Strings Archives - Page 2
Choosing the Right Bass Strings
Q: I’m making a custom 5 stringer tuned from E to C. It’s a 34 inch scale and the string spacing are 18mm. What strings are recommended, and what gauge are preferred to get both tighter E and a great high C? I’m used to nickel medium gauge. My luthier promised me it wouldn’t have a floppy C, but I...
MJC Ironworks Launches New Bass Strings
Michael Connolly has launched a new string company called MJC Ironworks, which the industry veteran describes as a company with “geek-like intensity to detail.” Its first products are a line of strings for bass players. The lineup includes stainless steel and nickel-plated versions in a variety of gauges. Available in 4, 5, 6, and 7-string sets, the strings are shipped...
S.I.T. Strings Introduces RB Bass Strings
S.I.T. Strings has introduced the RB line of bass strings, which will replace their current Rock Bright series. According to the company, the new set has been developed with an improved manufacturing process as well as a more balanced tension string formula. The RB Bass String is built with a 92/8 phosphor bronze under-wrap wire over a hard-tempered hexagonal steel...
Elixir Revamps Bass Strings
After getting feedback from over a thousand bass players, Elixir Strings has announced they’ve revamped their Nanoweb coated bass strings. “We recently decided to broaden our range in both Nickel Plated and Stainless Steel Strings,” says application engineer Justin Fogelman. “New and refined gauges and single strings give bassists a tool to find what really works well for them.” The...
Ernie Ball Introduces Slinky Flatwound Bass Strings
Ernie Ball is fusing the elements of two types of strings with their new Slinky Flatwound Electric Bass Guitar Strings. Developed with the company’s patented cobalt steel alloy, the strings are described as having the sound of round wound strings with the smooth feel of traditional flatwound strings. The strings are constructed with a cobalt ribbon wire wrapped around a...
The Lightbulb Moment: Time For A Change (of Strings)
A letter, documenting the moment when you realize that things aren’t what they used to be but that you have the power to amend the situation. This particular moment, and the frequency with which it occurs, is different for everyone. That said, this letter highlights a few subtle signs to help you determine when it’s time to make some modifications....
DR Strings Introduces Pure Blues Bass Strings
DR Strings has introduced a new set of bass strings called Pure Blues. The strings utilize a Quantum-Nickel wrap, which the company describes as combining the best characteristics of steel with a nickel feel. “Pure Blues bass strings combine a fat, warm punch with an edge especially designed for the modern bassist,” DR writes. “Pure Blues strings provide more output,...
Best Strings for Two-Handed Tapping?
Q: I’m looking for the brightest sounding flatwound strings I can find. I play a highly modded ’66 Jazz 5-string with Barto pickups and have used round wound strings consistently since 1972… yes, that long. The sizes I always use are 45 65 85 105, and 125. I want to experiment with the two-handed chordal technique used by Roscoe Beck...
Xotic Launches Line of Bass Strings
Xotic Guitars has launched their own brand of bass strings including sets for 4-, 5-, and 6-string basses. Available in nickel or stainless steel, the string feature round wound construction and can be ordered for 34″ or 33″ scale basses. The 4-string gauges run .045 to .105 while the 5-string set adds a .125 B-string and the 6-string adds a...
Dean Markley Introduces Blue Steel Nickel-Plated Bass Strings
After keeping them to limited to artists and exclusive dealers, Dean Markley has launched a nickel-plated version of their Blue Steel bass strings. Similar to the stainless steel set, the Blue Steel Nickel-Plated strings are cryogenically frozen with liquid nitrogen to improve their lifespan. The company describes the strings as gentler to the touch. Nickel also creates less distortion for...
La Bella Introduces Copper White Nylon Tape Wound Strings
La Bella has once again expanded their Nylon Tape Wound line of strings with the Copper White Nylon Tape Wound sets. As opposed to their classic White Nylon Tape Wounds, the new set is made with a transparent nylon wrapped over copper underlays. La Bella says the combination creates a warmer, more supple tone. The strings are available in 4-,...
Dean Markley Introduces Signature Series Bass Strings
Dean Markley has announced the Signature Series bass strings, available in 4- and 5-string sets. The strings feature a nickel plated steel that’s slowly wound over a hex core. This provides complete contact between the wrap wire and core, which the company says results in a maximum transfer of tone and sustain. The wrap wire is electroplated with pure nickel...