I have a Guild B-240e 30.75" scale...I am really enjoying playing this bass, but after 2 yrs. I am still not settled on my choice of strings. Has anyone tried putting the long scale Acousticores on a short scale ABG? Their nylon core flexibility may either be an advantage here...or not. Thanks!
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Thomastik AB344 Acousticore on short scale ABG?
- Thread starter len13
- Start date
D
I'm using those strings on the exact same bass and I love them!
For MY taste the tone of the bass went from horribly harsh to organic and warm when I replaced the stock D'Addarios for Thomastiks. The lows felt considerably fuller and there is none of that nasty D'Addario upper mid "CLANK". In fact, the Thomastiks are the only acoustic bass strings I've ever really liked. I find all the others ABG strings I've tried far too bright, harsh and "metallic" sounding. The Thomastiks will take you a step towards a double bass tone (but obviously with completely different sustain, dynamics etc.).
A couple of things to be aware of:
-The tension will be low. These are low tension strings even on a long scale bass. They will be very floppy compared to the stock D'Addarios. Personally I don't find this to be a problem at all but I expect a lot of people would hate them because of the low tension. For comparisons sake I would say the floppiness and perceived tension (or maybe I should say "stiffness") is somewhere between the TI Jazz Flats and Jazz Rounds (on a long scale electric). Slightly floppier than the Flats but definitely tighter than the Rounds.
-The fully wound part of the E-string will end up around the tuning peg. Normally I avoid this but I loved the tone of these strings so much that I made an exception. I've had the same set installed for several years now without any issues. I expect the flexibility of these strings make it a non-issue.
-These strings will make your bass feel almost like a nylon string bass. The strings will roll under your fingers like on classical guitars. You will probably get used to it in 2 minutes but it's definitely something to be aware of.
-If you love the tone of D'Addarios (or any other "bronze" acoustic bass strings for that matter) you may not like the Thomastiks. They have a COMPLETELY different tone: Much warmer, fuller and no metallic "zing" whatsoever. It's a much mellower tone. Personally I love it.
For MY taste the tone of the bass went from horribly harsh to organic and warm when I replaced the stock D'Addarios for Thomastiks. The lows felt considerably fuller and there is none of that nasty D'Addario upper mid "CLANK". In fact, the Thomastiks are the only acoustic bass strings I've ever really liked. I find all the others ABG strings I've tried far too bright, harsh and "metallic" sounding. The Thomastiks will take you a step towards a double bass tone (but obviously with completely different sustain, dynamics etc.).
A couple of things to be aware of:
-The tension will be low. These are low tension strings even on a long scale bass. They will be very floppy compared to the stock D'Addarios. Personally I don't find this to be a problem at all but I expect a lot of people would hate them because of the low tension. For comparisons sake I would say the floppiness and perceived tension (or maybe I should say "stiffness") is somewhere between the TI Jazz Flats and Jazz Rounds (on a long scale electric). Slightly floppier than the Flats but definitely tighter than the Rounds.
-The fully wound part of the E-string will end up around the tuning peg. Normally I avoid this but I loved the tone of these strings so much that I made an exception. I've had the same set installed for several years now without any issues. I expect the flexibility of these strings make it a non-issue.
-These strings will make your bass feel almost like a nylon string bass. The strings will roll under your fingers like on classical guitars. You will probably get used to it in 2 minutes but it's definitely something to be aware of.
-If you love the tone of D'Addarios (or any other "bronze" acoustic bass strings for that matter) you may not like the Thomastiks. They have a COMPLETELY different tone: Much warmer, fuller and no metallic "zing" whatsoever. It's a much mellower tone. Personally I love it.
Thanks so much for the in depth response! I am a long time user of both the TI flats and rounds, and I love their tone and feel.Having played the TI's, tension is not really an issue here, unless you sacrifice a lot of acoustic tone. I was a bit hesitant about moving over to the Acousticores seeing as though the long scale length would end up around the post...always a little concerning. It was between these and either the jazz flats or rounds. How do the Acousticores sound acoustically? More or less string noise than the rounds? Thanks for responding
D
I've never used the Jazz Flats/Rounds on an acoustic bass, only electric, so I can't really make a comparison about their acoustic qualities
The Thomastik Acoustic Bass strings have very little string noise though. They have none of the squeak or clank you get from the stock D'Addarios.
You will definitely not sacrifice any tone from the low tension. In fact, I suspect the low tension is what provides the full, warm lows. The strings vibrate with a wider amplitude than any of the stiffer "normal" phosphor bronze ABG strings I've tried.
The Thomastiks are completely different to ANY other phosphor bronze strings both in tone, feel and construction. They have a much fuller, warmer, and more organic tone. They are very mellow yet defined. Not muddy or boomy at all. Very nicely balanced. Much more responsive than the stiffer D'Addarios. Apart from the complete lack of any zing/clank (which to me is a good thing) the TIs will also provide a much fuller volume in my experience.
If you like the TI flats/rounds I think you will probably love the TI Acoustic Bass strings. They definitely have that "orchestral" TI vibe. Getting rid of the D'Addarios and installing TIs was the best thing I ever did for my Guild. The TIs made it sound and feel like a far more expensive instrument.
Of course, if you happen to like the more metallic D'Addario tone you should probably avoid the TIs. There are no zingy highs here.
I am not at all interested in the zingy thing...Full,round,warm gets my attention. As I mentioned, the difference in scale length is what caused me to hesitate to even try them. Perhaps the flexibility of their construction is an advantage in that respect. I really like the bass, overall a great value for the $, but finding the right string has been an elusive journey. I feel inspired to give them a try...Thanks!
I would suggest you try the GHS Balanced Pure Nickels. I have them on a short scale bass and they do the big, round, tone in spades. They are round core, so they are flexible so that the E string does not go thumpy. With the added mass of pure nickel wrap, they have enough tension that they don't flop on a short scale. As the name implies, they are consistent string-to-string and up the neck. The current set that I have on my short scale travel bass are going on 15 months, and settling into that woody, organic tone that might be just right on an AEB or ABG.
