overwater#1 Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hey all, As some have seen, i've just bought my new 7 string bass. I think I'm going to keep it tuned B to F, not sure if i'd use a low F#, and would like to get to grips with the top F string. I'm just wondering what strings people have been using on their 7's, and what they can recommend? I've had a look around, and I'm very tempted to go for some Conklin SnakeSkins, although haven't a clue if I can get them in the UK? I've seen the DeanMarkleys in USA, but heard the Conklins are better. I do like the idea of using taper core strings. Also, I know its been discussed numerous times, but how would I go about tuning to low F#? I'm just not sure whether it would be a good idea, or of any use. I know its a simple case of buying heavyy strings, and then get the bass setup, but I'm very undecided! Anyway.. Comments!! Especially on the Conklin Snakeskins! Cheers! Best wishes, Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 Eyup, We've dealt a fair bit with Picato.. had quite a few custom sets from them, including bass strings as low as 0.020" I'm using their flatwounds at the mo, including a 5-string double ball set they started to make as a custom for me Could be worth a try. HUGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 (edited) For the F#, I have a 0.160 which comes from S.I.T. in the States. They're one of the only companies who sell sets like that, Conklin strings are more expensive than S.I.T. Edited February 5, 2009 by 7string Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I string my 7 BEADGBE- the only strings I've used are Overwaters (which I would have thought would be good for you!). They're a LOT cheaper than buying the Conklins (which I was considering)- the OWs are only about £21 a set IIRC. I'm no strings expert though, so as ever, YMMV, but I would be loath to drop $50-60 +delivery getting a set from the states when I can get 2 from the UK for the same price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 I have used the OW strings as well, but I don't like them that much. Luckily, I've found that OW can just supply the F string which is a 20 or 21 or so. So I have a mix of D'Addario and OW on my basses. Here's the page from S.I.T which shows the strings that they do, right up to a 0.195. [url="http://www.sitstrings.com/show_product.php?id=29"]http://www.sitstrings.com/show_product.php?id=29[/url] You can also get the bigger strings individually from [url="http://www.octave4plus.com/"]http://www.octave4plus.com/[/url] They go from a 0.005 to a 0.200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jarhead Posted February 5, 2009 Share Posted February 5, 2009 [quote name='7string' post='401478' date='Feb 5 2009, 08:39 PM']I have used the OW strings as well, but I don't like them that much. Luckily, I've found that OW can just supply the F string which is a 20 or 21 or so. So I have a mix of D'Addario and OW on my basses. Here's the page from S.I.T which shows the strings that they do, right up to a 0.195. [url="http://www.sitstrings.com/show_product.php?id=29"]http://www.sitstrings.com/show_product.php?id=29[/url] You can also get the bigger strings individually from [url="http://www.octave4plus.com/"]http://www.octave4plus.com/[/url] They go from a 0.005 to a 0.200 [/quote] Actually, thats a .262 for $45. Apparently tunes up to F# with a 34" scale. About the same tension as the steel ropes on a suspension bridge, for those of you unsure. Zach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overwater#1 Posted February 5, 2009 Author Share Posted February 5, 2009 [quote name='7string' post='401478' date='Feb 5 2009, 08:39 PM']I have used the OW strings as well, but I don't like them that much. Luckily, I've found that OW can just supply the F string which is a 20 or 21 or so. So I have a mix of D'Addario and OW on my basses. Here's the page from S.I.T which shows the strings that they do, right up to a 0.195. [url="http://www.sitstrings.com/show_product.php?id=29"]http://www.sitstrings.com/show_product.php?id=29[/url] You can also get the bigger strings individually from [url="http://www.octave4plus.com/"]http://www.octave4plus.com/[/url] They go from a 0.005 to a 0.200 [/quote] Yeah, I used to use Overwater 6 string sets, but find that they dont last too long. Ideally, i'd probably use Elixirs, I love my Elixir string on the 6, they're phenomenal! I've emailed them to see if they can wind me something to use as an F string. If not, I reckon trying something like the S.I.T strings would be worthwile! Is it noticeable having the core in contact with the bridge? You're not planning on ordering any more are you? Could go halves on the shipping and get some each? If not, I've just had a reply from Bill Conklin, and might order a set of his Snakeskin ones to try. I definitely do like Elixirs though... hmm The coating is coming off a little bit where I play over the PUs, but they still have an almost piano like clarity, really bright, great sounds and feel!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6stringbassist Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 Ritter Swordsteels ?. [url="http://www.ritter-basses-shop.com/shop_01.php?sid=6677aedceedd69c0584154ed609584c1&gruppe=Strings&PHPSESSID=6677aedceedd69c0584154ed609584c1"]http://www.ritter-basses-shop.com/shop_01....84154ed609584c1[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overwater#1 Posted February 6, 2009 Author Share Posted February 6, 2009 Do you use those? They definitely look/sound impressive!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 [quote name='overwater#1' post='400905' date='Feb 5 2009, 12:24 PM']Hey all, Also, I know its been discussed numerous times, but how would I go about tuning to low F#? I'm just not sure whether it would be a good idea, or of any use. I know its a simple case of buying heavyy strings, and then get the bass setup, but I'm very undecided! Matt [/quote] Tuning to Low F# would require getting your nut recut if you go for a heavier string. You may need to deal with the bridge height as well, as *most* very heavy gauge strings have a taper core.. and finally the intonation will need to be checked as well. You *may* need to get your neck relief checked over as well, if the string tension is affecting the neck at all. If you chose the right gauge of string for your scale length, you might not need to worry too much. With regard to those supplying F# strings, I get mine from Warwick. They do a massive 175 gauge string for that tuning. You will also be very happy to hear that Rotosound have just started doing a 175 gauge string as well. Last year, under endorsement, I asked them if they would make sets of 175's up for me.. and they said no, they didnt have the machines to do it.. Now whether or not