths tuned Squier VI. I have a long way to go to master it and may not reach that. It is nice to have something to reach for and any progress I make could occasionally come in handy in the volunteer church band I play in since on any given Sunday one or the other of the volunteer guitarists could be AWOL. In the long run I may get down to two basses, a four and a the Squier VI. The SR605 I have is currently filling the hole between the two. A five is nicer for chording than a four because you have four higher pitched strings whereas I find much of the C string to produce too muddy a sound when playing chords. But of course for a lot of work a fiver would be enough and a fifths tuned four is enough too. I was prompted to try fifths on a four string precisely because it lets four do the work of five. I almost instantly fell in love with the fifths tuning in its own right however so today I am comfortable using it on four, five, or six strings. I think any bassist who becomes comfortable enough on a six can still find good use for a four because of its simplicity. Once you can really play six however, your need for a fiver diminishes considerably.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Anyone noticing a huge difference in timbre between the C-string and the G-string? It's probably because my C is a .132 flatwound...

 

[ixlramp]

Dropping in here after some absence.

I want to stress how important it is to create custom sets for fifths tuning, it's usually not a good idea to use a subset of a standard set (unless that somehow works for you). It's also a waste of strings as you end up with unused strings. Although single strings are more expensive than strings in sets, not wasting strings compensates.
Single string choice is near non-existant in guitar shops, don't even bother, often the strings have been sitting around for years and are corroded. it is essential to buy by mail order.
Note that D'Addario now individually air-seal their singles so the strings are protected like a pre-packaged set is. With many brands the singles are kept in paper envelopes so don't have the same protection.
I have a lot of experience in stringing up basses in fifths (4, 5, and 6 string basses since 1996) and understand the physics of tension stuff so can help out.

A simple way to choose gauges

I mention this occasionally and now is the time to do it again.
The rough rule for equal tension strings a fifth apart is gauges in ratio 3:2, such as the set 135 90 60 40 for CGDA.
Just multiply or divide by 1.5 to get the adjacent gauge.
This rule is derived from physics (my physics degree came in useful for something) and is based on the assumption that the density of the string structure (including air gaps) is constant, it isn't of course but the density variation is not large so this rule will get you very close to equal tensions without needing a tension chart (many brands don't publish tensions).
The rule doesn't work so well when going from wound to plain as plain strings are solid metal so have a higher structure density, so the plain string needs to be a smaller gauge than the rule suggests (or, the wound needs to be larger).

el_Bajo_Verde

Yes i notice a big jump in tone between low strings tuned in fifths especially when the lowest is roughly a B string. Tonal change becomes more noticeable with big gauges as the stiffness of such strings starts to become an issue.
A tension-balanced fifths set make the tonal jump more noticeable because we are used to standard sets where the B is much looser than the E to help make it more flexible. With an equal-tension fifths set you often end up with essentially the B and A strings of a standard set.
In fifths we now need to play 2 semitones higher up the lowest string, this also creates a duller tone.

 

[ixlramp]

Good to see in this thread some who like tension falling from low to high, i do to.

Concerning the 3:2 rule. String structure density tends to rise slightly as wound strings get thinner because a larger proportion of string volume is solid core instead of wraps with air gaps. The rise tends to accelerate for thin wounds.
So the rule will often result in a slight rise in tension from low to high, just something to keep in mind when choosing gauges. Knowing this, when the calculated gauge falls between 2 available gauges you can bias your choice to compensate.

 

[jharms80439]

I'm coming in late to this topic but I like having the range of my fifths tuned Squier VI. I have a long way to go to master it and may not reach that. It is nice to have something to reach for and any progress I make could occasionally come in handy in the volunteer church band I play in since on any given Sunday one or the other of the volunteer guitarists could be AWOL. In the long run I may get down to two basses, a four and a the Squier VI. The SR605 I have is currently filling the hole between the two. A five is nicer for chording than a four because you have four higher pitched strings whereas I find much of the C string to produce too muddy a sound when playing chords. But of course for a lot of work a fiver would be enough and a fifths tuned four is enough too. I was prompted to try fifths on a four string precisely because it lets four do the work of five. I almost instantly fell in love with the fifths tuning in its own right however so today I am comfortable using it on four, five, or six strings. I think any bassist who becomes comfortable enough on a six can still find good use for a four because of its simplicity. Once you can really play six however, your need for a fiver diminishes considerably.

khutch - Terrific thinking here...

