scrumpymike

[quote name='naxos10' timestamp='1472823021' post='3124550'] Hi Mike, Just fitted a set of Newtone 45-105 Platinum Nickel strings with a hexagonal core to my SWB-1 and find the string tension 'right'. They do not take a great amount of hand/finger effort to move them to get volume or attack and seem easier on the hands than the GHS strings Scott supplied as standard. ACG also use Newtones in a 90-110 gauge and these also feel right on the ACG short scale I have. You could ring and have a chat to Neil a Newtone as they can produce custom strings that may suit your requirements. [/quote] Thanks for that Naxos10 - sorry I missed it earlier. I've heard good stuff about Newtone so I'll give Neil a ring. Have you managed to get a nice low action set up on your SWB-1? Cheers, Mike

Thanks for the info ET - the Bruce and Entwistle ref was a real surprise.

Funny you should say that Trueno - I recently tried exactly that with a fretless SWB-1 strung with flats (no 'mwah' for me either) but didn't stick with it and moved the bass on. I realised that if I persevered it might work out but I just wasn't sure and decided against introducing another variable into the mix. That's interesting feedback though and glad to hear it's working for you.

Thanks guys - I remember thinking at the time that it was 'dead cool' and how perfectly the songs, bass parts and instrument complemented each other - which is, I guess, the ultimate achievement for any bass player.

That's generally true Howie but my problems come from a bike accident 30 years ago that is now giving me nerve compression issues causing weakness and loss of feeling in my hands.

OK, here's a question for the (other) oldies on here: when I were a lad and the Hollies were at their peak, Eric Haydock's bass had 6 strings on it. Generically speaking, what was it?

Thanks guys, I'm pretty light with the right hand as it happens. It's not that I'm really struggling with my playing, just that a) I want to push back the day when it does become a struggle (and the playing quality suffers) and I'm questioning whether my decision to go for ultra-light-gauge strings was the right one. Apart from anything else, fatter strings = fatter sounds - and we LUUURVE those

[quote name='benebass' timestamp='1472723962' post='3123625'] The medium scale Jake I'm selling is chambered & sounds great. The only difference I've noticed is it's a lot more toppy than solid basses I have even with flats, but that's not a bad thing at all... [/quote] Thanks Benedict - GLWTS!

Hi Danuman, only problem with current strings is high action due to light gauge. I guess I'm looking for the best compromise between string tension and height.

Agreed hubrad - I get my basses set up by a professional luthier and have no reason to believe he doesn't do a good job.

[quote name='markstuk' timestamp='1472727505' post='3123680'] Try some DR low riders if you want some extra tension (less compliance technically :-) ) - just put them on my Jazz 5 and made a noticeable difference from the existing Hi-Beams.. [/quote] Problem is I don't know if extra tension/lower action is what I need - I'm just trying to understand what will require least effort/input from my hands/fingers while still producing an acceptable sound in a general covers band. I'm guessing the DR Low Riders allow for a super-low action that's very fast - but is it easy too?

I'm nearer to the end of my bass-playing life than the beginning and am having to find ways of 'playing round' some specific physical issues plus general bodily wear and tear. Deciding that I needed well-balanced, light-weight, properly set-up short-scale basses was the easy bit, and that's what I've done - but I can't get my head round where I should be going string-wise. I've actually changed my basses over to D'Addario EXL220S (040/060/075/095" super-light nickel rounds) for the lower tension - but I now understand that the greater vibrating amplitude of the thinner strings calls for a higher action to avoid fret buzz. So would I be better looking for some standard-gauge, low-tension strings - or would the wobbliness that presumably comes with the lower tension still require extra string height? There are sooo many variables to this string choice thing that I just don't get it! Given that both time and money are in limited supply nowadays, any advice (preferably based on experience) would be appreciated.

Thanks Si - is that chambered as in no sound hole(s)?

I've had my nose pressed up against Public Peace's virtual shop window too!! Anyone know if his chambered bodies and hollow bodies are different things? I'm looking at the Mensinger Cazpar 4, and the hollow-bodied version has an f-hole.

[quote name='bonzodog' timestamp='1471516308' post='3113544'] I went into a cold sweat just reading the title of this thread. I have back ups for every part of my gear and could not enjoy a gig knowing I had no spare. Many will disagree but that's just me. [/quote] +1 - depends on your approach to risk management (in my case, leave nothing to chance).