Strings Archives - Page 3
GHS Introduces Big Core Bass Strings
GHS debuted the Big Core Bass line of bass strings at Bass Player Live! this year. The strings feature a combination of stainless steel and nickel-iron wraps over a larger core. The increased core-to-cover ratio design is optimized for drop tunings without having to use heavier gauges. The set is rounded out with a tapered E string that maintains balance...
La Bella Introduces 7710T White Nylon Tape Wound Double Bass Strings
La Bella has introduced the 7710T White Nylon Tape Wound Set as part of their revamp of the Double Bass Nylon Tape Wound Series of strings. Developed with Ron Carter and Attila Zoller, the series is aimed at jazz pizzicato players and described as capturing the rich tone of gut strings and the sustain of steel strings. The new 7710T...
La Bella Announces RX Series Bass Strings
La Bella has introduced the RX-series of bass strings, available in Stainless Steel and Nickel-Plated Steel versions. The sets are built with a hard temper wire that’s produced from American wire mills. The strings unique round wound construction is based around a hexagonal core to prevent buzzing and offer better intonation. The company describes the strings as more flexible and...
DR Strings Introduces K3 NEON Hi-Def Multi-Color Bass String Sets
DR’s NEON string series is now even more colorful with the introduction of the K3 NEON Hi-Def Multi-Color Bass String sets. The coated strings are bright in daylight as well as black light active and glow under UV lighting. DR points out that besides visual appeal, multi-colored strings are a good tool to improve learning efficiency. The new sets are...
Payson Introduces Fanned Nickel Steel Medium Light Bass Strings
Payson has introduced a new Medium Light gauge set to their fanned nickel steel bass strings. As with the rest of the series, the Payson Fanned Nickel Steel Medium Light Bass Strings are designed specifically for Dingwall basses, or any other boutique builders using fanned multi-scale lengths from 34 to 37 inches. The set’s gauges are .130T, .100T, .078T, .058,...
Butter Strings: A Guide to Finding the Best Bass Strings for You
Q: What’s the best way to smoothen up my playing? I notice that a lot of bass players play like the strings are made of wool. I play a basic 4-string Cort G-series model, but I always get the feeling the strings are way to hard/high to play smoothly, or when I lower them, they make a lousy sound because...
La Bella Strings Introduces 760T White Nylon Tape Wound Bass Set
La Bella Strings has introduced the 760T White Nylon Tape Wound Set of bass strings. The new strings differ from their 760N counterparts by being made with a transparent nylon wrapped over stainless steal underlays. La Bella notes that the White Nylon set offers a brighter sound and smoother finish for easier gliding between notes. The 760T set can be...
Getting to Know Your Bass: How Many Strings Does It Take to Screw In A Lightbulb?
Ok, this column’s title is a bad joke (feel free to come up with you own punch line). In the past few columns of this “Getting To Know” series, we’ve examined a number of topics that relate to what your instrument can do, why you prefer it, and how that impacts your playing ability on the instrument. After discussing tone...
Dean Markley Introduces Nikki Sixx Helix HD SS Bass Strings
Dean Markley has expanded their Helix series strings with a signature set for Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx. Used by the man himself, the Nikki Sixx Helix HD SS Bass Strings are made of a special stainless steel alloy that the company says has an “inherent bright and cutting timbre.” Following the line, the new set of strings is constructed...
Bass Strings: Tips for Finding the Right Sound
This week’s column comes thanks to a question from Maria G. Maria asks: I’m a pretty new player, but I’m not happy with my upright bass strings. I know I need something different, but there are so many different kinds of strings out there I don’t know where to start. They are also expensive (!) so I can’t really experiment...
Pirastro Unveils Flexocor Deluxe Double Bass Strings
String company Pirastro has introduced a new set of double bass strings called the Flexocor Deluxe. Building upon their pre-existing Flexocor range, the Deluxe strings offer wider tonal range, longer sustain, and better overall playability. Pirastro explains that the Flexocor Deluxe’s structure allows the string to possess great resonance and “unsurpassed carrying power.” It’s core material is high-stability steel rope....
Dean Markley Introduces Helix Bass String Series
Dean Markley has introduced the Helix String Series, including the Helix NPS and SS sets for bass. The new strings are made with a patent-pending hyper-elliptical winding technique that creates a tighter wrap and more mass while also sealing the strings without the need of a coating. Increasing the string mass, the company explains, makes a fuller tone and more...