/ Register

Uke bass strings suck

Discussion in 'Strings [BG]' started by Bob E, Dec 31, 2021.


Tags:
  1. Dec 31, 2021 #1
    Bob E

    Bob E

    Nov 18, 2012
    Michigan
    My solid body Rondo special came with Aquila Thunderblacks. The E and A strings are a little sticky feeling and there is a scratchy attack on every string that kind of drives me nuts. I can minimize it if I dial out the highs and hit the string just right, but then it kind of looses some of the upright sound that I'm looking for.
    Aquila Thunderguts are the same dang thing in a cream color.
    Road Toad Pahoehoes aren't as sticky and have less string noise, but they are a major PITA to put on and tune up. They also have lighter and uneven string tension that doesn't play well with the under saddle piezo pickup. I already had to drill out the holes through the body to get the D and G strings on there. I don't really want to cut up my saddle for these strings. I can get a good approximation of their tone just by boosting the bass a little more with the Aquilas.
    Is there anything better?
     
  5. Dec 31, 2021 #2
    fretlessguy

    fretlessguy

    May 17, 2008
    Hopefield, AR.
    I understand where you are coming from. To be honest......I do not think the best set has been invented yet. There is something missing and yet something good about every set I have used. The one set I have not tried yet are the flatwounds. I would love to try a 5 string set of flats in
    B E A D G for my KALA Calli solid body or maybe even an extra long set for it in a set of Reds. For now I will just rock on with what I got. Gotta love those uke basses. :bassist:
     
    Bob E likes this.
  9. Jan 2, 2022 #3
    Bob E

    Bob E

    Nov 18, 2012
    Michigan
    I'm tempted to put the piezo bridge and preamp from my Hadean on a 6' 2x4 and see what happens with a set of weedwackers.
     
    fretlessguy likes this.
  13. Jan 4, 2022 #4
    iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    There are other u-bass strings being made now, so there are now several types of sets, from the Road Toad to the Aquila offerings you mentioned to actual metal flat wounds by Galli and others. I prefer the Silver Rumblers on my bubinga Kala U-Bass, but I understand what you are experiencing with the articulation, so that may or may not be an alternative for you. Silver Rumblers are similar to Thunder blacks, but a bit more tension and a bit less roll under the fingers in my experience. I gig with my u-bass often. To help with the articulation and tone, I use more of a double bass pizz technique, where I roll my right hand in a little bit and pluck more off the side of the tip of the finger than the top of the fingerprint of my finger. Links:
    https://kalabrand.com/collections/u-bass-strings
    https://aquilacorde.com/en/modern-music/bass-ukulele-ashbory-bass-strings/
     
    Bob E likes this.
  18. Jan 5, 2022 #5
    Rabidhamster

    Rabidhamster

    Jan 15, 2014
    Dust with Corn starch thats what folks did with the ashbory bass strings iirc
     
    Bob E likes this.
  22. Primary

    Primary TB Assistant

    Here are some related products that TB members are talking about. Clicking on a product will take you to TB’s partner, Primary, where you can find links to TB discussions about these products.

     
    May 22, 2022

Share This Page