Question Favorite strings for your Big Al H?

[cellkirk74]

Dear forumites!

Since I have all my three EBMM 5 string basses strung with the commonly used nickel rounds, I was just wondering which other string recommendations you have.

I want to play the bass with our newly founded Soul band, so it should provide a full, deep sound. Close to zero slap intended. So how do you get there?

While I really dig the sounds of worn in nickels on my Stingray 5, it just does not get fat enough on the Big Al. When I deal in more bass, it gets deeper but still there is not enough thumb before the overall sounds gets too aggressive for my ears.

I am aware that the answer may also be a another eq-setting, so those suggestions are very welcome too.

 

[bassmonkeee]

I was a big, big fan of Ernie Ball flats on my Big Al 5H when I owned it. From your description of what you are looking for, I really think flats are the way to go.

 

[cellkirk74]

Which ones did you use?

I just have experience with the fat Jamerson flats on another type of bass guitar. I like it, but they are quite stiff.

 

[lefenton]

Cellkirk,
Id say flats would solve your issue mostly.

If you don't like the feel, you can always use a mute by the back bridge. I've seen people cut rectangular strips of foam similar in texture to what is used on the classics, cut about an inch thick. That will give you some extra thump and get that classic soul sound. Ive seen many a pic of Motown sessions where this was employed. Something inexpensive to experiment with. For more expensive options, buy a Classic...

 

[bassmonkeee]

I was a big, big fan of Ernie Ball flats on my Big Al 5H when I owned it. From your description of what you are looking for, I really think flats are the way to go.

The 5 string set of EB Flats are basically Group IIIs. Medium tension.

 

[bovinehost]

Another vote for the Group IIIs as far as flats go!

 

[Movielife]

+1!

EB Flats are great. Nice tension (eg inbetween/moderate), had some zing for a few months, smooth feel, does 'thump' properly, not insane prices. They last for years. Put em on, use em, the more you use em, the better they sound!

 

[cellkirk74]

Does anyone have particular hints for the Big Al H settings? Jack, I believe you have flats on yours, right?

I have it all fine on lower volume, but with the band beeing older guys that played punk rock for years, we tend to be a littler louder. When I turn up the volume on my amp (with a 4x12' cab), the Big Al H tends to be very cutting and agressive even passive, parallel and with the tone all dialed down.

 

[melvin7822]

I would think series would give you a warmer sound.

 

[Holdsg]

You may not like the tension, but I had TI flats on my BA 4SSS and loved them for old school, funk, p-bass on steroids sounds. (this bass is now projectapollo's and I believe its still strung with the flats)

 

[Aussie Mark]

You may not like the tension, but I had TI flats on my BA 4SSS and loved them for old school, funk, p-bass on steroids sounds. (this bass is now projectapollo's and I believe its still strung with the flats)

+1

Here's a sample I recorded last year .... ReverbNation Player

 

[MrMusashi]

group 3 eb flats are nice and flexible and sounds like heaven. ti's are more flexible but they also cost alot more.. even here in europe where they are made

flats will take some zing away, give you that oohhmfff if you go easy and thudd if you go hard..
and they last forever!

MrM

 

[cellkirk74]

I am still sceptical. Somehow I fear flats will limit the sound of the Big Al 5 roasted, especially the clarity it can produce with the ebony board. I also always felt more comfortable with rounds.

Did anyone put flats on their roasted?

 

[adouglas]

My band plays soul, Motown, old-school R&B, all that....

I ordered a Big Al 5 SSS specifically because I could get that thumpy vintage sound without sacrificing the trademark EBMM DNA.

Projectapollo loaned me his and I played a very successful gig with it, using the stock nickel round strings.

Try this: Go passive. Adjust tone to taste. See if that gets you there. Since you've got an H it might not work as well as it did for me using the neck and middle pickups on the SSS, but it's worth a try.

I have EBMM flats on my Bongo H and they're great, but at least at first I'm going to use the stock strings on the Big Al.

 

[cellkirk74]

Thanks ad!

With the Big Al SSS it is different. With the H I got closer in active mode, but would love to get there passive for the more organic sound.

I swapped my old amp for a mesa m6. I believe this will solve a lot of my thumping problems on its own.

I will try that Thursday night at practice and put a new set of rounds on. My Big Al H still has he factory strings on it.

 

[Powman]

Try this: Go passive. Adjust tone to taste. See if that gets you there. Since you've got an H it might not work as well as it did for me using the neck and middle pickups on the SSS, but it's worth a try.

I agree. I was using the passive mode quite a bit on the weekend when jamming to some classic rock tunes. It sounded great! The Big Al is quite a versatile instrument...