Previously, I've never been comfy on a 5'er. Tried as I might, I started on a 6'er, and always had a stable of 4 stringers, but never could get on with a 5. Even 7's in Fourths made sense when I was doing lounge gigs accompanying a piano (please don't laugh - and way too many years ago too ), and though I tried the 7 string in Fifths, the low F never made much sense to me (but pedal notes were a bunch of fun!)...

When I went to Fifths tuning on a 6 string, try as I might, I couldn't get the higher strings to "sound" right - even with Kalium custom strings. Ultimately, I went back to 4's in Fifths. Ironically though, a 4 in 5ths has the range of a 5 in 4ths - and because I sort of grew up on 6 stringers (in the early 80's), I'd now almost like to try a 5 in 5ths - just to see if it works for me. I also thought about a Piccolo bass in 5ths - i.e. really cello tuning and not an octave lower - but a 34" scale and those super thin strings made me think better of it.

Frankly, it would have been (much) cheaper on my bank account if I could have gotten the 6'ers in 5ths to have worked for me. I'm now back to all 4 stringers and am pretty happy - but the draw towards a 5 in 5ths is definitely there.

Finally, I don't know if I could get on with only two basses though. Right now I'm down to 5 electric bass guitars (with Tom Clement making another for me) and of course my upright - and all in 5ths tuning. Each has its own sound when strung with either rounds, flats or black nylons. I could likely trim it to ~3 and the upright. But down to 2 overall? Likely not... Perhaps I'll get there someday!

John

 

[jharms80439]

ixlramp,

I really do appreciate your thinking on strings and the time that you've been playing in Fifths.

Kalium is one option for readily available custom gauge strings. Though several commercial manufacturers may be willing to custom manufacture a set of strings. Cost of strings are/become a very real factor for many of us. Kalium (for example only) specializes in a wide array of single roundwound strings - which is awesome!

However, because I use many different types of strings (i.e. 2 types of rounds, 2 types of flats, 2 types of nylons and 1 type of compression wound) all on a different basses - and all for different sounds - commercial strings may not be the optimal option for some, but for many, commercial 5 string sets are a good compromise option to get different types of strings. Sure, I could likely do with rounds only too - but, where's the fun in that?

I do very much agree with you that custom strings are likely the best option if your budget allows or if one generally uses only rounds (i.e. Kalium for instance). However, I only know of one custom string maker for flats (wide variety, but prohibitively expensive for me) and no custom manufacturers for nylons.

Are we, as Fifths tuning bass players, forced to use only rounds to have the best string tension and playability and forego the variety of tones available with other string types?

As an artist/musician that was uncompromising in tension, tone and string type, you betcha that I'd be up all of the manufacturers a$$ to get the best string for my music/art. For me, (and not being that), I can get used to different string tensions in order to get the tone of different strings. (And) I'm willing to waste the E string of a 5 string set to get there.

Make sense?

BTW, I have a bunch of unused E strings available from 5 string sets if anyone wants them... I'd rather someone have a use for them than toss them - which is why I've kept them all. Recycling can be cool that way too.

John

 

[jharms80439]

One more thing.

Somewhere above (and threads elsewhere) I've posted on my relative dislike of Chromes (the medium/heavy 5 string set - toss the E and tune in Fifths, blah, blah, etc.)

Well, I gave them another shot on my fretted Thumb. Frankly on that bass, they sound really good. Not sure if they'll make the cut for the long haul, but I'm working it.

So far they have about 40+ hours on the strings. Highs mellowed a lot, mids are present but not overwhelming as when new, most of the clank is gone and the bass tone is tight and doesn't fart out.

As always YMMV. To my ears Chromes on my fretted Thumb sound good when they've been played in a bit. My other basses, not so much.

Just sayin'.. you might want to give 'me a shot. You may be surprised. I was.

John

 

[ixlramp]

I want to stress how important it is to create custom sets for fifths tuning,

I do very much agree with you that custom strings are likely the best option if your budget allows or if one generally uses only rounds (i.e. Kalium for instance). However, I only know of one custom string maker for flats (wide variety, but prohibitively expensive for me) and no custom manufacturers for nylons.

