Bass VI - String Options

[GreenKnee]

The LaBella flats came in...I took off the old strings and oiled the fretboard a little.

When I went to restring, it seems like the strings are short...?



Will the string "catch" like this?

Yes, there is a taper on the end so it's easier to wind around the tuner post.

Yeah, the thinner part wound with the fabric goes down the post. Hopefully this picture shows it quite clearly:

[jakeisjake]

great, thanks!

[dinosaurkale->]

i once wanted to try and convert a bass vi into a long scale guitar by swapping the nut and putting really long guitar strings on it
but i had trouble finding really long guitar strings with suitable length from the trem all the way to the tuners with a little room for tuning.
does anyone know of anywhere that supplies custom made or really long guitar strings ?

im thinking i might need a buzz stop or something to help with tension as well

[JVG]

does anyone know of anywhere that supplies custom made or really long guitar strings ?

Newtone let you specify string length, as well as gauge, core shape, and wrap:
https://newtonestrings.com/shop/custom ... c98ba2045f

[MattK]

i once wanted to try and convert a bass vi into a long scale guitar by swapping the nut and putting really long guitar strings on it
but i had trouble finding really long guitar strings with suitable length from the trem all the way to the tuners with a little room for tuning.
does anyone know of anywhere that supplies custom made or really long guitar strings ?

im thinking i might need a buzz stop or something to help with tension as well

You could use the highest 4 strings from a VI set (DGBE) tuned up 2-3 semitones (EADG), then you'd only need the top B and E. Let's say the thinnest VI string of the standard set is 0.026, you'd need maybe a 0.018 plain and a 0.014 plain. Plenty of tension! Can't imagine why you'd want the tone range of a standard tuning with the inconvenience of a 30" scale though ...

[SSquirrel]

Going back to the OP's post, the 250B6 from Fender are currently available from places like Sweetwater and are $14 a pair. Anyone have experience with them? I may finally pick up a Bass VI at tax time, and the LPB w/matching headstock at CME is calling to me.

[Zork]

They are awesome. I had quite a few different sets over the years and they are my favourite so far.

[SSquirrel]

They are awesome. I had quite a few different sets over the years and they are my favourite so far.

Great, they will definitely be on my list. I had to sell my bass a few years ago so I still have the gig bag from that, so I won't worry about anything except the VI and strings.

[s11141827]

Fender just updated their Bass VI String set & now the lowest string is a 100

[GAZINGUK]

Hi again everyone,

It's been a while since I wrote on this thread, but I'm going to get my Bass VI setup next month, and I just wanted to ask what strings people find the best for these instrument at present? Are many of you still using 95 gauge sets e.g. La Bella or Stringjoy or have most now move up to a 100-gauge set on the low E?

I have an original Bass VI from 1967, it has always had sets of Fender “5350” strings on it e.g. roundwound stainless steel (hex core), gauges 25-35-45-55-75-95. These sets have been discontinued for a while now, but I had a few packs saved up over the years so I've never really had to change my guitar setup too much. However, I always though the 95 on the low E was a little loose, not terrible, but a little slack. I'm now looking at the current options and I'm pleased to see many sets with a 100 or even 110 gauges.

I'm looking at the Fender Super 250 Bass VI set e.g. roundwound nickel-plated steel (hex core), gauges 24-34-44-65-80-100 and the Axion Custom Works set e.g. roundwound nickel-plated steel (hex core), gauges 24-34-44-56-80-100.

I live in the U.K. so I would prefer to get something that I can just buy when I want, rather than sending away overseas where I'm also subject to further (higher) costs due to postage and import tax etc. Therefore, I wanted to ask, for those that have tried, how have people found the above sets on the Bass VI and have any of you tried a 95-gauge set first? If so, was the tension on the low end improved with a 100 gauge? Also, how do the above sets compare in tone to roundwound strings from La Bella or Stringjoy and do they feel balanced? Preferences?

[s_mcsleazy]

so i wanna add to this. i got a set of bass vi strings i like the gauges on. the downside is...... my local guitar shop basically called up rotosound and asked for a few custom sets. most went to dominic from mogwai but i got the last set. i'm not 100% sure of the gauges but the one i was having the biggest issue with was the low E and the set had one that was heavier than the heavy fender gauge.

[javier-san]

I've tried a few different sets and have found the newest version of the Fender branded bass vi strings are pretty nice. The gauges are nicely balanced and the .100 low E has made a big difference (to me) for intonation and floppiness.

[Downsman]

If you want to stick with Stainless Steel, Newtone can do their Axion Fender VI set in Steel instead of Nickel. You just need to request it (I have a nickel allergy). I've got two Squier VIs, one with Labella Flats and one with the Newtone 24-100 set. Both work great, so just a question of the tone/feel you're after.

[JVG]

Newtone are the best in term of custom sets (and are great quality).

Check the link i posted further up this page - any gauge you want, up to 120.

They are my go-to.

[N0_Camping4U]

Does anyone have a custom set that can be made that's tighter than the biggest La Bella flats? I have that but I want something even bigger and tighter, that's all flat wounds.
I know Pyramid makes custom sets, but I'm curious if anyone has concocted an even bigger and balanced set.