String guage questions

T3

T3

Joined
Dec 28, 2006
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
I bought a used Thumb BO6 very recently and have been trying to figure out what strings are on them. (The previous owner didn't remember.) After putting a pair of calipers to them, I think the strings correspond most closely to what Warwick calls Medium Light (020“, 040“, 060“, 080“, 100“, 130) except that the high C string is fatter on my Thumb -- 035" instead of 020".

Does anyone else have experience with this configuration (Med Lights + fat C string)?

I guess I'll know for sure when I try, but do you think I would have to do a complete setup if I change just the C-string from 035" to 020" ? Hopefully I can get away with just adjusting intonation on the C.

Is it possible to buy individual strings? Musician's Friend doesn't seem to sell individuals.

As it stands, the bass plays like a dream, so I'm satisfied at the moment, but am always curious about my ax.
 
Mebbe the original C broke and someone restrung with the lightest G they had around? That's why the C's so fat? Just a guess.

IF that's the case, it should be setup for a ~.020 C.

From my experience tho, an adjustment won't be necessary if you're just changing hi C gauge...
 
String guage oddity

Cale,

Thanks for your response. I think I understand what happened with the oddball C. The 6-string set of Black-Label Medium Lights are not available in the N America. (Where's globalization when you need it?) So I think the original owner, a Canadian eh, bought the 5-string Medium Lights which *are* sold in the US & Can and slapped on a readily available high-C.

Now if only Warwick will sell me individual 020" C-strings.
 
Hey T3,

Can't help you on the individual strings, but I am curious, how do you like the Black Labels? I am about due for a new set on my 'Vette and am torn as to whether or not to go with them again or try something different...

Nice to hear from a fellow Eugenian and Warwick player (just when I thought I was the only guy in the Willamette Valley playing one...)

BTW, Congrats on the new Thumb!

Steve
 
Hey small world! I do like the Black Labels, but I haven't tried any other strings out -- I've had my Thumb for less than a week. On my other basses, I use Ken Smith and Elixir and BL's are every bit as bright by comparison.

Go Ducks
 
No prob T3 and good work on the research!!! FWIW, I use Black Label Meds on my Thumb. Absolutely love them. Don't be afraid of slight setup tweaks and don't let that stop you from trying different gauges/strings. Setups are not as difficult or mysterious as you might think.

As far as Black Labels go, I've tried a few different strings and keep coming back to them. They are "sharp" to the touch, but I love the tone and attack. I would like to try some SR2K's and I've got a box of DR Longnecks waiting to go one once a black label gives out on me.

Cheers!
 
the long necks sound great with my passive vette. just that the tapered ends come out too long past the bridge. u think this will affect tone?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top