Sorry if i was unclear, by 'custom set' i don't mean custom-built strings, which are of course much more expensive, i mean building a set from singles if possible (may not be possible for nylonwound). SIngles are more expensive but 4 singles is similar cost to having a 5 string set and not using a string. There are many brands of flats available as singles.

Retuning a standard set and having tension all over the place will dramatically affect your experience, so you're missing out for no good reason if the singles strings are available.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

ixlramp,

I really do appreciate your thinking on strings and the time that you've been playing in Fifths.

Kalium is one option for readily available custom gauge strings. Though several commercial manufacturers may be willing to custom manufacture a set of strings. Cost of strings are/become a very real factor for many of us. Kalium (for example only) specializes in a wide array of single roundwound strings - which is awesome!

However, because I use many different types of strings (i.e. 2 types of rounds, 2 types of flats, 2 types of nylons and 1 type of compression wound) all on a different basses - and all for different sounds - commercial strings may not be the optimal option for some, but for many, commercial 5 string sets are a good compromise option to get different types of strings. Sure, I could likely do with rounds only too - but, where's the fun in that?

I do very much agree with you that custom strings are likely the best option if your budget allows or if one generally uses only rounds (i.e. Kalium for instance). However, I only know of one custom string maker for flats (wide variety, but prohibitively expensive for me) and no custom manufacturers for nylons.

Are we, as Fifths tuning bass players, forced to use only rounds to have the best string tension and playability and forego the variety of tones available with other string types?

As an artist/musician that was uncompromising in tension, tone and string type, you betcha that I'd be up all of the manufacturers a$$ to get the best string for my music/art. For me, (and not being that), I can get used to different string tensions in order to get the tone of different strings. (And) I'm willing to waste the E string of a 5 string set to get there.

Make sense?

BTW, I have a bunch of unused E strings available from 5 string sets if anyone wants them... I'd rather someone have a use for them than toss them - which is why I've kept them all. Recycling can be cool that way too.

John

You can order a set of singles from BassStringsOnline. They have many different flats available. I chose Chromes and ordered four strings in custom gauges that would be best for CGDA tuning. Tension is great across the fretboard

It's a much better option than tossing the E from a 5-string set. You get a horrible tension imbalance that way.

 

[jharms80439]

EBV,

Except to tossing the E in a 5 string pack, what's the difference in buying 4 singles from a single manufacturer or buying a 5 string set locally and tossing the E string? I'm not quite sure how that contributes to "a horrible tension imbalance".

Remember, most of the commercial singles come from their commercially available string string sets - not custom. Which also means that you are stuck with their tension too - whether you buy 4 singles or use 4 strings from a 5 string pack.

Sure, I get it for not wasting a string when buying a 5 string package - but by the time you add in ~$7-$10 for shipping and wait for arrival, it is about a wash (unless you are buying in bulk). That said if you are buying on-line, 4 singles is a great way to go. For instance, tonight I bought 2 sets from Kalium - in the tensions that I prefer and without wasting a string.

I really just wish that I could do that for flats. In my case, I prefer descending tension on most of my basses. For truly custom gauge flats the options are super thin.

John

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

EBV,

Except got tossing the E in a 5 string pack, what's the difference in buying 4 singles from a single manufacturer or buying a 5 string set locally and tossing the E string? I'm not quite sure how that contributes to "a horrible tension imbalance".

Remember, most of the commercial singles come from their commercially available string string sets - not custom. Which also means that you are stuck with their tension too - whether you buy 4 singles or use 4 strings from a 5 string pack.

Sure, I get it for not wasting a string when buying a 5 string package - but by the time you add in ~$7-$10 for shipping and wait for arrival, it is about a wash (unless you are buying in bulk). That said if you are buying on-line, 4 singles is a great way to go. For instance, tonight I bought 2 sets from Kalium - in the tensions that I prefer and without wasting a string.

I really just wish that I could do that for flats. In my case, I prefer descending tension on most of my basses. For truly custom gauge flats the options are super thin.

