Extended range / fanned fret bass string

[crushingpetal]

Thought I'd start an extended range / fanned fret bass strings thread.

I'm currently using Dingwall 5-string nickel plated steel (130--45) for a 37--35" bass. Strings are okay, though I'm thinking about trying the stainless steel set. However, I don't want to lose any tension as compared to the NPS set.

What are you using? What do you like about 'em?

 

[velvetkevorkian]

I'm running a custom set of Newtone Platinums on my 34" 7 string bass (B-F), gauges chosen slightly at random. They do a wound high F and you can choose your scale length and precise gauge, and get a UK made set for a pretty reasonable price all things considered. I've not been playing my 7 as much lately but they seem pretty nice.

 

[Crungy]

I use Payson stainless steel strings, just their normal gauge as I'm not sure if they offer anything larger with stainless steel. They have larger gauge available with nickel.

 

[Crungy]

Dingwall offers stainless don't they?

 

[crushingpetal]

Dingwall offers stainless don't they?

Yeah, but the B string is a 127 rather than a 130. Since I'm playing in A standard I can't afford to lose any tension as it is. I dunno, maybe the stainless makes it a bit stiffer. I have no idea why it's not the same exact gauges as the nickel set.

 

[MaxOfMetal]

Yeah, but the B string is a 127 rather than a 130. Since I'm playing in A standard I can't afford to lose any tension as it is. I dunno, maybe the stainless makes it a bit stiffer. I have no idea why it's not the same exact gauges as the nickel set.

You're not going to notice that small of a difference, it's only 3 1000ths of an inch. You're looking at close to 5% change in tension, which you probably won't be able to perceive IRL given how stiff steels feel at first.

 

[Crungy]

I'm not sure either on Dingwall strings, it seems odd. I use a Payson set with a 130 from standard down to drop E. It's pretty loose for E but I don't mind it as I don't mind some slack and dislike super thick strings.

I find either the Dingwall or Payson sets perfect for drop A and drop G. Anything lower you should really go a little thicker but I don't think anything past 150 is necessary and technique adjustment will help greatly.

I tried DR strings (Deep Blues?) on my NG3 four string and they were alright but I found them too stiff for my tastes. I'm not sure if they make a set long enough for 37" B strings.

 

[crushingpetal]

I tried DR strings (Deep Blues?) on my NG3 four string and they were alright but I found them too stiff for my tastes. I'm not sure if they make a set long enough for 37" B strings.

I've used the DR DDTs on a 34" and they were pretty cool. I'm surprised the DR fit on your NG3 (36.25 scale, right?).

 

[Crungy]

I've used the DR DDTs on a 34" and they were pretty cool. I'm surprised the DR fit on your NG3 (36.25 scale, right?).

Yep, 36.25. DR does have some extra long strings, I think the deep blues set is a little over 37" so it worked great on my NG 4 string.

Another stiff string would be D'Addario XL Nickels. I think it's comparable to the DR Deep Blues. They seem plenty stiff for drop B and drop A on the DBird.

 

[sepsis311]

I use the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-130 plus .170 for F# standard on a 37-34.5" Ibanez BTB806MS.

I also use the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-100 plus .170 for drop G on a 37-35" Ibanez BTB605MS.

I really wish D'Addario would do a .170 in the Nickel Wound XL that was long enough, their super long version is too short.

 

[crushingpetal]

I use the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-130 plus .170 for F# standard on a 37-34.5" Ibanez BTB806MS.

I also use the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-100 plus .170 for drop G on a 37-35" Ibanez BTB605MS.

I really wish D'Addario would do a .170 in the Nickel Wound XL that was long enough, their super long version is too short.

I also have the BTB605MS. I _think_ fretnation has the the nyxl strings that shipped with the bass (not even sure if they have a name for the length, it's not "super long"), but no .170.

 

[crushingpetal]

I use the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-130 plus .170 for F# standard on a 37-34.5" Ibanez BTB806MS.

I also use the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-100 plus .170 for drop G on a 37-35" Ibanez BTB605MS.

I really wish D'Addario would do a .170 in the Nickel Wound XL that was long enough, their super long version is too short.

How do the two BTBs compare, given that they're different woods?

 

[Crungy]

@sepsis311 is it just too thick around the post? I don't remember if those have a taper at the ball end.

 

[sepsis311]

How do the two BTBs compare, given that they're different woods?

Honestly, they pretty much sound the same, considering they use the same pickups and preamps, and I'm running through a darkglass b7k most of the time.

 

[sepsis311]

@sepsis311 is it just too thick around the post? I don't remember if those have a taper at the ball end.

If your referring to the Super Long .170 D'Addario XL Nicklewound, the ball end is tapered and fits fine. The problem is that it tapers down at the nut end before it reaches the nut. If you check out the Amazon link for it, people show the BTB in their reviews showing the issue.

 

[Crungy]

That's what I was referring to, thank you. I was thinking they were long enough but I have a Dbird 4 string with D'Addario Nickel XL's and they fit great since it's 3/4" shorter.

Have you tried Payson's stuff? Their nickel and stainless stuff is pretty good and they do large strings in nickel, not sure about stainless steel yet.

Another one to check would be John Fox Bass in New Hampshire. He told me he'll be selling private label strings at some point. He's a Dingwall dealer and has great customer service.

 

[sepsis311]

I haven't tried the Paysons yet but they are on the radar. I prefer nickel strings only for fret durability, stainless sounds better to me though. I haven't heard of John Fox Bass before, but I'll take a look, thanks.

 

[sepsis311]

Here is how the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-100 + .170 in Drop G looks with the tapers at the bridge and nut on the Ibanez BTB605MS.

With everything intonated, you can see there is no room for error with the length of the tapers. On a Dingwall bass, the nut would be where the zero fret is on this Ibanez, plus I *think* the Dingwalls have a more agressive fan to the frets, so the tapers probably align better. On this, it is fortunate that the full thickness of the .80 G (3rd string) clears the zero fret and makes it halfway into the nut at least to keep the string centered in place. I only had to file the nut slot for the low G next to it to fit the .170.

Also it's fun to see how that .170 G compares to the 100 D that's next to it. It doesn't feel strange even though it looks like it would.

 

[Crungy]

I figured the BTB fan was the same as NG's/Combustions but the Ibanez is 35-37" according to their website. I had no idea.

I wish Ibanez would do the same fan as the BTB's on the Soundgears. I would absolutely buy one of those.

 

[sepsis311]

Here is the BTB806MS in F# Standard with the Dingwall Nickel Plated 45-130 + .170. Notice the .80 on this, the taper extends past the nut. Granted with the .130 string added to the mix, the other 4 strings shift down to the treble side. So now the scale for that string is at 35.5 instead of 36, since the strings start at 37 on top and drop down in half inch increments for both basses. That taken into account, I still feel like the .80 in the 5 string pack has a longer taper than the 4 string pack. Now on the bridge end, I think the tapers are better on the 605 due to the .130 being absent for drop G.