they have gotten new machines or farm the wrok out, I don't know.. but I am tempted to give those strings a go and see how good they are! It's nice to see that more companies are addressing the need for heavier gauges and lower tunings.. it does make sourcing strings easier for the average Joe on the street! The Bass Centre have been looking after me for quite some time now and have been great, as were Rotosound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 [quote name='dood' post='401804' date='Feb 6 2009, 09:58 AM']Tuning to Low F# would require getting your nut recut if you go for a heavier string. You may need to deal with the bridge height as well, as *most* very heavy gauge strings have a taper core.. and finally the intonation will need to be checked as well. You *may* need to get your neck relief checked over as well, if the string tension is affecting the neck at all. If you chose the right gauge of string for your scale length, you might not need to worry too much. With regard to those supplying F# strings, I get mine from Warwick. They do a massive 175 gauge string for that tuning. You will also be very happy to hear that Rotosound have just started doing a 175 gauge string as well. Last year, under endorsement, I asked them if they would make sets of 175's up for me.. and they said no, they didnt have the machines to do it.. Now whether or not they have gotten new machines or farm the wrok out, I don't know.. but I am tempted to give those strings a go and see how good they are! It's nice to see that more companies are addressing the need for heavier gauges and lower tunings.. it does make sourcing strings easier for the average Joe on the street! The Bass Centre have been looking after me for quite some time now and have been great, as were Rotosound.[/quote] +1 to recut, etc. 175 on a bass guitar? I can't imagine how that would look, let alone sound. I'll get me mum and dad's poker! HUGH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 [quote name='hubrad' post='401978' date='Feb 6 2009, 01:25 PM']+1 to recut, etc. 175 on a bass guitar? I can't imagine how that would look, let alone sound. I'll get me mum and dad's poker! HUGH[/quote] Here! Have a looksie! It's HUGE! [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=137"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=137[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 [quote name='overwater#1' post='401635' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:19 PM']Yeah, I used to use Overwater 6 string sets, but find that they dont last too long. Ideally, i'd probably use Elixirs, I love my Elixir string on the 6, they're phenomenal! I've emailed them to see if they can wind me something to use as an F string. If not, I reckon trying something like the S.I.T strings would be worthwile! Is it noticeable having the core in contact with the bridge? You're not planning on ordering any more are you? Could go halves on the shipping and get some each? If not, I've just had a reply from Bill Conklin, and might order a set of his Snakeskin ones to try. I definitely do like Elixirs though... hmm The coating is coming off a little bit where I play over the PUs, but they still have an almost piano like clarity, really bright, great sounds and feel!!![/quote] Let me know how you get on there- I also use Elixirs on my 4 and 5 string and rather like them. I wonder if a guitar string would be long enough? I would definitely order a set or three if you can get them to do 7 string sets! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 (edited) I did use a guitar string for the F string on my 7. Unfortunately, I've forgotten what brand it was. Definitely wasn't something unusual, probably a Dean Markley or D'Addario. I'm OK for strings at the moment, but I'll have a look next time around. [quote name='overwater#1' post='401635' date='Feb 5 2009, 11:19 PM']Yeah, I used to use Overwater 6 string sets, but find that they dont last too long. Ideally, i'd probably use Elixirs, I love my Elixir string on the 6, they're phenomenal! I've emailed them to see if they can wind me something to use as an F string. If not, I reckon trying something like the S.I.T strings would be worthwile! Is it noticeable having the core in contact with the bridge? You're not planning on ordering any more are you? Could go halves on the shipping and get some each? If not, I've just had a reply from Bill Conklin, and might order a set of his Snakeskin ones to try. I definitely do like Elixirs though... hmm The coating is coming off a little bit where I play over the PUs, but they still have an almost piano like clarity, really bright, great sounds and feel!!![/quote] Only tried Elixirs once (as I won them on a Basschat competition!) as they are so expensive compared to regular strings. I've not noticed any difference between taper-core and regular strings, although I should think that taper-core makes setting intonation both easier and more accurate. S.I.T. strings are available on the net (eBay's worth a look) but I have a set at the moment. The Snakeskin's do have a good reputation though. Can I also point you towards the forum on [url="http://www.extendedrangebassist.com"]www.extendedrangebassist.com[/url] where you'll find more information about suitable strings for ERB's. Edited February 6, 2009 by 7string Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 I remember you posting about using a Dean Markley guitar string as a high F- I think that's what got me thinking. I dig the Elixirs because although they're expensive, the only reason I have to change them (so far) is if I decide to change gauge- I never break strings (except once on a school double bass!) and my 4 string I use for practice sounds far better with year old strings than my Conklin does with 6 mth old Overwaters. I should probably change them one of these days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Hello again. Is there anyone in the UK other than Overwater who sells 7 string sets as a set rather than having to put it together from single strings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overwater#1 Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 I haven't had a reply from Elixir yet, as i've asked if they can do a 7 string set. Apart from Overwater, i'm not sure who else does quality 7 string sets. I'm very tempted to order a set of those Ritter swords though... Anyone fancy going halves on shipping? Any other ideas? Many thanks! Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overwater#1 Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 I'm going to join the ERB forum then! Should definitely be worth a go seen as I guess i'm officially an ERB player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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