John

If you get a 5-string set and toss the E string, only 2/4 strings in the set will be at the appropriate tension.
B -> C this is fine, though many prefer to get slightly higher gauge so it's not floppy
E -> (nothing)
A -> G will be noticeably LOWER tension, as you're essentially downtuning this string by a whole step
D -> D this is fine of course
G -> A will be much HIGHER tension, as you are uptuning this string a whole step! Tension becomes dangerously high, and a few strings will even snap

So by tossing the E from a 5-string set, you will have tensions of Good, TOO LOW, Good, TOO HIGH. Therefore the tension will be unbalanced. The volume on the lower tension string can also be noticeably lower than normal. On certain basses, I'm also not sure how good that is for the neck over a long-term period.

By buying a custom-gauge 4-string set, you can get the tension that you desire on all four strings, resulting in either equal tension or descending tension, whatever you prefer.

It isn't fair to say you are "stuck" with any tension when choosing custom-gauge strings, as you have the CHOICE to choose which string gauge you want. If you see that a certain string brand does not have the gauges you want, you are free to shop around with other brands until you find something that suits your needs.

For flatwounds, yes the options are not as abundant - remember, flatwounds are a very small percentage or bass string sales in general - but you can still make sets of custom-gauge strings via BassStringsOnline. I purchased Chromes in gauges .132, .90, .65, .40. They were very affordable, and even though I had to wait for Daddario to send them one of the strings which wasn't in stock, they still arrived very quickly!

 

[jharms80439]

EBV,

I understand your logic, but you are assuming that each commercial set is a "balanced" tension set. IMHO, they're not.

Here's an example of DR Fat Beams. Note that I do not have access to DR's tension for these strings and instead I used the Kalium tension calculator for a 34" scale instrument. I may be wrong, but it seems that there won't be a huge discrepancy between strings of the same size (I may be flawed here though).

Assuming that I am correct that there is little difference between string tension if the strings are the same size, below is the data:

DR Hi Beams Standard Fifths Actual Kalium
0.125 32.85 36.86 0.124
0.105 0.102
0.850 51.26 40.69 0.086
0.065 52.97 52.97 0.065
0.045 46.54 58.64 0.045
Total -> LBS 183.62 152.30

Personally, I've used DR Hi Beams and the tension at Fifths is better than when tuned in Fourths. Yes, the G/A is tighter - but also remember that I "generally" prefer descending strings - especially in Flats.

Below is an example of strings that I ordered from Kalium - not too far off from a standard 5 string package. This is again assuming (likely a BIG mistake!) that string tension doesn't vary that much between manufacturers with the same size string...

From Kalium - what I actually ordered - again, not too much different from a standard off the shelf medium light 5 string set...
Size Standard Fifths
0.136 39.25 44.04
0.090 55.90 44.37
0.059 43.81 43.81
0.039 35.03 44.13
Ttl->LBS 173.99 176.35

I absolutely agree with you that custom strings are a terrific solution - and for Round wound strings it's awesome. However, from the data above, I am compelled to disagree that standard sets produce a wildly unacceptable tension profile when tuning them in Fifths.

Make sense?

John

 

[Will_White]

EBV,

I understand your logic, but you are assuming that each commercial set is a "balanced" tension set. IMHO, they're not.

Here's an example of DR Fat Beams. Note that I do not have access to DR's tension for these strings and instead I used the Kalium tension calculator for a 34" scale instrument. I may be wrong, but it seems that there won't be a huge discrepancy between strings of the same size (I may be flawed here though).

Assuming that I am correct that there is little difference between string tension if the strings are the same size, below is the data:

DR Hi Beams Standard Fifths Actual Kalium
0.125 32.85 36.86 0.124
0.105 0.102
0.850 51.26 40.69 0.086
0.065 52.97 52.97 0.065
0.045 46.54 58.64 0.045
Total -> LBS 183.62 152.30

Personally, I've used DR Hi Beams and the tension at Fifths is better than when tuned in Fourths. Yes, the G/A is tighter - but also remember that I "generally" prefer descending strings - especially in Flats.

Below is an example of strings that I ordered from Kalium - not too far off from a standard 5 string package. This is again assuming (likely a BIG mistake!) that string tension doesn't vary that much between manufacturers with the same size string...

From Kalium - what I actually ordered - again, not too much different from a standard off the shelf medium light 5 string set...
Size Standard Fifths
0.136 39.25 44.04
0.090 55.90 44.37
0.059 43.81 43.81
0.039 35.03 44.13
Ttl->LBS 173.99 176.35

I absolutely agree with you that custom strings are a terrific solution - and for Round wound strings it's awesome. However, from the data above, I am compelled to disagree that standard sets produce a wildly unacceptable tension profile when tuning them in Fifths.

Make sense?

John

I'm sorry but a difference of 22 pounds from low to high with a 12 pound jump in the middle is far from what I'd call acceptable and having two strings over 50 pounds is not something I'd consider a good thing.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

EBV,

I understand your logic, but you are assuming that each commercial set is a "balanced" tension set. IMHO, they're not.

Here's an example of DR Fat Beams. Note that I do not have access to DR's tension for these strings and instead I used the Kalium tension calculator for a 34" scale instrument. I may be wrong, but it seems that there won't be a huge discrepancy between strings of the same size (I may be flawed here though).

Assuming that I am correct that there is little difference between string tension if the strings are the same size, below is the data:

DR Hi Beams Standard Fifths Actual Kalium
0.125 32.85 36.86 0.124
0.105 0.102
0.850 51.26 40.69 0.086
0.065 52.97 52.97 0.065
0.045 46.54 58.64 0.045
Total -> LBS 183.62 152.30

Personally, I've used DR Hi Beams and the tension at Fifths is better than when tuned in Fourths. Yes, the G/A is tighter - but also remember that I "generally" prefer descending strings - especially in Flats.

Below is an example of strings that I ordered from Kalium - not too far off from a standard 5 string package. This is again assuming (likely a BIG mistake!) that string tension doesn't vary that much between manufacturers with the same size string...

From Kalium - what I actually ordered - again, not too much different from a standard off the shelf medium light 5 string set...
Size Standard Fifths
0.136 39.25 44.04
0.090 55.90 44.37
0.059 43.81 43.81
0.039 35.03 44.13
Ttl->LBS 173.99 176.35

I absolutely agree with you that custom strings are a terrific solution - and for Round wound strings it's awesome. However, from the data above, I am compelled to disagree that standard sets produce a wildly unacceptable tension profile when tuning them in Fifths.

Make sense?

John

Adding the total pounds of tension in this case is not really relevant to the conversation. Having strings over 50 pounds of tension is not a good thing. Also your numbers clearly show the imbalance of tension when pulling strings from a 5-string set.

 

[ixlramp]

what's the difference in buying 4 singles from a single manufacturer or buying a 5 string set locally and tossing the E string? I'm not quite sure how that contributes to "a horrible tension imbalance".
Remember, most of the commercial singles come from their commercially available string string sets - not custom. Which also means that you are stuck with their tension too - whether you buy 4 singles or use 4 strings from a 5 string pack.

Single strings are not limited to the gauges in a set, you can buy any gauge in steps of .005, for any tension per string you want.
Because brands sell a wide range of set 'heaviness', the sets combined tend to result in (for example) gauges from .135 to .025 in steps of .005, any gaps are often filled by additional singles to enable customers to have a complete range in steps of .005.

DR Hi Beams Standard Fifths Actual Kalium
0.125 32.85 36.86 0.124
0.105 0.102
0.850 51.26 40.69 0.086
0.065 52.97 52.97 0.065
0.045 46.54 58.64 0.045

37 41 53 59 is worse than an imbalanced standard set, and this is only for CGDA, other fifths sets will have more need for carefully chosen singles.

Below is an example of strings that I ordered from Kalium - not too far off from a standard 5 string package
0.136 39.25 44.04
0.090 55.90 44.37
0.059 43.81 43.81
0.039 35.03 44.13

No 5 string set gets close. 40 60 sets tend to have 80 100 125 or 75 95 125, 135 usually comes with 105 85 70 50 or 105 85 65 45, 90 comes in extra light or 4 string extra heavy sets.
Anyway you've done the right thing here and bought singles, you will be much happier when doing this, for only slightly more cost.

 

[jharms80439]

ixlramp,

Look, I get it. For most string buyers, buying single bass strings for CGDA tuning is a better option whenever possible.

When I was gigging a bunch, I'd carry multiple basses - sometimes, but often not, extra sets of strings. Therefore, GC or the local music store was my only option for the next day's gig.

My Hi Beam example above wasn't to show that they were necessarily the best for CGDA tuning, but was there to illustrate how unbalanced a standard set often is. (And) Yes, I've played .045, .065, .085, .130/.135 sets in CGDA before and it hasn't destroyed my bass neck or my body...

FWIW, examples of pretty balanced CGDA tuned string sets from standard 5 string sets are:

• Warwick Red Labels (.040, .060, .080, .100, .125) good set, but a lighter B, which is not my fave - but good strings overall)
• Ernie Ball Extra Slinkys (same gauge as WRL above, great set - not often found in 5 string versions recently - set I picked up had a 128 B which was a good one - haven't seen the 5's for a while though)
• Dunlop Nickel Lights (.040, .060, .080, .100, .120) again, light B strings, but tuned to C it isn't "that" bad
• I'm actually itching to buy a set of the new(er) EB Cobalt flats in a 5 string set - but they don't make them in a 5 string set (the .040, .060, .080, 095 guages) and you cannot order a single Cobalt flat B string to balance out the set for CGDA

Oh, and many of the sets above are (IMHO) unbalanced tension in B(EADG)C tuning (really tight D and/or A, floppy B and usually a loose G), but become delightful in CGDA tuning. Again it is up to your personal preference, what style of music you are playing and your willingness to try different things - as always, YMMV.

Coming from an acoustic/upright bass I generally much prefer high tension strings and often descending tension from A to C (and because I prefer a higher tension C - this means that the A string is really high tension). If I'm going descending tension (often a commercial 5 string set) or balanced tension (often Kalium) - it often depends on the bass or the tone that I am going for with a specific set of strings.

Flats, I prefer (what I think most of you would call REALLY high tension - usually LaBella 1954's) though I do have a set of EB Chromes on my Thumb that I've not quite committed to, but I am digging them right now. Upright/acoustic basses have strings at 65-85 lbs of tension (depending on the strings of course) 58 lbs of tension on a G tuned to A (from the Hi Beam example above) is high, but fine (again, for me - YMMV).

So.. You're (all) right - CGDA tuning is best with single string purchases. Maybe I'm lazy (and a cheap ba$tard - but the (often) two plus week delay from order to arrival for a single set of strings is a pain in the rear - and yes, before you say anything, I "could" order multiple string sets at the same time to have more on hand too - sometimes I have, often, I haven't.

Personally, I have 4 gallon size baggies full of string sets that I've tried and kept from over the years - sets are for 4's, 5's, 6's and 7's - most used but some are new. I also swap strings on basses like my wife thinks I change socks. Kalium (formerly Circle K) strings are the only ones that I don't have sets of in my string baggies. They get used until dead then tossed.

John

 

[Will_White]

I finished the EUB I was working on and it now wears a set of .100 .065 .045 Chromes tuned DAE

I'm finding the jump from fourths to fifths tuning to be not all that hard, it definitely helps that my "home" string (the A string) is the same between my three string basses.

 

[jharms80439]

Will,

The ladies (above) are looking good!

John

 

[jharms80439]

Bought some flatwound strings again from BSO the other day. Received them yesterday and installed them last night. They're still new, but I thought that I'd post some initial impressions. I've also come to notice in my own sound that in Flats I like low mids v. high mids. I do like a deep & tight bottom too, and sometimes even like a glassy top end for a flatwound slap tone.

LaBella 760FX - didn't think I'd like the gauge but I really do. Great fundamental and they seem almost broken in within 5 minutes of playing them. Feel a bit like a slightly looser set of FLs - almost TI Jazz Flatish like when tuned in 4ths and even better when tuned in 5ths. They are installed on a fretless Warwick Thumb.

Rotosound RS77 (monel flats) - Again, still new, but from what I've read it can take a year before the tone changes. Terrific bottom, low mids (sounds high mid scooped or high mid absent) and a great top end. Unfortunately I had to buy a 4 string set and add the low B string as I couldn't find anyone that sold Rotosound singles in the 77 series. When new they have a great flat slap tone too.

I'll keep them on for a bit and check in as to how the tone changes over time.

John

 

[Lionel Albert]

Very interesting thread, for gauge strings, why don't you order Stick Chapman strings (CGDAE) ?
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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I know that they fit on a 35'' scale instrument, I don't know how it can fit on a tuning machine...
That was just an idea.